Experience the Natural Beauty of Samara

Since 2023, we have been offering regular tours for the first time ever from early Spring until late Autumn. Online reservations are required as walk-up visitors are not accepted.

During your 90-minute guided tour of Samara, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn about Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision for affordable, middle-class housing, which he called Usonian.
  • Explore the personal connection Dr. John and Catherine Christian had with Wright over the five-year design process for the house.
  • Discover the many design elements Wright used to unite interior and exterior spaces and other hallmarks of the Usonian style.

Areas included in a Tour:  Visit multiple areas of the house, including the living room, dining room, kitchen (which Wright called the workspace), master bedroom and bath, and guest bedroom and bath. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and gardens at their leisure before and after their tour.

General Tour Season Schedule

Samara offers 90-minute guided tours weekly from Wednesday to Sunday. We are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and tours or events cannot be scheduled on those days. Morning tours start at 10:00 a.m. EDT, and afternoon tours begin at 3 p.m. EDT.

If you cannot find a specific date or time, it means that the tour is either full or no tours are offered. We cannot guarantee availability due to schedule and space limitations. If a tour is full, please do not purchase tickets for a different tour time, expecting to attend earlier or later than indicated on your order.

Season Start: Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Season End: Sunday, November 23, 2025

Tours are not available:

August 6, 2025

August 30, 2025

September 6, 2025

September 13, 2025

September 17, 2025

October 4, 2025

October 18, 2025

October 25, 2025

November 8, 2025

Sign me up for a Public Tour

We can’t wait to host you! Please sign up for a tour by clicking the button below and following the instructions. Online reservations are required, as walk-up visitors cannot be accepted. Organizations and school groups can contact our office to make appropriate arrangements.

Admission Pricing

Admission for all Samara  tours is $20/person; $18/Indiana Landmarks Member; $5/Child ages 6-11; FREE for children under 5; and FREE/Frank Lloyd Wright Reciprocal Sites Members.

Tour Registration Instructions

You do not need to create an Eventbrite account, download the Eventbrite app, or print your tickets to attend a tour of Samara. We will have a list of registered guests at check-in.

To Register For a Tour:

  1. Click “Reserve Now”
  2. Select a Date and Time:  Available dates appear highlighted on the calendar. The available times appear below the calendar .
  3. Select Admissions: Use the “+” and “–” buttons to choose the number of tickets per category. If you don’t see your ticket type, scroll down the list.
  4. Enter Contact & Payment Information: You’ll have 20 minutes to complete this step before the session resets and your reservation is released.
  5. Agree to the Terms & Conditions:  These must be accepted to finalize your booking.

After you click “Place Order,” you’ll receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. Please allow a few minutes for processing.

Didn’t Receive a Confirmation?

  • Check your spam or junk folder.
  • Confirm that your email address was entered correctly.
  • Look for a charge from “Eventbrite” on your bank statement.

If there’s no charge and no email, your order likely did not go through. Please try again or contact our office for further assistance.

Refund, Transfer, & Cancellation Policy

Refunds: Refund requests must be received at least 7 days before the tour date. Because tickets are purchased through Eventbrite, you will receive a partial refund as Eventbrite does not refund its fees.

Transfers: Transfer requests must be received at least 3 days before the tour date. Depending on availability, tickets may be transferred to a new date and time. There is no fee for ticket transfers.

Cancellations: In the rare event that Samara must cancel a tour, if the property has become unsafe or unsuitable for use due to natural disasters or conditions beyond our control, guests will be notified and offered a full refund.

Late/No-Shows: We do not offer refunds or transfers for no-show or late-arrival guests. Late arrivals will join their specified tour or event in progress.

Photography Guidelines

We are pleased to permit photography on our tours at Samara.

  • Please be courteous to the other guests. Stay together with your tour group as it moves from room to room. Lingering behind will delay the tour and is not permitted. 
  • To provide you and your fellow guests with the best tour experience, guests are encouraged to take photographs while the tour guide is speaking. Tours that run ahead of or on schedule will allow for free-range interior photography after the tour concludes.
  • Photography on all Samara tours is intended for personal use. Requests for commercial use must be directed in writing to info@samara-house.org.
  • Samara reserves the right at its sole discretion to withhold or withdraw permission to photograph on its premises.

