Complete Guide to the Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park, New York including tours, things to do, entrance fees, how to get to the park, and more.
Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
Franklin D. Roosevelt was born in 1882 at Springwood, his family estate in Hyde Park, New York.
The president grew up enjoying outdoor activities on the property. President Roosevelt considered the estate his home even when the White House was his official residence.
The Home Of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site celebrates the life of Mr. Roosevelt.
President Roosevelt entertained many foreign dignitaries and visitors including King George VI and Winston Churchill.
The President and his wife Eleanor are buried on the property along with their Scottish terrier named Fala.
Is Home of Franklin D Roosevelt NHS worth visiting?
We visited Franklin Roosevelt's home in Hyde Park on a rainy dreary September Day and even though the weather was not what we hoped for we still had a great time.
We are definitely planning a return trip to hopefully get better photos and enjoy the park lands that surround the house.
Make sure and plan time to visit all three national park sites in Hyde Park!
We heard that a lot of people only visit the Home of Franklin D Roosevelt and miss visiting Val-Kill Cottage at Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site and the Vanderbilt Mansion.
The three sites each tell a different story of life in Hyde Park!
History of Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site is located in Hyde Park, New York.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born here in 1882; the home was referred to as the Springwood Estate. Not only was Springwood his birthplace, it was the lifelong home of the 32nd president and where he is buried.
Born to two parents from wealthy New York families, his ancestors had migrated to New Amsterdam, the Dutch settlement in Manhattan.
The land on which Springwood was built sits on a story of the long history in what is now New York.
In the late 1600s, a large land grant was given to nine New York businessmen on land purchased from the native Wappinger people.
On that land, Springwood was born, although it is not clear exactly how the estate came about.
By the mid-1800s a New Yorker named Josiah Wheeler bought the land on which a farmhouse was already constructed. Mr. Wheeler remodeled the modest farmhouse and added multiple additions.
In 1818, Roosevelt’s great-grandfather moved to Hyde Park in the prestigious area overlooking the Hudson River.
Although not as wealthy and openly prominent as their neighbors the Vanderbilts, the home that was built and came to belong to the Roosevelt family was grand and gorgeous.
In 1867, Roosevelt’s father, James, purchased Springwood. When the Roosevelts acquired the estate, James and his wife Sara took the beautiful, modest home and somehow made the sight even grander.
By adding extra rooms and a large tower to the mansion as well as a magnificent covered porch and stables for James’ prized horses, the home was the epitome of peace and serenity for the Roosevelts.
Born on January 30th, 1882, Franklin D. Roosevelt was born an only child to James and Sara Delano Roosevelt.
The Roosevelts owned a home in New York City and also spent summers on the Canadian island of Campobello, but Hyde Park was truly home.
A businessman, politician, and horse breeder, James held dear his connection to Hyde Park over all else. While keeping up his business dealings, James spent every moment possible tending to his horses and cattle, hunting and fishing.
He instilled in young Franklin a pure love for the outdoors and particularly Hyde Park.
When Franklin was born, Sara was advised not to have any additional children. While many others in her social class preferred prestigious schools and nannies for their children,
Mrs. Roosevelt insisted on taking care of her son herself. She employed individual tutors and taught Franklin how to read. Throughout her life, she was extremely involved in her son’s life.
When her husband, 26 years her senior, died in 1900, Sara briefly moved to Boston to be closer to her son while he attended college. When Franklin began courting women, Sara was not elated about his prospects.
Franklin married his cousin, Eleanor Roosevelt in 1903. Because her father was deceased, her uncle, Theodore Roosevelt, gave her away at the wedding, to the disapproval of Sara who did not approve of the marriage.
Nonetheless, the couple moved into Springwood with Sara after the wedding.
Throughout Franklin’s life in politics, and eventually, as president, the family moved around from place to place, but regularly made it back to Springwood, as it was Franklin’s most cherished dwelling.
Franklin and Eleanor had six children but the marriage was not the epitome of a loving union.
As the marriage deteriorated, the couple stayed married but Franklin built a cottage at Hyde Park, near Springwood, which Eleanor called Val-Kill Cottage where she spent many years of her life.
FDR eventually served as New York State Senator and Assistant Secretary of the Navy. FDR ran for the presidential office in 1920 but lost to Warren G. Harding.
In 1921, Roosevelt fell ill and was diagnosed with polio. He was paralyzed from the waist down.
In today’s research, it is believed that Roosevelt actually suffered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Roosevelt fought his illness and continued to stay in politics, careful to never be seen in his wheelchair in public.
He served as New York Governor from 1929-1932. He was elected to his first presidential term in 1932.
By 1944, Roosevelt’s illness had stricken him greatly and many quotes from the president tell of his desire to spend his life back at Springwood.
