Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
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.
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- tweetybird123Brookfield, Connecticut50 contributionsVery interesting!Great tour ! The docent " Elizabeth " was Amazing ! She has so much information about Eleanor and her life, I learned so much ! Highly recommend it ! I would like to add Elizabeth had so much information to share! Expect to stand in one place for a while. It was pretty warm outside the small fans in the rooms didn't do a great job keeping the air moving but well worth the time !Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 27 May 2024
- jrperkins3588 contributionsWhat a great historical property for a very modern First LadyThis is a beautiful property. Eleanor was a woman considerably ahead of her time and her time here is where she developed a full career beyond her time in the White House. The only thing was the house tour. I step into the house and looks like 1960s, at the time of her passing. I was expecting a house more mid-40s and early 50s, but I understand. There is major difference in the technologies between Eleanor's home and FDR's. It really shows a tech revolution.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 22 July 2024
- Gwen WMurfreesboro, Tennessee2,042 contributionsBeautiful property and history lessons all in one!!Loved learning more about Eleanor Roosevelt and all that she did for the United States while her husband was President. This home and property is very beautiful. Take time and enjoy the day! The Park Rangers are very knowledgeable and very willing to answer all your questions!Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 July 2024
- Mary GBoston, Massachusetts69 contributionsMoving visit - highly recommendWe visited Val-Kill after having visited Springwood, FDR's home and estate. Val-Kill was the working office and home of Eleanor Roosevelt. It was surprising to see how demure and rustic this home was even though it was appointed with Eleanor's mementos of her historic achievements. It was beautifully poetic in that one can achieve great things without having to be 'grand', the kind of person Eleanor seemed to be. Highly recommend a visit and tour here. Our NPS ranger gave an emotional and knowledgable tour...I wish I could remember her name!Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 August 2024
- MarshaOrlando, Florida170 contributionsYes, Definitley!I've been wanting to see Eleanor's home for many years now. Of course, it's nothing like I imagined. It was simple and cozy, comfy; a home that anyone would feel comfortable. A must-see if you are in the area. Sima was a great tour guide, too.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 September 2024
- SeniorTravelerTF1,249 contributionsConsider it part of the Roosevelt package in Hyde ParkThe ER site should be considered part of the Hyde Park Roosevelt experience. Taking in the FDR home, the library and museum, Top Cabin and Val-Kill are so intertwined, and the Roosevelt's themselves - and their marriage, so unique that the complete picture requires all of the sites. Of course this means that you have to allocate the time, it took us two days to do all of it (but I read everything in the museum). Note that the Top Cabin (only by short bus ride) and Val-Kill are short drives that you have to fit into your schedule. Val-Kill offers a nuanced look at a remarkable woman.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 September 2024
- djmesHilton, New York214 contributionsEnjoyable. InformativeIf you are in the area & have a couple hours and have any interest in American history this historic site is well worth the time. The tour of Eleanor's little home is short but most informative. We had an excellent park ranger as a guide and he explained why Eleanor wanted particular pieces of furniture and accessories in her own house. (BTW, 75% of the furnishings are original) We also walked the trail Eleanor walked every morning. Eleanor was a woman years ahead of the times and this mid 20th century historic site is well worth the visit as it will make you realize what an extraordinary & humble woman she was.Visited October 2024Travelled with familyWritten 7 October 2024
- Katherine pBoston, Massachusetts223 contributionsInspiring, Beautiful, TimelessI have admired Eleanor Roosevelt always and going to this very personal spot—the only home she chose and owned herself—has long been a goal. My friend and I were extremely fortunate to have our Park Service Guide Dan, passionate about her also as he said. He made this moving experience more so with knowledgeable details about her life, and particularly this spot. It is the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, thanks to her efforts it has endured and will. Fascinating to learn about the workshops at Val-Kill and do not miss the excellent film in what was a workshop.Visited November 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 30 November 2024
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4.5
753 reviews
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Paul S
Toronto, Canada55 contributions
Jul 2022
Val Kill provides an interesting contrast to the Roosevelt family mansion at Hyde Park as well as giving important insight into the life of Eleanor Roosevelt. This unassuming and comfortable cottage where Eleanor Roosevelt found peace, refuge and a place to host important dignitaries from around the world says much about her priorities and outlook on life. Our guide informed us of the background of Val Kill, its early use as a furniture and metals factory (Eleanor's idea, to provide employment for local workers) to its conversion as a home for her. The peaceful country setting is also at odds with the formal feeling one get from the FDR family mansion. There is a short film which should not be missed playing in one of he buildings. Val Kill is certainly worth a visit.
