Montgomery Place, a serene reflection of nearly 200 years of continuous family stewardship, is best known as an architectural landmark designed by Alexander Jackson Davis and a landscape influenced by the great Andrew Jackson Downing. But the totality of the estate - house furnishings, gardens, woodlands, orchards, and hamlet make it a unique American treasure.

A National Historic Landmark, Montgomery Place is an extraordinary 434-acre Hudson River estate with magnificent views of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. It is located on historic River Road in the hamlet of Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, just north of the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge.

Montgomery Place was established by Janet Livingston Montgomery, widow of Revolutionary War hero General Richard Montgomery. She built the Federal-style house in 1804-05 and established a prosperous commercial nursery on the property. During the first half of the 19th century, her descendants created one of the most beautiful estates in the nation. The era's preeminent designers, architect Alexander Jackson Davis and landscape designer Andrew Jackson Downing, assisted them in their endeavor. In 1850, Downing wrote that Montgomery Place is "...nowhere surpassed in America in point of location, natural beauty, or landscape gardening charms." In the 1930s, the generation living there created a 20th-century horticultural showcase, one that continues to flourish today.

We fly from the heart of the Hudson valley and are near New York City, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. We offer gift certificates, private rides, and accommodate group bookings. More than half our flights are gifts or celebrations such as anniversaries, birthdays, or other special occasions such as engagement flights.

A great family outdoor adventure. Try man's oldest form of aviation. Flights are scheduled in the mornings just after sunrise and in the evenings just prior to sunset, We are located only a short drive from NYC and we can meet you at the Metro North train station in Beacon. Scheduling is done on a first come, first served basis, with October being our busiest month.

In addition to being the future home of a cutting-edge "Green" hotel/conference center, numerous improvements are underway at Beacon Point. This rehabilitated industrial site will feature a 16-acre riverfront park. Construction on the park is currently underway, but members of the public are welcome to come and see George Trakas' dramatic new riverfront sculpture with its terraced angling deck, boardwalk, and a restored bulkhead.

Things To Do
Fishing Pier
Hiking / Walking Trails
Canoe / Kayak access on Beacon Shoreline Trail
Picnicking

Directions
From Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, go 1.8 miles south on Route 9D, right on Beekman Street, Right on Red Flynn Drive then immediate left on Long Dock Road.

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, parking information, trail maps, photos and more about Long Dock Beacon.

After a day out at Long Dock Beacon, select from one of many excellent restaurants in Dutchess County.

Madam Brett Park is an urban oasis along the Fishkill Creek in Beacon featuring tranquil trails and a beautiful waterfall. This 12-acre park connects to the "Beacon Shoreline Trail" providing a link between Dennings Point, Long Dock Beacon and the Beacon train station.

One mile of trails along the Fishkill Creek lead to scenic overlooks of tidal marshes and Tioronda Falls.

Things To Do
Hiking / Walking Trails
Picnicking
Scenic Waterfall

Directions
From Newburgh-Beacon Bridge head 3.2 miles south on Route 9D, turn right on Tioronda Ave., then left under the railroad trestle. Parking area is on the left.

Spend a few hours enjoying Madam Brett Park. When it's time to eat, select from one of many excellent restaurants in Dutchess County.

Mount Beacon towers above Beacon and Fishkill at the northern gateway to the Hudson Highlands.

Mount Beacon is the most visible summit for miles around, providing the defining backdrop for local communities. Its prominence made the mountain an important factor in the Revolutionary War, when George Washington's troops set signal fires to communicate vital information about British troop movements.

The incline railway, the steepest of its kind in the world at the time, carried visitors to the heights of the mountain for dining, dancing and enjoying spectacular views, from 1902 until the late 1970s.

Mount Beacon Park was created on land preserved by Scenic Hudson in the City of Beacon and Town of Fishkill. Totaling 234 acres, the parcels were purchased in 1995 and 1998, respectively.

Things To Do
Birding
Hiking / Walking Trails
Nature Study
Picnicking
Scenic Views

Directions
Parking area and trailhead are located at the intersection of Route 9D and Howland Avenue in the City of Beacon.

After a day of hiking, walking, or studying the wildlife, pack a picnic from the produce at a local farm in the Hudson Valley. Or dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in Dutchess New York.

Things To Do
Bowling lanes (32)
Bumper bowling for children
Cosmic Rock Bowl
League bowling
Open bowling
Parties (kids birthday parties)
Pro Shop
Specials
Automatic Scoring

Refreshments
Lounge
Snackbar

The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center which provides high quality environmental programming. In the winter, you can enjoy the Fahnestock Winter Park that includes 15 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and an area for sledding.