The home then, as today, is occupied with evidence from the young man Roosevelt was an only child in this home.
Along with decades of life from his own family and children living in the home.
The Birth Room where the president was born is upstairs and also served as a bedroom for each of his sons as they grew up in the house over the years.
His interests and his hobbies, always encouraged by his mother, fill the home as seen in his stuffed birds, ship models, and stamp collections.
The bedroom that Roosevelt last stayed in before his death is preserved in the way he left it before he died in 1945.
Perhaps his favorite spot on the estate, it was said Roosevelt loved the view of the south lawn and the Hudson River flowing beyond it from his bedroom window.
Franklin D. Roosevelt is buried at the Rose Garden in Springwood.
Things to know before your visit to Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
Entrance fee
$10.00 - Tour of FDR Home Tickets
The park only accepts credit card payments
Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.
The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy on REI.com and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone
Pets
Pets are allowed in the developed areas, some of the gardens, and on the trails.
Pets must be on a leash 6 feet or less in length.
Cell Service
We had good cell service while in Hyde Park.
Park Hours
Park Grounds - 7 am to 8 pm
Henry Wallace Visitor Center - 9 am to 5 pm
Insect Repellent
Insect repellent is always a great idea when outdoors, especially if you are around any body of water.
We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips.
Water Bottle
Make sure to bring your own water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.
Parking
There is a large parking area near the visitor center.
Food/Restaurants
Uncle Sam's Canteen - The World War II Era Cafeteria/canteen is located inside the visitor center.
Open April 1 through October 31 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Gas
There are no gas stations within the park.
Drones
Drones are not permitted within National Park Sites.
National Park Passport Stamps
National Park Passport stamps can be found in the visitor center.
Make sure to bring your National Park Passport Book with you or we like to pack these circle stickers so we don't have to bring our entire book with us.
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt NHS is part of the 2019 Passport Stamp Set
Electric Vehicle Charging
The closest EV Charging Station is located on US 9, there are also charging stations in Staatsburg, New York.
Details about the Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
Size - 290 acres
Check out how the park compares to other National Parks by Size.
Date Established
January 15, 1944
Visitation
In 2021, Home of Franklin D Roosevelt NHS had 46,375 park visitors.
In 2020, Home of Franklin D Roosevelt NHS had 40,091 park visitors.
In 2019, Home of Franklin D Roosevelt had 147,109 park visitors.
Learn more about the most visited and least visited National Parks in the US
National Park Address
114 Estates Lane
Hyde Park, NY 12538
Where is the Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site?
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt NHS is located in Hyde Park, New York.
Estimated distance from major cities nearby
Poughkeepsie, NY - 9.3 miles
Cornwall, NY - 31.3 miles
Newark, NJ - 91.1 miles
New York, NY - 97.2 miles
Philadelphia, PA - 175 miles
Boston, MA - 202 miles
Rochester, NY - 288 miles
Baltimore, MD - 268 miles
Washington DC - 307 miles
Estimated Distance from nearby National Park
Shenandoah National Park - 374 miles
Acadia National Park - 469 miles
Cuyahoga Valley National Park - 471 miles
New River Gorge National Park - 574 miles
Indiana Dunes National Park - 777 miles
Where is the National Park Visitor Center?
The visitor center is close to the parking lot.
Getting to the Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
Closest Airports
Stewart International Airport (SWF)
Westchester County Airport (HPN)
International Airports
Bradley International Airport (BDL)
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Regional Airports
Teterboro Airport (TEB)
Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU)
Tweed New Haven Regional Airport (HVN)
Train Service
Amtrak can be ridden from Penn Station or the Metro-North Hudson Line can be ridden from Grand Central Terminal.
Driving Directions
From the New York State Thruway (I-87): From either North or South Exit 18 (New Paltz), take 299 East, to 9W South, and follow the signs to Mid-Hudson Bridge (also known as the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge). After crossing the bridge follow overhead signs to Route 9 North. You will come to the Roosevelt Home first approximately 5 miles north once you exit the bridge. The Vanderbilt Mansion is approximately 2 miles north of the Roosevelt Home. Both are located on the left.
From the Taconic State Parkway:
Northbound Vehicles: Exit at Route 55 West (Poughkeepsie). Follow Route 55 West to Route 9 North. Once on Route 9 follow the directions above.
Southbound Vehicles: Exit at Red Hook onto Route 199 West. Take Route 199 to Route 308 West. Take 308 to Route 9, (approximately 10 miles, there will be a traffic light). Take a left onto Route 9 South. The Vanderbilt Mansion is approximately 12 miles South on Route 9. The Mansion will be on the right. The FDR Home is 2 miles South of the Vanderbilt Mansion on the right. (Note: Commercial Vehicles are not allowed on the Parkway).
