Location: Hyde Park
Top Things to do in Hyde Park
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Things to do in Hyde Park, New York (NY): The Best Historic Sites
Hyde Park is a town in Dutchess County, New York, bordering the Hudson River north of Poughkeepsie. Within the town are the hamlets of Hyde Park, East Park, Staatsburg, and Haviland. Hyde Park is known as the hometown of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. His house there, the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, as are the homes of Eleanor Roosevelt, Isaac Roosevelt, and Frederick William Vanderbilt, along with Franklin D. Roosevelt High School.
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1. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,511 reviews
Historic site features the home and estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Springwood, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, the only Presidential Library used by a sitting president. It was conceived and built under President Roosevelt's direction and opened to the public in 1941.The Library's mission is to foster research and education on the life and times of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and their continuing impact on contemporary life. Our work is carried out by four major areas: Archives, Museum, Education and Public Programs.
Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States
I have been on the tour of Springwood many times but not at the holidays. The tour was really interesting of birthplace of FDR and the home of his mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt. The house was supposed to be decorated for the holidays but only a Christmas tree in the library and the dining room set for dinner were the only holiday decorations in the house. The mansion will be going through a full renovation in April and then will be closed for a year so tour it now! The park ranger gave us an informative tour of the family, when the house was built and the additions added on, how the family grew here and the role the house played in the history of the United States especially in World War II. FDR continued to visit here after he became President and used it as his summer White House. Still it was his mother's home and Sara's influences are all over the house. Unlike other mansions, you could tell this was someone's home that was used at all times of the year. You can really see the family influences all over the house as if someone was still living here. It is a great tour and take time to visit the museum and walk through all the exhibits. It really does take two or three days to tour the house.
2. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,097 reviews
Historically known as Hyde Park, Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is one of the region's oldest Hudson River estates. For nearly two centuries, this place has been home to socially prominent New Yorkers. A superb example of its type, Hyde Park represents the domestic ideal of the elite class in the late nineteenth-century America. It provides a glimpse of estate life, the social stratification of the period, and the world of the American millionaire during the era historians refer to as the Gilded Age.
Reviewed By PJCM744 - South Windsor, United States
If you are an architecture person, this home emulates good design and outstanding quality. Not as grand as the Newport Mansions, but this suites the area and owner's vision and lifestyle. Enjoyed our guide's knowledge and he was able to answer questions. Grounds are to be appreciated as well.
3. Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,205 reviews
"All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on the Hudson River" FDR This quote captures FDR's connection to Springwood, the estate that he loved & the place he considered home. The first US Presidential Library was started by FDR here. Visit the Home of FDR and Presidential Library & Museum to learn about the only President elected to four terms.
Reviewed By marcopolopaloalto - Palo Alto, United States
Area is open to visitors to walk around on the exterior during this pandemic time. While we cannot get into Presidential Library or the home where FDR was born and adored, , it is still worthwhile stopping here and walking the grounds of the home and estate where FDR came to relax, and where he raised his young family. FDR donated 33 of the acres from his family estate to this Park, where his home is, and where the library is, and where there is a prolific vegetable garden growing today. The vegetables grown there are given to an outreach program. FDR was a beacon of light as President during WWII. There are story boards and photos posted throughout the grounds about the exceptional history; busts of Churchill and FDR; and views of the Hudson. Gardner’s were friendly and helpful.
4. Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 717 reviews
Val-Kill is a special place that serves as a window into Eleanor Roosevelt's private and public life. Its understated beauty, natural setting, and unpretentious amenities may appear surprising to first-time visitors because of its simplicity; a vision that seems incongruous with expectations for the home of one of the most influential women in American history. The only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady.
Reviewed By SherylS887 - Philadelphia, United States
This modest “retreat”home of Eleanor Roosevelt is so utterly charming - it reveals so much about the character of that remarkable woman. If you take a tour, there is a quite good film to start with, then you get to see the cottage where she lived and also the “stone house”. The guide was very informative and also entertaining.
5. Train Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By RichFromVirginia - Leesburg, United States
I live in NO Virginia on an old train line (Washington and Old Domain -- WOD) and love trains and everything train related. We had the opportunity (one of my life check list items) to take the train from Washington to NYC (I've done that many times) but to go north of NYC along the Hudson. I absolutely LOVED the older train station in Rhinebeck. Just a fun trip and a historic / fun experience! We walked 2 blocks to the Rhienbeck hotel - love the little town - love the river & views - just don't expect to find a restaurant or bar :-)
