Overview:
Eleanor Roosevelt was encouraged by her husband, FDR, to develop this property as a place that she could develop some of her ideas for work for rural workers and women. In fact, she was a long-time member of the New York Society for Ethical Culture and used this area to host encampment workshops where campers would learn principles of citizenship in a liberal democracy. The site was preserved and protects 180 acres, including the Roosevelt family home.
History:
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation creating the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. In 1984, the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill negotiated an agreement with the National Park Service (NPS) making Stone Cottage its home. In 2008, the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill moved from Stone Cottage to a new facility at Val-Kill.
When to Visit:
The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site is open year-round, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The Home is available by guided tour only and tour times vary throughout the year. Be sure to call (845) 229-5320 before you visit. The grounds are free and open sunrise to sunset everyday.
Visitation is highest during the months of July, August and October and the park is less crowded in January and February.
Getting There:
For those driving into the park, it is located in Hyde Park, NY about 90 miles north of New York City and 70 miles south of Albany. If you are using GPS, use the mailing address below to help you find driving instructions. For detailed driving directions click here.
If you will be flying into the area, the closest major airport is Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, NY York. Several major carriers have daily flights to Stewart and car rentals are available at the airport.
Public transportation is a great option for visitors. The Metro-North Commuter Railroad and Amtrak both stop in Poughkeepsie, about 5 miles south of the park. Call Amtrak 1-800-872-7245 or Metro-North at 800 638-7646 for information.
The NPS also operates the free "Roosevelt Ride" shuttle bus service from Poughkeepsie Metro-North Station 7 days a week which will to take you to your choice of the Roosevelt sites and the Vanderbilt Mansion. It runs from May 1 through October 31. Click here to learn more.
Fees/Permits:
The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt Guided Tour includes admission to the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. Cost is $14.00 which give visitors a ticket valid for two days. For visitors 15 and younger, entrance is free. Extensive grounds and Rose Garden and Burial Site are free for all visitors and open from dawn to dusk.
The Interagency Annual, Senior, and Access Passes are sold and honored for free admission at all the NPS sites in Hyde Park.
The FDR Presidential Library and Museum admission is $7.00 for everyone except Access Pass holders and visitors 15 and under.
Things to Do:
Val-Kill Cottage tour: The tour of the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt is approximately 1 hour and the only way to see the home is by guided tour.
Cell phone tours: While visiting the park, you can visit numerous points of interest and use your phone to learn more. Just look for the "Hyde Park Explorer" trail markers and you can access our free audio files by calling (845) 475-3819 and entering the stop number.
Junior Ranger Program: Designed for children ages 7 - 12, visitors can pick up a handbook at the front desk of the Wallace Visitor Center and work to collect badges. Request your Junior Secret Service Handbook when you purchase your ticket or if you are just visiting the FDR site. This kid's activity is free!
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library: Self-guided tour.
Special events: The NPS hosts many special events at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt during the year, including FDR's birthday on January 30, Memorial Day in May, and Eleanor Roosevelt's birthday on October 11. All three events include guest speakers and the presentation of a commemorative wreaths by community organizations. Be sure to check for events online before you visit.
Educational field trip: Hyde Park has a lot to offer students. Teachers are encourage to check online for programs and ways to visit.
Volunteer: If you would like to be an education volunteer please call Susanne Norris, Education Specialist at (845) 229-0174.
Accommodations:
There is no lodging within the historic site. Visitors can find hotels in town.
Accessibility:
American Sign Language Interpretation is available upon request. Call, Scott Rector at (845) 229-9115 ext. 2025, at least two week prior to your visit.
Areas of Interest Outside the Park:
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site: Located 2 miles away. Call (845) 229-9115 for more information.
Martin Van Buren National Historic Site: Located 50 miles away Call (518) 758-9689 for more information.
Weir Farm National Historic Site: Located 60 miles away. Call (203) 834-1896 for more information.
Contact Info:
By Mail:
National Park Service
4097 Albany Post Road
Hyde Park, New York 12538
Phone:
General Information
(800) 337-8474