Best time to visit the Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
The best time to visit is from mid-June to mid-September.
The weather may be warm but it should be gorgeous.
Weather and Seasons
Hyde Park, New York experiences warm and wet summers along with cold and snowy winters.
The warmest weather is from May 29 to September 16th with an average daily high above 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
The coldest weather is from December 1 to March 10th with an average daily high below 44 degrees Fahrenheit.
Snow is common from November 2 to April 14th. The snowiest month is January with an average of 11 inches.
June is the rainiest month in Hyde Park with an average rainfall of 3.8 inches.
Best Things to do at the Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
Henry A Wallace Visitor Center
The visitor center is the best place to start your visit to the park. There is a large gift store where you can find everything FDR and more!
You can purchase your tour tickets in the visitor center, check out the cool cafe, and watch the park video.
You can view the 22-minute film in the auditorium of the Wallace Center entitled A Rendezvous With History is a great way to learn more about FDR!
Junior Ranger Program
The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt Junior Ranger program will take a little while to fill out. Many of the answers are from within the house so you will need to go on a tour.
This is a great way to learn more about the site and the life of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Tour the home of Franklin D Roosevelt
The only way to see the home is by guided tour. All tours begin in the Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center.
Depending on the time of year that you visit you may need to wait a bit for a tour. There is a cafe in the visitor center along with the movie mentioned above.
The walk to the Home from the Visitor Center is ¼ mile long in one direction - all on level ground.
The walk is on a gravel trail so make sure if it is raining that you have shoes that you are ok with getting wet. Most of the trail is shaded and there are spots to relax along the way.
Tours are offered every day between 10 am and 4 pm with no 12 pm tour.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum
The FDR Presidential Library and Museum is located next to the home site. There is a separate $10 admission to visit the library and museum.
Visit the Burial Site
Franklin D Roosevelt is buried in the family garden.
Home Garden
The garden is a great place to discover the work that the park is doing to restore the garden.
Walled Garden at Bellefield
The Walled Garden is secretly tucked behind the surrounding stone wall and privacy hedge.
Top Cottage
You will want to give yourself a minimum of 90 minutes to visit Top Cottage. Make sure and check with the visitor center to find out the hours that Top Cottage is open during your visit. The cottage was closed during our visit so we did not have a chance to get photos.
Access by shuttle bus only. Tours depart from the Wallace Center at 11:10, 1:10, and 3:10.
Top Cottage Fee of $10 per person.
Hiking in the Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
Always carry the 10 essentials for outdoor survival when exploring.
Farm Lane Trail
Farm Lane Trail is part of the historic road network that connects the three parks, Top Cottages, the Home Farm, and more.
Top Cottage Trail
Distance - 2 miles
Difficulty - Moderate
Trailhead - Beyond the access road to the parking lot
This trail heads to the highest point on the Hyde Park Trail. Top Cottage was visited by kings, queens, and foreign leaders during the 20th Century.
How to beat the crowds in the Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site?
We did not encounter any crowds during our visit to the park. We always suggest arriving early in the day to make sure you can take a tour and have time to explore the park.
Where to stay when visiting the Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
There are no National Park Lodges within the National Historic Site.
Quality Inn Hyde Park - Located in Hyde Park, Quality Inn Hyde Park Poughkeepsie North is in the historical district and near a train station. Quality Inn Hyde Park Poughkeepsie North provides amenities including a free breakfast buffet and a 24-hour gym. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Journey Inn Bed & Breakfast - 4-star bed & breakfast located in Hyde Park, Journey Inn Bed & Breakfast is in the historical district near Vanderbilt Mansion.
Courtyard by Marriott Poughkeepsie - Located in Poughkeepsie, Courtyard by Marriott Poughkeepsie is in a shopping district and near a metro station. A terrace, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby are just a few of the amenities provided at Courtyard by Marriott Poughkeepsie. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as a 24-hour gym and a 24-hour business center.
Click on the map below to see current rates for vacation rentals and hotels in Hyde Park, New York.
Camping
There are no National Park Campgrounds in the park.
For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built-in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!
Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando
National Park Service Sites related to Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Washington DC
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Hyde Park, NY
Roosevelt Campobello International Park, Lubec, ME
Parks Near Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site - 2 miles
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site - 2 miles
Martin Van Buren National Historic Site - 50 miles
Weir Farm National Historic Site - 60 miles
Saratoga National Historical Park - 102 miles
Fort Stanwix National Monument - 174 miles
Check out all of the New York National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Vermont, National Parks in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania National Parks, New Jersey National Parks, Massachusetts National Parks, and Connecticut National Parks
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