Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

The Vanderbilt Mansion is a 54-room house in Hyde Park situated on 211 acres overlooking the Hudson River with formal gardens and woodlands. The property includes several outbuildings and hiking trails that wind through the grounds.

Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt purchased the property in 1895 and built their residence between 1896 and 1899 with the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. The estate became a private home during an era of significant wealth accumulation in America.

The mansion displays Beaux-Arts architecture with refined interior spaces and ornate decoration that guide visitors through rooms arranged to face the river. Walking through today reveals how wealthy families lived during the early 1900s, with each room designed for specific social purposes.

The property is open to visitors who can book guided tours of the house and explore the trails on foot. The full route requires walking, so comfortable shoes and time for breaks are recommended.

The basement and third floor housed President Roosevelt's Secret Service agents from 1941 to 1943 during World War II. These hidden spaces reveal an unexpected connection between the private estate and national events of that era.

Location: Hyde Park

Inception: December 18, 1940

Website: https://nps.gov/vama

GPS coordinates: 41.79611,-73.94194

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:10