Drones: Samara is located within a permanent FAA-designated no-fly zone. Unmanned aircraft may not be launched, landed, or flown over the property unless the operator holds a valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) and has secured all required waivers and written permission from Samara’s Site Director in advance. Unauthorized drone use is strictly prohibited and against the law.

Share Your Photos Share your photos on Facebook and Instagram using #FLWSamara or #IndianaLandmarks.

Property Access

Samara is a privately owned National Historic Landmark within a heavily wooded residential neighborhood and can be visited by advance reservation or appointment only. All guests must be registered and checked in to access the house or grounds for a guided tour or appointment.

To preserve the integrity of the site and ensure guest safety, unscheduled visits, including after hours, are strictly not permitted. The property is routinely monitored at all times by on-site staff, volunteers, local authorities, and discreet video surveillance both inside and outside the home. All uninvited guests will be asked to leave the property.

How to Get Here

Samara is located just off Interstate 65 in West Lafayette, Indiana, home of Purdue University. The property is situated directly across from Ross-Ade Stadium and nestled at the end of Woodland Avenue, a quiet cul-de-sac in a residential neighborhood. The home is intentionally set back from Woodland Avenue, and due to the natural landscape and minimal signage, it is not easily visible from any surrounding roads or sidewalks.

Site Address: 1301 Woodland Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906

Navigation Warning: Please note that some navigation systems may suggest you park and access Samara from Northwestern Avenue; this information is inaccurate. Samara is not accessible from Northwestern Avenue. Northwestern is a high-speed throughway with no parking or safe offboarding areas.

Local Public Transport

  • City Bus: Bus routes serving Purdue University drop at Northwestern Avenue and Stadium Avenue. From there, it is a five-minute uphill walk to Woodland Avenue.
  • Amtrak: The Cardinal line stops in downtown Lafayette. A taxi or ride-share to Samara typically takes fifteen minutes.

Parking & Arrival

Outdoor Meeting Area: Samara does not have an on-site parking lot or visitor center. All guests are expected to park along Woodland Avenue and walk up the brick driveway to the covered carport area located at the rear of the house. There is a teal gate located at the base of the driveway, which is usually closed but does not extend across the full width of the driveway so that you may walk around it.

Parking Information: Free unmarked parking spaces are available in our neighborhood and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces are available on both sides of Woodland Avenue. If vehicles, yard waste, or utility machines have taken up parking spaces, please be prepared to walk farther than usual to our driveway.

Parking Rules: Violators of these rules may be towed at the owner’s expense, and parking tickets can be contested through West Lafayette City Court.

  • Do not block the travel portion of the road or access to driveways, gates, mulch walking trails, or mailboxes.
  • Park your vehicle consistent with the flow of traffic.
  • Park parallel to the curb and no more than 12 inches from the curb.
  • Do not park on piles of branches, leaves, or yard waste (This is a fire hazard).

Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations & Tours

Do I need a reservation or appointment to visit Samara?

Yes. All visits require an advance reservation or appointment. Samara is a private residence and not open for walk-in visitors. Additionally, our office is not publicly accessible; all guest services are handled remotely by phone or email.

How many people can be on a tour?

Public tours are limited to 15 guests. Children under age five are not counted toward this limit. Larger groups, such as school groups or organizations, may be accommodated with a contract agreement and a minimum price. Please contact our office to make custom arrangements.

What if it rains?

Tours are adapted for indoor spaces in the event of inclement weather. You’re still welcome to explore the gardens independently, please bring an umbrella.

Can I see Samara from the road?

No. The home is intentionally set back from Woodland Avenue, and due to the natural landscape and minimal signage, it is not easily visible from any surrounding roads or sidewalks.

Our neighbor’s house, 1401 Woodland Avenue, is completely visible to the road and has architectural elements reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright, but it is not Samara. Please respect our neighbor’s privacy.