The large beach at Canopus Lake is the jewel of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial Park. Its sandy shore and nearby picnic area are enjoyed by thousands of bathers. In addition to swimming, campers and day trippers can fish in or tour Canopus Lake by row boats which are available for rental by the hour or the day. Fishing by boat is permitted at Stillwater and Canopus Lakes. Fishing at both lakes and four ponds is excellent in all seasons for anglers seeking bass, pickerel, perch or brook and rainbow trout.

The scenic campground, formed along the park’s natural rock ridges, provides alcoves of privacy and tranquility for campers. Each of the 80 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. Additionally there is an area for RV camping. The campground’s nature center houses environmental displays and a variety of touch boxes. On weekends, park staff organizes hikes and craft activities. Movies are shown on Saturday evenings for the enjoyment of all campers.

Things To Do
Beach
Biking
Boat Launch Sites
Boat Rentals
Bridle Path
Campsites
Fishing
Food
Hiking Trails / Walking
Hunting
Nature Trail
Pavilions
Picnic Tables
Recreation Programs
Showers
Swimming
Tent & Trailer Sites

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Ice Fishing
Sledding
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing

Things To Do
Bowling lanes (40)
Bumper bowling for children (automatic)
Cosmic Bowling
League bowling
Open bowling
Parties (kids birthday parties)
Pro Shop
Scoring (automatic)
Tournaments

Refreshments
Lounge (open for league bowling)
Snackbar

The 11.5 miles of trails on Fishkill Ridge connect to thousands of acres in Hudson Highlands State Park and the summit of Mount Beacon. This largest and must rugged of Scenic Hudson's properties features some of the valley's best hiking opportunities, including the access to two of the highest peaks east of the Hudson River.

Some of the region's best hiking trails connect to thousands of acres in Hudson Highlands State Park and on historic Mount Beacon.

Things To Do
Access two of the highest peaks east of the Hudson River
Birding - Eagles, Falcons, and rare species
Hiking Trails
Panoramic views of Hudson River and Catskill Mountains

Directions
View our Fishkill Ridge Trail Map information and maps that will guide you on a quest to learn about the history and ecology of Fishkill Ridge.

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, parking information, maps, photos and to view Scenic Hudson's Fishkill Ridge Trail Map.

After a beautiful day viewing the Hudson Highlands, select from one of many excellent restaurants in Dutchess County and nearby areas.

Fishkill Golf Course also offers 18 holes of miniature golf.

Golf Course Attractions
Golf only facility
12-hole executive length golf course
Longest tees 2571 yards with a par of 41
Course rating/slope = 69.0/122
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Club rental
Driving range
Chipping and putting greens
Pro shop
Restaurant
Riding cart rental

Fishkill Farms' Certifications Eco-Apple & Farmer's Pledge

Fishkill Farms is Eco-Apple certified for sustainable and clean growing practices by Red Tomato, a third party certifier; for Fishkill Farm apples.

Our vegetables are grown according to organic standards, certified by NOFA-NY's Farmer's Pledge program, and we have recently started the transition of a block of our apple orchard to organic management.

Organic U-Pick
Apple Picking
Pumpkin Picking
Strawberry Picking

"Beatrix Farrand's work represents the very epitome of her craft. As such, she was sought after by the most powerful individuals and institutions of her day. While most of her gardens have been lost to time, notable exceptions include the Rockefeller's Eyrie Garden in Maine, large portions of the Princeton and Yale campuses, and Dumbarton Oaks, in Washington, D.C., indisputably one of the great gardens of the world.

"This rarified context should give present-day visitors to the Beatrix Farrand Garden at Bellefield a better sense of the treasure that lies within its fieldstone walls. Bellefield, an elegant 18th century house remodeled by famed architects McKim, Mead and White for Thomas and Sarah Newbold, now serves as the headquarters for the National Park Service.

"The restoration has resulted in a stunning display of perfectly composed borders - pink; white; blush, cream and grey; and mauve and purple - set off by vine-traced walls and clipped hemlock hedges. Thanks to a recent grant from the Jane W. Nuhn Charitable Trust, a third and final garden gate has been created using Farrand's own working drawings. This magnificent oak door, replete with elaborate Arts & Crafts style hardware, was handmade by local artisans, and is now installed at Bellefield."

The Beatrix Farrand Garden at Bellefield is open to the public free of charge.

Hours are 7 days a week, 7am to sunset.
Closed Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years Day.

"During the growing season, we can be found working in the garden every Tuesday morning. Please stop by for a visit."