Written 24 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clw4401
Kansas City, Missouri79 contributions
Jun 2022
My friend and I drove out to the site, expecting the house to be closed to tours, but were delighted when the park ranger asked if we would like to go on the 11:00 am tour (the first one in two years!). What a treat! Our guide, Demetri, was extremely knowledgeable about the site, the history of it and the role that this modest home played in world politics.
The house looks just like it would have when Eleanor lived out her last years there and you can imagine her writing at her desk, hosting friends and family, knitting.
Valkill is in a serene setting, nestled in the woods of the Hyde Park. The small gardens are lovely.
The house looks just like it would have when Eleanor lived out her last years there and you can imagine her writing at her desk, hosting friends and family, knitting.
Valkill is in a serene setting, nestled in the woods of the Hyde Park. The small gardens are lovely.
Written 9 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John K
Philadelphia, PA35 contributions
Aug 2022
After spending a day a the the FDR Home (National Park Service) and the Presidential Library and Museum, we visited Val-Kill the next day. This site gives one even greater insight into the personality that was Eleanor Roosevelt. The tour of the cottage itself is limited to viewing three rooms on the first floor and is over rather quickly. But the grounds are lovely, and the introductory film that is shown in the Visitor's Center is excellent, as are the displays in the Visitor's Center. They have two projectors showing loops of the family's home movies that are definitely worth viewing.
Written 12 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina B
Louisiana6 962 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
We took the tour of the house. Gardens are self guided. We walked up just as a group was starting. We were not allowed to buy a ticket and join that group. So we had to wait an hour. In some ways I wish we would have skipped it since our time was limited. Given the time wasted waiting on next tour and the tour itself we would have been able to go see the FDR museum. You only see 3 rooms and some things in the museum part. You do not see the whole house. Gardens are ok, but noting fancy. If you are short on time this can be skipped. I did not find it very interesting.
Written 24 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcella S
Brooklyn, NY16 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Being a long-time admirer of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and having visited the FDR Presidential Library, Val-Kill was a must see. We went on a rainy Saturday in January 2020. Not at all crowded which allowed us ample time to speak with Frances, the NPS volunteer in the Stone Cottage. She was very friendly, well versed in Roosevelt family history, and willing to answer our questions while sharing her knowledge. She and the woman who gives the tours (I don’t recall her name but she was equally pleasant and knowledgeable) are the only NPS staff at this historic site. Definitely worth the trip! Now I need to write to my Congressional representative as well as my Senators regarding additional funding for all of our National Parks.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick
Niantic, CT143 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Had the good fortune to visit this National Historical Site on a mild winter day in February. There are a number of different trails to walk on. A couple of different buildings that you may be able to visit when the park is officially open. I would check their website for that. If you're looking to get your stamp, you need to visit the Home of Franklin D Roosevelt NHS. This may change once the park opens after their winter closure. If you made it this far, I would highly recommend a visit during the off-season and take advantage of this clean, beautiful, well maintained park. I will certainly be back a couple more times during different seasons to see this park in all of its glory
Written 22 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cbaz128
Toms River, NJ186 contributions
Jun 2021
I'm only writing my review now, but we visited in the Fall of 2019.
Compared with the giant figure in history that Eleanor became behind a great president during a crucial time in American history, her private residence was humble though the grounds were expansive. I was admittedly distracted though after having met Hillary and Chelsea Clinton by the patio after their appearance for a medal ceremony under a big tent on the grounds in which HC was a presenter, thanks to a tip by a tour guide. HC was extremely gracious. The encounter, however, kind of blurred my memory of the actual house tour. I would recommend the tour in addition with the FDR mansion tour, Springwood and museum visits and should not be missed.
Compared with the giant figure in history that Eleanor became behind a great president during a crucial time in American history, her private residence was humble though the grounds were expansive. I was admittedly distracted though after having met Hillary and Chelsea Clinton by the patio after their appearance for a medal ceremony under a big tent on the grounds in which HC was a presenter, thanks to a tip by a tour guide. HC was extremely gracious. The encounter, however, kind of blurred my memory of the actual house tour. I would recommend the tour in addition with the FDR mansion tour, Springwood and museum visits and should not be missed.
Written 8 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KalNJ
Delaware145 contributions
Jun 2022
Eleanor Roosevelt’s cottage, Val-Kill. This was a smaller house than FDR's that was used to be a furniture factory, but the grounds are lovely, next to a stream with gardens, a tennis court, and a pool. We didn't know it at the time, but we hit it “just right” as this was the first tour after COVID. Our guide, this time, was a bona fide NPS historian who has published three articles recently about Eleanor Roosevelt. We were very lucky to get a tour from him, he was a fountain of knowledge and extremely interesting.
Written 16 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark J
8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
When you think of Eleanor Roosevelt you are inclined to include her within the scope of her husband's three term administration. What makes this beautiful little cottage so unique is that not only is it the only national historic site dedicated to a first lady, it is most well deserved as truly she was the first lady of the world. The list of influential people who came right up until the last years of her life to visit and seek her counsel is impressive. This formidable woman helped shape policy not only during the FDR years but also was a force for change and a great humanitarian. A fearless champion of human rights! If you look up the definition of a self empowered woman I am certain you will see Eleanor's picture next to the definition.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick P
Staten Island, NY450 contributions
Jul 2022
You need to make this part of your Hyde Park experience. Our tour (given by a very knowledgeable Natl Park Service guide) brought us into both structures on the property that served as ER's home at different times of her life. There are exhibits in both. Be sure to catch the 18 minute film and exhibit in a nearby cottage on the property. Plenty of information and history. Everything here is free, but give a donation.
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent about 90 minutes, taking the tour and walking around the grounds. It was raining so we were quick about it.
Written 30 October 2024
Do they transport you to Val-Kill from the visitors center?
Written 12 August 2018
When open, you need to reserve early that day at the Center. Very worthwhile trip and one not to miss. Gives new insight into a woman oft-misunderstood. Probably the early and original independent woman.
Written 6 September 2018
Do you need to makes reservation for a tour in advance or just show up?
Written 28 June 2018
No reservations required. Tours are frequent throughout the day.
Written 29 June 2018
Is there a place to get a quick sandwich near Val-Kill?
Written 14 April 2018
There is the Hyde Park Brewhouse across from the FDR Library complex. It brews its own beers which are a range of flavors that will meet most palates somewhere. It is not fancy but it is very good at what it represents itself to be. And we found it to be enjoyable, especially away from the tap room itself (if you want quiet conversation.
Written 15 April 2018
It is beautiful and you can easily see how the famous and non-famous enjoyed the place!
Written 4 July 2017
WHETHER IT'S OPEN ON WEDNESDAY.. One of the reviewers said it wasn't. Thank you.
Written 18 April 2017
I'm sorry, I do not know. Possibly check the website. There should be a phone number at the very least.
It is a wonderful must see place!
Written 19 April 2017
jskonnelly
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Are there any good picnic spots at Val-Kill?
Written 2 April 2017
YES!!!
Just below the cottage is the outdoor fireplace where FDR grlled. The family loved picnics, so the area is for pinics. There are at least 2 picnic tables, as well as grass for blankets. A great place to feel part of history
Written 3 April 2017
You might need to go to the library visitor center to find out the tour times. If you attempt to go by yourself, good luck. Better to go on the van with a group. You learn more info, plus it would be hard to find it with a GPS. Our tour guide said it was almost impossible to find one on one.
Written 16 August 2015
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