Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Things To Do Near Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

The Vanderbilt National Historic Site centers around the Gilded Age Vanderbilt Mansion. This classic home features furnishings and personal items original to the Vanderbilt family. If you’re looking to spend some time just enjoying the solitude of nature, the grounds offer nearly 400 acres of trees, carefully tended gardens, ponds, and outbuildings for you to explore. If you’re feeling more adventurous, the Hyde Park Trail System offers roughly 34 miles of trails through the Vanderbilt National Historic Site and adjoining state, town, and national parks.

Hiking Trails

• Vanderbilt Loop

  This 2.8-mile loop and stem trail starts near the parking lot of the Vanderbilt Mansion. Hikers will follow this trail through the mansion grounds, passing by the stunning terraced Italian Gardens and ponds. The trail then cuts through densely wooded areas alongside swiftly flowing creeks before emerging near Bard Rock, along the Hudson River.

  Location

  4097 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538

  Length

  2.8-mile loop

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Top Cottage Trail

  Hikers on this two-mile in-and-out trail will cross through wooded areas and traverse charming wooden footbridges over sparkling streams as they slowly climb the hillside. The hike is moderately challenging, but those who persevere will reach Top Cottage, the personal retreat of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife, Eleanor. 

  Location

  54 Val-Kill Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538

  Length

  2 miles in and out

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Eleanor’s Walk Trail

  This relatively easy looping trail takes visitors for a hike along a road built by President Roosevelt in 1940. A predominantly level wooded trail, it is bordered by rock formations, rock walls, and even winds around some wooded swampland before looping back around.

  Location

  54 Val-Kill Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538

  Length

  1-mile loop

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Saratoga National Historical Park

  The Saratoga National Historical Park marks the locations of the Revolutionary War battles of Saratoga. These battles were a decisive victory for the Continental Army and marked a turning point in the war. Today, visitors to the park can walk the battlefields, visit the Saratoga Monument, and follow trails through the surrounding woods.

  Location

  648 NY-32, Stillwater, NY 12170

• Washington Irving’s Sunnyside

  Located along the Hudson River, Sunnyside is a wisteria-covered cottage situated on 10 acres of land. Washington Irving was already an internationally known author when he purchased the home in 1835. Today, visitors to Sunnyside enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River and an opportunity to explore the cottage and life of one of America’s most famous authors. Also, if you visit around Halloween, you might find yourself face to face with some of Irving’s more famous creations, like The Headless Horseman or Ichabod Crane.

  Location

  3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, NY 10533

• Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site

  This site was home to the longest-serving president in American history. Purchased by his father, James Roosevelt, in 1866, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born in a second-story bedroom of this home. FDR’s parents continued to live in this home until their deaths and, even after becoming president, FDR was a frequent visitor to the estate. Today, the house is furnished and decorated with items original to the Roosevelt family.

  Location

  4097 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538

Museums

• Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

  The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum was the first of its kind. Prior to his presidency, presidential papers were often lost, destroyed, or even sold for a bit of profit, but FDR wanted a means of preserving presidential documents and artifacts. After consultation with historians, he established his presidential library and museum to preserve presidential history. This began a presidential tradition that continues today. Visitors to the library and museum will have the opportunity to view special exhibits and artifacts related to Roosevelt’s presidency and the era in which he lived and served.

  Location

  4079 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, New York 12538

• Hudson River Maritime Museum

  Founded in 1980, the Hudson River Maritime Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the maritime history of the Hudson River. Exhibits include artwork depicting life along the Hudson, small sailing crafts, and artifacts used by the men and women who lived and worked along the river. If you plan to visit in the warmer months, you may find classic boats and historic vessels docked at the museum.

  Location

  50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY 12401

• Trolley Museum of New York

  In 1955, as the last trolley lines in the greater New York area were falling into disuse, Everett A. White formed the Trolley Museum of New York. From humble beginnings, the Trolley Museum has grown into a popular attraction on the Rondout Waterfront. The museum features historic trolleys and subway cars. Exhibits also include artifacts like antique toy trolleys, signal lanterns, and subway tokens.

  Location

  89 East Strand Street, Kingston, NY 12401

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Lady K’s Southern Comfort

  Family-owned and -operated, Lady K’s is the perfect place to stop for a home-cooked Southern meal. Lady K’s is famous for its fresh fried chicken and soul food-inspired sides that are sure to please any palate.

  Location

  870 Violet Ave., Hyde Park, NY 12538

• Hyde Park Antiques Center

  Located in a building that once served as both a stagecoach stop and a headquarters for Franklin Roosevelt’s secret service agents, the Hyde Park Antiques Center is now a showcase for the items and artifacts from bygone eras. With over 9,500 square feet of vendor space, you might uncover a bit of vintage treasure during your visit.

  Location

  4192 Albany Post Road (Route 9), Hyde Park, NY 12538

• Ye Olde Gift Shoppe

  With an owner known as the Candle Lady, it’s no surprise that Ye Olde Gift Shoppe is best known for its wide selection of high-quality candles. Although the candles may provide the cornerstone of the business, the shop also offers a wide variety of gifts and collectibles, including herbal teas, essential oils, balloons, and greeting cards. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.

  Location

  42 Eastdale Ave. N., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

How To Get To Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

From I-87, take Exit 18 for New Paltz. Then, take 299 East to 9W South. Follow signs for the FDR/Mid-Hudson Bridge. Continue across the bridge and follow signs for Route 9 North. The Vanderbilt Mansion is on the left, approximately seven miles past the bridge crossing.

The Vanderbilt Mansion and grounds are open year-round, only closing for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The only way to tour the mansion itself is via a guided tour. These tours are scheduled daily but can sell out, so arriving early to guarantee your preferred time is recommended.

The grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. through sunset. Visitors can freely explore the grounds without the need for a guide.

Address

81 Vanderbilt Park Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538

Fee: Entry fee

Visiting the grounds of the Vanderbilt Mansion is free.

Fee: Vanderbilt Mansion Tour fee $10.0

The Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site offers visitors a unique glimpse into an era of luxury when the wealthy built summer homes that rivaled the palaces of Europe. Located near battlefields, historic presidential sites, and the stunning Hudson River Valley, the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is a perfect addition to an RV road trip through New York.