FDR's Springwood, the lifelong home of America's only 4-term President
Presidential Library and Museum
Mrs. Roosevelt's Val-Kill Cottage
Summer Programs for children and their families.
Tours:


Guided tour of FDR's home

Self-guided tour of the Museum, grounds, gardens, and trails of this 300-acre site. Start your visit at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center and watch the introductory film. Arrange for self guided tours of the Presidential Library and Museum, and Ranger-led tours of the historic home.

Press blue button for schedule of events, fees & reservations, things to do, things to know before visiting, family events, kids section, and more about this National Historic Site.

The word is At least one day is recommended to experience Franklin D. Roosevelt, National Historic Site. Visit Springwood, Top Cottage retreat, and Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill Cottage along with the grounds, the library, family events and more.

History of the FDR Library and Museum
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum is America's first presidential library and the only one used by a sitting president. It was conceived and built under President Roosevelt's direction and opened to the public in 1941.

Prior to Roosevelt's Presidency, the final disposition of Presidential papers was left to chance. Although a valued part of the nation's heritage, the papers of chief executives were private property which they took with them upon leaving office . . .

In erecting his library, Roosevelt created an institution to preserve intact all his papers . . .

"Fireside Chat" from the Library, December 24, 1943. Roosevelt's actions served as a precedent. When Congress passed the Presidential Libraries Act in 1955, it regularized the procedures initiated by President Roosevelt for privately built and federally maintained libraries to preserve the papers of future Presidents . . .

. . . He visited the library often during the war to sort and classify his records and memorabilia; and from his study in the library he delivered several of his famous radio speeches or "fireside chats".

In early planning for the Library the President expressed the hope that Mrs. Roosevelt's papers would eventually find a place here . . . At the time of her death in 1962 Eleanor Roosevelt's papers totaled a staggering three million pages. In 1972, the wings FDR envisioned were added to the original building. Mrs. Roosevelt's papers were stored in the South Wing, and a gallery devoted to Eleanor and her life and accomplishments was created in the museum portion of the new addition.

The Library reflects the vision that its founder displayed when he spoke at the dedication of the library on June 30, 1941. To maintain archival facilities and records, he stated: ". . . a Nation must believe in three things. It must believe in the past. It must believe in the future. It must, above all, believe in the capacity of its own people so to learn from the past that they can gain in judgment in creating their own future." by Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Press blue button for information for Students, Teachers, Museum Visitors, and much more about the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Skills development courses are worth months of just paddling around. After your course, get out and practice your strokes and rescues. Attend one of our TuneUp Sessions to build on the skills you already have and to keep your skills fresh. If you are interested in sightseeing and going places, consider one of our guided Kayak Tours.

Guided Kayak Tour: Historic Hyde Park Region

An Island, a beautiful creek, a lighthouse, historic mansions, serene scenery fill this area of the Hudson with magic. One of our favorite destination paddle spots. Following the cove out into the Hudson River and past Bard Rock, the island directly to the north is Esopus Island. There is a small beach on the southeast side of the island and a few sheltered spots on the west side. Black Creek lies directly across from Esopus Island along the west shore of the river. This area of the Hudson River has been long known as a favored Bald Eagle watching area. North of Norrie Point lies Mills Mansion on the eastern shore and beyond the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse can be seen.

Deer, foxes, coyotes and wild turkeys roam this rugged and beautiful property in the Marlboro Mountains

In addition to great hiking and mountain biking, educators can use this 570-acre park as an outdoor classroom; this mountain forest featuring a pond, waterfall, hiking trails and views of the Hudson River and Catskills is a great place for children to learn about ecology and environmental ethics.

Perfect for nature study, hiking and mountain biking. Six miles of trails. Great views of eastern Hudson River shore and Catskill Mountains.

Things To Do
Birding
Fishing (Contact local guides for information.)
Hiking Trails
Mountain Biking
Nature Study
Picnicking
Scenic Views

Directions
Crossing Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north for 8.2 miles. Left on Old Post Road. Lower parking lot is 0.2 miles on right. For upper lot, follow Old Post Road to Poppletown Road, which splits off to the right. Parking area is on the left, 2.5 miles from intersection of 9W and Old Post Road.

After a day of hiking, nature study or mountain biking in this scenic wonderland, pack a picnic from the produce at one of the local farms in the Hudson Valley. Or dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in Ulster, New York.

This simple statement expresses her love for the modest house she called Val-Kill. The only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady, Val-Kill welcomes visitors in the style of Mrs. Roosevelt. Come and be part of the entire Roosevelt Experience at Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill.

Eleanor Roosevelt chose Val-Kill for her retreat, her office, her home, and her "laboratory" for social change during the prominent and influential period of her life from 1924 until her death in 1962. During that time she formulated and carried out her social and political beliefs. This is the place most closely associated with one of the most prominent women of 20th-century America.

Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill (ERVK) works to preserve ER's home as a living memorial, a center for exchange of significant ideas, and a catalyst for change and the betterment of the human condition. They offer programs such as the Girls Leadership Workshop, held every summer.

Enjoy fun things to do with your children this summer. Join a park ranger for free Summer Family Programs. Press blue button for a schedule and description of Family walks and hikes on the grounds of the FDR estate. "Play like Franklin Roosevelt did in the olden days of the 19th century. Learn to use a Jacob’s ladder, a jump rope, or the hoop and stick." Previous scheduled walks for children included:

Springwood Stroll: A Historic Site Grounds Walk
ER’s Woodland Walk: Nature Study at Val-Kill
FDR’s Boyhood Fun

Press blue button for schedule of events, fees & reservations, things to do, things to know before visiting, family events, kids section, and more about this National Historic Site.

The word is At least one day is recommended to experience Franklin D. Roosevelt, National Historic Site. Visit Springwood, Top Cottage retreat, and Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill Cottage along with the grounds, the library, family events and more.

"The Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site was established as a monument to an era rather than a tribute to any one person or family. The estate illustrates a way of life modeled on the English country house and is only unusual today because so few examples survive in the 21st century. More than a place to discuss the lifestyles of the rich and famous, the park offers a window into the philosophy of the American country house, the lives of its domestic staff, and its relationship to the surrounding community.

Formal Gardens
"The Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association was formed in 1984 with a mission to restore the Formal Gardens as closely as possible to their appearance in the 1930s." Visitors may walk the grounds, hike carriage trails, or picnic at the overlook." The above information is sourced from the National Park Service.

Press blue button for directions, kids and teachers' section, history and culture, and planning a visit to the Vanderbilt Mansion.

The word is Tour the house and stroll the 200 + acres of park land that boast centuries old tree plantings, stunning Hudson River and Catskill Mountain views and Italian Gardens. At least one full day is recommended to experience the Vanderbilt Mansion and Franklin D. Roosevelt, National Historic Sites.

Ice Skating
Public Skating
Skate Sharpening (no rentals)

At Innisfree the visitor strolls from one three-dimensional picture to another. Streams, waterfalls, terraces, retaining walls, rocks, and plants are used not only to define areas but also to establish tension or motion. The 40-acre lake is glacial, most of the plant material is native, and the rocks have come from the immediate forest.

Press blue button for brochures, photos, and more about Innisfree Garden.

Clinton House State Historic Site has foundations which are two feet thick. The walls are constructed of rough fieldstone, while the gabled ends are made of wood. It is named in tribute to George Clinton, first governor of New York State, who resided in Poughkeepsie for twenty-one years.

Things To Do
Bowling coupons
Bowling lanes (52)
Bumper bowling for children
League bowling
Open bowling
Parties (kids birthday parties)
Pro Shop
Rock N Bowl
Scoring (automatic)

Refreshments
Sports Bar
Snackbar

In honor of the site’s history and connection to the visual arts and the Hudson River School of Art, Locust Grove opened its doors in 2006 to contemporary artists whose work reflects this style of artwork. Juried by a panel of art professionals, selected artists are offered a solo show at the estate’s elegant Museum Pavilion. Locust Grove encourages artists to develop new works of art for this exhibition opportunity. Contact Ursula Morgan at 845.454.4500, ext. 17 or at u.morgan@lgny.org.

"The historic site's stately trees, rolling hills, and picturesque views from the house and gardens situated on the highest bluff above the river all combine to create the natural landscape garden that Morse found so appealing . . . Near the house, Victorian style gardens and urns are set within the larger context of this landscape garden. Both the Morse and Young families loved flowers and the Main Perennial Garden preserves the unique style of these enthusiastic "students" of horticulture and plant collectors. It is truly a one-of-a-kind garden in the Hudson Valley."

About the Trails
Walk or hike three miles of trails comprised of carriage roads and footpaths, all clearly marked with trail maps available tol visitors.

Garden Volunteer Program
Volunteers are vital to the horticulture program at Locust Grove. Most garden volunteers come on a regularly scheduled day for two to three hours to help the professional horticulture staff with all variety of garden related projects.

Press blue button for Trail Maps, History, Gardens and Grounds, and Visiting information at Locust Grove.

Programs include.

Freestyle Program
Skaters will learn freestyle skating and moves in the field through the USFSA test structure. Daily curriculum will include on-ice instruction in free skating technique, such as jumping, spinning, moves in the field, creative movement, technical turning and elements of school figures. Off-ice training will include classes in dance and fitness/conditioning, including Pilates.

