It was a nice realization that our senior Park Pass covered the entrance fee (though it's only $10); being this site is part of the National Park service. The tickets are purchased in the "small" structure the Vanderbilts occupied, while waiting for completion of the main mansion. The craftmanship evidenced in this structure is impressive, in of itself. The staff were friendly, welcoming, informative and accommodating (finding us a couple remaining postcards, from the stored leftover stock, of the former gift shop). These traits were shared by our tour guide. Though not as large and opulent as the Breakers and Marblehouse in Newport (and certainly not on the scale of Biltmore); this Vanderbilt dwelling is still an amazing and magnificent example of architectural detail, and beautiful furnishing/decor. There is room after room of visual feasting. One may debate the issues surrounding the accumulation and ostentatious presentation of wealth; but there is no disputing the result of allowing artesian and skilled workers to have the resources necessary in achieving their best creations. We now all have the ability to appreciate their legacy. One of the real wonders of this estate, to us, is that it is now a National Park; and freely available daily to the public. During our 10 days of exploring the Hudson River Valley, we visited here several times; enjoying the grounds and splendid River views. It was an excellent way to relax for a bit, after driving around much of the day; and just immersing into the natural beauty of this section of the country. And, we were certainly not alone in appreciating this wonderful resource. Every time we stopped in, there were numerous others scattered about; taking advantage of this land, which has been turned back to all of us to enjoy.

This place was amazing. The tour guide was very good and answered all questions thrown at him. The gilded age was like no other time in America. This was a summer home only and parties and hosting were daily. Only to be outdone in NYC for other times. Husband and wife had separate bedrooms but with a hidden door. hmmm... The rich had bathrooms in the late 1800's and the roof skylight lifted for cool air to rise from the basement. Amazing stop.

We stopped here on a recent NY and PA trip to historic sites. We were inspired to check out this and other mansions after seeing a documentary series on the industrial barons of the Gilded Age. It was very impressive to see the opulence and attention to detail in this magnificent structure. The furnishings and collectibles, mostly from old Europe, were impressive. The huge wall tapestries had just been returned from being cleaned in Belgium. This was supposedly their first cleaning since the house was built and the work had to be done there to prevent shrinkage. The wealthiest families of that era owned more mansions than most of us own in sneakers. Definitely worth a tour.

By far the best guide we have ever had in many years of park service visits, and he was one of several that have spent years learning and teaching at the site. If not for the information the guide presented, historical background and context, it would have been Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous in the Gilded Age. Beautiful grounds (garden) and furnishings, but not worth it alone - the tour is the way to go.

What a beautiful site to see! It is the epitome of wealth in this country at it's time. Everything in this mansion is opulent! Furniture from around the world, tapestries, decorations, the design and beauty is a sight to see. It gives you an idea of how the other 1% of Americans lived and still live to this day. It is definitely worth seeing.

The highlight of this visit was our NPS tour guide. We've been to many guided tours in our lives, but have never had someone who was as engaging with visitors of all ages and as knowledgeable of his topic as our guide for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. Even better, with Senior NPS pass, it was FREE. We gained amazing insights into the lives of the Vanderbilts and their colleagues in the gilded age. The display in the visitor center showing the descendants and the mansions that they built in Newport, and elsewhere around the country was interesting. The view along the Hudson walking from the visitor center to the mansion is beautiful, especially on a sunny day in the fall.

Don't compare this property to the FDR's, because you really can't. On it's own it too, is a great property, but there is not as much to see and do here. The house itself is absolutely opulent and the tour guide gives you a wonderful overview and history of Franklin Vanderbilt. The grounds are lovely and right on the Hudson River. If you pack a lunch, you can drive down to the river and have a picnic. The tour lasts an hour, so it won't take up your whole day.

This home alone is worth the trip, but you get the bonus of the grounds. The grounds alone are worth the trip. When we come back again, we would bring a packed lunch and cooler because they have paths and beautiful scenic places to stop. The house is just stunning and jaw dropping. It is well worth the visit and we will absolute be back.

We only live about an hour from the mansion and visit every 4 or 5 years. Glad we visited today. Our guide, Dimitri, was fabulous! He's incredibly knowledgable, witty and engaging. Probably one of the best experiences of all the national parks and museums we've been to thanks to him. After the mansion tour my husband and I walked over to the Italianate Gardens which is a must see. We'll be back.

My colleagues & I came for a work trip. Our guide was Mike & he truly was fantastic! He went above and beyond to make sure that we had an amazing tour. He answered all our questions pleasantly, and he was so knowledgeable. I would recommend Mike as a guide again & again!! He truly made our trip. Thanks again, Mike!!