Arrival & Parking

What time zone does Samara observe?

We observe Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Please be aware of this if you’re traveling from the west of Indiana.

When and where do I check-in?

Check-in starts 20 min before your scheduled tour time. At the top of the brick driveway, look for a “Welcome” sign under the carport area. We will take your name through our check-in window.

Does Samara offer driveway shuttle service?

No. We do not provide shuttle service between the street and the house. Please plan to walk up the driveway from public street parking. If you have any mobility concerns, please call our office in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements to assist you.

How Long is the Driveway?

It is not very long. It measures less than 150 feet (45.72 meters) from the gate to the carport.

Where should I park?

Free, on-street public parking is available on Woodland Avenue. There is no parking lot or on-site parking on the historic property.

Can I drive up the driveway?

No. All vehicles are restricted. Please walk up the brick driveway. If you have any mobility concerns, please call our office in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements to assist you.

What should I do if I’m late?

Please contact our office at 765-409-5522 before your scheduled tour time. You can join the tour you signed up for after you check in and  if time permits. Tours will start promptly at the time indicated (Eastern Daylight Time) on your ticket. Do not attempt to open any of our historic doors or windows.

Onsite Facilities

Is there a visitor center or gift shop?

No. All tours begin outdoors under the carport; there is no public visitor center or gift shop on-site.

Does Samara have restrooms?

No. We do not currently have operational restrooms, accessible restrooms, or baby-changing facilities available. Please plan accordingly before your visit.

Is drinking water available?

Limited bottled water for urgent situations may be available. Guests are encouraged to bring sealed water bottles and keep them with them during the tour.

Is Samara climate-controlled?

Yes. The interior of the home is fully climate-controlled and MERV-8 allergen filtered throughout the entire year.

Is public Wi-Fi available?

No. Samara does not offer public Wi-Fi access.

Accessibility

Can I visit Samara without requesting accommodations in advance?

Yes. However, we cannot guarantee the availability of certain accessibility services without advance notice. We recommend contacting us ahead of time to ensure we can best support your visit.

Is Samara accessible for guests with mobility limitations?

The tour includes three steps to enter the house and two interior areas with three additional steps. If you require a more accessible route, please contact us in advance so we can meet your needs.

Is Samara wheelchair accessible?

No – Not fully. While we are working toward improved accessibility, Samara currently has several interior areas that are not accessible to standard-size wheelchairs.

Can I bring my pet?

Only certified service animals are permitted on tours. Other pets are not allowed inside the house and should never be left in vehicles due to limited shade and the length of tours. Pets may be on the grounds outside, but must remain leashed (no longer than 5 feet) and under full control of their owner at all times. Please notify us in advance if you plan to bring a service animal.

Is smoking or vaping allowed?

No. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited anywhere on our property.

Are mobility aids such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs available at Samara?

No. Samara does not provide mobility devices.

Personal Belongings

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes. Still photography is permitted for personal use. Please remain with your group at all times. Video, audio recording, drones, and tripods are prohibited. For commercial use, please contact our office in advance.

Are backpacks, purses, or bags allowed inside the house?

No. Please stow your personal belongings in your vehicle. The house has narrow hallways and small rooms that may be easily scratched by bags.

Are food and drinks allowed inside the house?

No. Please leave food and drinks outside or in your vehicle. However, guests are welcome to bring their own sealed water bottles; however, they must carry them at all times.

Are strollers allowed on the tour?

No. Children are welcome, but strollers are not permitted inside the house due to narrow spaces and delicate interior finishes. Strollers may be left under the carport for the duration of your visit.

We Are Here to Help!

If you need assistance with your reservation or have questions about planning your visit to Samara, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. A member of our team will respond as soon as possible to support you.

Office Phone: 765-409-5522

Email: info@samara-house.org

Note: Our office is not publicly accessible; all guest services are handled remotely by phone or email.

General Office Hours

Active: Wednesdays through Sundays between 9:00 am EDT to 5:30 pm EDT.

Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays.