Beautiful and fascinating visit to the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park. The historical information was presented very well by the park ranger—friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions. The interior is truly opulent, and we were able to see the upstairs, main level, and basement. Walking the grounds adds to the experience. It can get warm inside during the summer months, but they do provide fans to help. A great stop for history lovers!

+6

Really quite an amazing place, well worth making a detour. The tour is conducted by a National Park Service person and is excellent. The building is better restored than most European castles.

+6

Such a gorgeous home from the gilded age. I love the history of the Vanderbilt family . You will feel wealthy when here.

+1

David L.

We visited on a Friday afternoon in late June 2025. When we arrived there were plenty of spaces in the parking lot. There were a lot of people here as well. We walked to the visitor center first. It was very ornate inside just like the mansion. There is an info desk at the back right of the main hall which had multiple rangers at. We rushed there first because we needed to get tickets to tour the mansion and it looked like a busy day. We did get tickets for the 5 of us for the 1PM tour. The tickets are $15/person and 15 years and younger are free. BUT if you have the NPS annual pass it's free for up to 4 people. So we had an annual pass and a 4th grade pass so we were fine. We also got junior ranger books here to work on. The NPS passport cancellation stamps are also in here on a table on the back left of the main hall. There were a few exhibits on the left side side in the adjoining rooms but it wasn't much. The bathrooms are to the right when you walk in. The kids worked on the junior rangers while we waited for our tour to begin. We did end up walking around outside exploring the gardens as well. We took lots of pictures and it was overcast skies so it was fantastic. We also walked out back behind the mansion which was beautiful as well. When it was time for our tour we met up with our group outside the mansion and all walked in together into the main atrium. The tour guides said we could listen to him talk or just start exploring the main floor. I think I was the only one who started walking around while we they were talking. I knew it was going to be a mad house after they finished talking. After they finish their talking everyone looks around and the rangers answers any questions you may have. We took a bunch of pictures. After a few mins they gather everyone back up and we moved to the upper floor and did the same thing again. The most interest factoid about the upstairs was the husband's and wife's bedrooms, which were separate. They had a special door that opened into each other's room but they had locks on them as well. The joke was that the wife's room had like 3 locks on it while the husband had just 1. You can probably understand why that was. wink wink. Lastly we went to the basement where the servants and staff lived and this is where the tour ends. Overall this was an amazing site. The mansion was so opulent and filled with such ornate stuff it was like a art museum. We would definitely come back here again to do the tour or even just walk around the property and gardens. Especially if we have the NPS pass anyways and can get in for free.

+6

Addison Schmitt

This is an absolute must-see in the Hudson Valley. The grounds are open and free for visitors and tours through the mansion are a modest price. Purchased in the 1940s, all items within the mansion transport you to a different time. Our tour guide was Eric, and was so friendly and knowledgeable. The tour was over an hour and took us through 3 different floors of the estate and multiple rooms. Each floor was unique and preserved in a respectful and tasteful way. I can’t say enough about how special this estate is and the grounds. I highly recommend the garden that is located next to the gardeners house and shed. A beautiful place for photos. Walks about the grounds are beautiful and is a perfect way to start or end the tour. The cost per person is $15 and is very informative. There are handicap accessible options for touring the estate that will allow access to all floors of the mansion.

+6

Elliott Williams

My wife and I visited this beautiful mansion in Hyde Park near the Roosevelt library . It was a tour and it was fun the architecture was great and I'm glad that now the average person can come and enjoy what was once only for the rich and few.

+6

Pam Regensburger

Amazing experience - we arrived at 10, easily found parking and got into the first tour ( approx 20 people in each tour). Mansion has floor fans that circulate warm stale air, so early in the day is probably the best time as no AC. Mansion itself is gorgeous and I believe we saw 18 rooms, fully decorated. Our guide, ranger Ryan was friendly and knowledgeable. The trails on the grounds were beautiful and if you go, definitely visit the flower gardens ( not on the official tour but a short trail away). We also drove to the abard Rock parking area , which only held about 8 cars bc th road to the rock was closed. We did the walk down and it was lovely on the river but the other all back in the heat was a tough trek. All in all, worth a visit to step back to time and station unknown to the majority of us.

+1

A really cool historic site with an amazing view of the Hudson Valley. I came a little too late for a tour but would love to come again to see the inside of the mansion.

+6

Sara Jones

Truly a wonderful experience! The tour takes you through the entire 1st and second floors, plus some of the basement. It's formatted as a listen to the tour guide for a while, then go off on your own and look around the floor for a bit, come back to the group, and so on. It was a great way to see everything at your own pace and be able to ask the guide extra questions. The tour is probably about an hour, but they do let you leave after the first floor if you don't want to continue. Our tour guide (I don't remember his name but he was from NJ!) was super knowledgeable about the Vanderbilts and the property. I could have asked about anything and I'm sure he would have had an answer! The grounds are stunning and very pleasant to walk around. There is a beautiful Italian garden, a giant carriage house, and various viewpoints of the Hudson river. For the price ($15), this can't be beat. It really is a beautiful place with an interesting history. Can't recommend it enough! This is a wheelchair accessible tour, with a wheelchair lift and an elevator. There are two staircases that are also used in the standard tour, thought the guide made it clear he was happy to operate the elevator if needed. The mansion is not air conditioned, so plan accordingly. Water bottles are allowed in, but other food and drink is not. I would not recommend bringing young children as you must be careful not to touch anything and do need to be quiet to hear the guide.

+3

Cam E

Nothing compares to the extravagance of the Gilded Age mansions and lifestyle. The Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park is a magnificent example, well-preserved on its perch straddling above the Hudson River. It's well worth a visit or two.

+1

Amber

I have always loved visiting here. From volunteering in the gardens, to running the trails. I have a beautiful picture of the view from the bench during each season and hung all four above my bed. Clearly it has a special place in my heart! But, after all these years, I finally got across to touring the mansion. First of all, the young man in the visitor building was so kind and informative… then our tour guide, Eric. He was phenomenal. So passionate and he guided us in a way that was engaging and answered so many questions. I love this place even more.. I feel so lucky to be so close by.

+2

Leslie Maclang

This is my fourth Vanderbilt home tour and though not as extravagant as the Breakers or Marble House in Newport, the way the park ranger told the story of Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt as well as overall Gilded Age living was so animated and compelling, this was my favorite tour thus far. The home is of course gorgeous (for a “cottage/farmhouse 😂” according to the Vanderbilts) but the storytelling was really first class. Can’t wait to come back to visit when the grounds are in bloom. Of note, tickets can only be purchased in person and it’s unclear to know when the next tour might be. I arrived at 12:30 and the next tour was at 2 but I drove 15 min to a nearby town to visit a cafe and was back right on time and without issue.

+3

Keith Duhamel

Great national park that allows those of us who are not wealthy to see how the other half used to? live(maybe many still do today). The park has great places to walk and enjoy the views of the Hudson River and you can walk the dog throughout the park. Did not get to go inside the house this time, but it is worth the visit to explore both the park and the mansion. The staff are friendly and informative.

+5

Yves Racine

I've liked the guided tour very much: lot of information given orally (but few written descriptions inside about the art pieces). It's sad though to see the mansion's state as the Federal funding is not enough to ensure its maintenance. The gardens are maintained by local volunteers, just to give you a hint.. In any other countries (like France as an example), maintenance would be done to illustrate this Gilded age of America.

+6

C Gordon

What a dream! This home is a beautiful masterpiece of the gilded era. Our tour guide was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable but not over bearing. She gave us plenty of time to wander around through the rooms on several floors throughout the home. I was fascinated with the details and the history. Highly recommend you take a tour yourself.

Kelly Hunt

Great tour, our volunteer tour guide was very knowledgeable, and did a great job! Beautiful location with stunning views. Gorgeous mansion!

+6

Abby

What a lovely gem outside of NYC! I want to especially highlight that the guides there are super friendly, helpful, and made the tour so much more informative and better. We went with family the day after Thanksgiving and our guide Ashley made the tour so wonderful! You have to go on the guided tour in order to go inside the Vanderbilt mansion, but the grounds are free to walk around and take pictures. We were able to get in with our national parks pass, which saved quite a lot of money. The inside of the mansion was so beautiful if you’re into the gilded age luxurious aesthetics.

+6

WISH

Stately, elegant, and full of history. The Vanderbilt Mansion is a stunning example of Gilded Age architecture, with beautifully preserved interiors and expansive gardens. Walking the grounds feels like stepping back in time — perfect for history buffs, architecture lovers, or anyone who appreciates classic grandeur. Well worth a visit.

Our primary purpose in coming up to Hyde Park was to visit the Roosevelt sites, but we figured we'd stop here at neighboring Vanderbilt Mansion since we were already in the area. It was well worth th…

The Vanderbilt mansion is excellence of yesteryear. My wife and I toured this mansion in upstate that's right NY . Every floor was a new view. And the grounds were simply amazing. Definitely a trip w…

Constructed in 1898, this was a seasonal residence for George and Louise Vanderbilt. All furnishings are original and most came from Europe. In 1940, Franklin Roosevelt purchased the home and over 20…

Visited with our BARK Ranger (dog), so we were unable to participate in the tour. We did meat a few rangers, and our pup became an official Bark Ranger. The Rangers that helped us were so nice and ki…

Visited with our BARK Ranger (dog), so we were unable to participate in the tour. We did meat a few rangers, and our pup became an official Bark Ranger. The Rangers that helped us were so nice and …

Great tour guide Ranger Ryan. Fabulous job of answering questions along with an excellent basic tour. Definitely worth seeing if you’re in the middle of the Hudson Valley

Great tour guide Ranger Ryan. Fabulous job of answering questions along with an excellent basic tour. Definitely worth seeing if you’re in the middle of the Hudson Valley

Our tour guide did a fantastic job as he gave us a peek into the lives of the Vanderbilt family and the social elite during the Gilded Age.

Our tour guide did a fantastic job as he gave us a peek into the lives of the Vanderbilt family and the social elite during the Gilded Age.

Beautiful! Not a long tour one hour with rooms to see at your leisure pretty much, Dimitri our guide was outstanding! We arrived about 5 minutes before the tour was leaving and they squeezed us in!…

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…

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 …

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…

This site is so impressive as well as the history that goes along with it. Our tour guide, Ranger Ryan, was incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining. It was not the time of year to visit the gar…

Visiting historic homes can be fascinating as it gives us a glimpse into the past. This mansion is well-kept and definitely a beauty. The rich from the late 19th and early 20th centuries lived li…

First of all, don't drive to fast or you might miss the entrance. You'll probably know it when you see it by the big stone pillars. I visited in february on a mild winter day, and this park was o…

a very inexpensive and very interesting tour. If your legs are up to it, walk down to the Hudson (or drive if the gate is open) to Bard's Rock. The gardens are lovely, too.

We had a great time touring the mansion. Our tour guide was VERY knowledgeable in the history of the Vanderbilt’s family and home. I read Anderson Coopers book and the guild was spot on with the in…

The history of the Vanderbilt family is very interesting to us, and the Frederick and Louisa portion of the story is right in line with the rest of the family story. The views and the scenery we…

You can use a senior "America the Beautiful" pass for a free tour of the mansion. The home was bought for a steal by the National Park Service, which has maintained it for decades. "Over the top" i…

This is definitely worth a visit. The problem is you can't buy tickets in advance. I can't imagine that it would be that busy but maybe it is in the summertime. Even if you can't get in right away to tour the building you can tour the gardens and the property which is beautiful and has stunning views of the Hudson River

+4

The Vanderbilt family built 43 mansions in the US. This mansion is not as big or as impressive as some of the other mansions, but it is worth visiting if you haven't already seen the others.

+6

Lov Guns

Very nice half day trip. Worth doing. Park was very well cared for and clean. The National Park staff was very helpful and made the trip experience great. The mansion does not have AC or a public bathroom. The tour of the mansion was very nice, enjoyed it. The mansion has a nice flower garden. No food at the park. Outside the park theres food and gas ⛽️ stations within 20 mins. I recommend this National Park property for a visit.

+6

We patiently waited for the government to open up so we could visit some of the historical homes and mansions of the Hyde Park area before winter kicked in.\n\nHere we are, five (5) weeks later, on S…

I went to this home on a Saturday morning in March. This estate is located off of U.S. Route-9. Our tour was small and it was led by a docent. We saw three (3) levels of this house for about sevent…

I went to this home on a Saturday morning in march. This estate is located off of U.S. Route-9. Our tour was small and it was led by a docent. We saw three (3) levels of this house for about sevent…

This is definitely worth a trip. The grounds are gorgeous, with stunning views, lots of greenery and a really beautiful garden. The mansion is spectacular. The grounds are open until 8 pm and ar…

Enjoyed a wonderful and informative 1 hour tour. Tours are $10/person. They are free if you have the senior America the Beautiful National Parks Card. The mansion was owned by Frederick Vanderbilt.…

The gardens and home are well worth taking the tour. This mansion was owned by Frederick Vanderbilt. We had just been to the Biltmore which was owned by George Vanderbilt. This house is much small…

We had a lovely visit. Entrance fee was $10 each. Parking was free. Tour was an hour. A very knowledgeable and friendly park ranger was our guide which was the first and second floors plus the base…