Dutchess Figure Skating Club
The goals of the club are to promote the sport of figure skating, to promote sportsmanship and to provide skaters the opportunity to test within the USFS.

Learn to Play Hockey
Learn what it takes to be a Blueshirt. The Future Rangers program provides a solid foundation in all the fundamental skating and hockey skills that a Ranger needs. All you need to start is your True Blue spirit.

Ice Activities and Attractions
Birthday Parties
Clinics and Camp
Pro Shop

Ice Skating
Figure Skating
Freestyle Program
Ice Skating Lessons
Public Skating
Speed Skating

Ice Hockey
Ice Hockey
Ice Hockey Lessons

Activities for Children
Hudson River Tides Water Play Table
River Town
Disney Radio Station
The Battle for Liberty - Hands on History
Hudson River Dive Bell
Sculpture: "Light aat the End of the Fallkill"
IBM's Da Vinci Inventions
Morse Telegraph
Health Center
Geography
Gravity Roll
Starlab Planetarium
Hudson River Mural
. . .

Press blue button for more about the activities at the Children's Museum.

The McCann Ice Arena serves youth organizations, leagues and individuals for both recreational and competitive figure skating and ice hockey, and offers ice slots, group and private lesson, public skating sessions and private parties.

The Mid-Hudson Civic Center is capable of hosting a wide variety of events, including: concerts, trade shows/expos, banquets, theater shows, meetings/conferences, assemblies, family events, and parties/dances.

Press blue button for more about the Mid-Hudson Civic Center.

"The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was built in the late 19th century to link New York and New England to an extensive, nationwide railway network. For decades, it was a major rail corridor for both freight and passengers.

"After a fire in 1974, the bridge was abandoned and sat for decades as an oprhaned relic. This brand new park was made possible due to the unwavering commitment of the community, who, through a non-profit organization called Walkway Over the Hudson, forged a public private partnership involving the State of New York, the federal government, neighboring municipalities, private corporations and other not for profit groups. The amazing result of this wonderful partnership is a brand new state park, now open for all to enjoy."

The park offers interpretive signs and a Talkway Over the Walkway cell phone tour.
The park closes as sunset. Please visit sunrisesunset.com to plan your trip.
There are two entrances to the park, one on either side of the Hudson River

Press blue button for information about the Harvest Schedule, Events Schedule, Family Activities, School Tours, and more.

Attractions
Boulder Dash for children and adults
Giant rope maze, corn maze, tile puzzle, bouncers for the kids
Face painting, storyteller and sing-along performer
Haunted House
Hayrides (free) to the orchard and pumpkin patch
Live Bands - Check weekend schedule.
Pedal Carts for children and adults
Petting Zoo
Pirate ship or ride the train at the Kids Playground.

U-Pick
Apple Picking
Pumpkin Picking

Our new "Fresh Fruit Membership" at the Greig Farm includes all of our delicious farm fresh fruit. We do not use systemic chemicals and chose natural predators over the chemical solution whenever possible.

Press blue button to learn more about pick-your-own apples, berries and pumpkins; and be sure to bring the children - kids love to pick apples and fruit.

Approximate Picking Schedule for 2010

". . . each of the 18 par-three holes plays beautifully. Water hazards and traps are numerous and add to the challenging experience. Kids love the waterfall, ponds, and stream continually running for the net to retrieve an errant put. Nature lovers are impressed by the wide variety of the lush landscaping. Our golf course is open from May through October, closing at dusk."

Press blue button for more about this 18 hole Miniature Golf Course.

The rolling fields and quiet woodlands have inspired generations of writers and artists.

This 120-acre park is nestled in the region's famous National Historic Landmark District and offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River, Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and Catskill Mountains. A visit to this property by Washington Irving is said to have inspired his classic story "Rip Van Winkle".

The park itself is buffered on all sides by 780-acres of private lands under Scenic Hudson conservation easements that insure the landscape's protection from development.

Attractions at Poets' Walk include two miles of trails through woods and open fields, magnificent setting for landscape artists, and rustic cedar pavilions.

Things To Do
Birding
Hiking / Walking Trails
Nature Study
Picnicking
Scenic Views

Directions
Crossing Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge from west to east, turn left at first traffic light onto River Road. Entrance is 0.6 miles on left.

After a day of hiking, walking, or studying the wildlife, pack a picnic from the produce at local farms in the Hudson Valley. Or dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in Dutchess New York.

Things To Do
Bowling coupons
Bowling lanes (20)
Bumper bowling for children
League bowling
Open bowling
Parties (kids birthday parties)
Pro Shop
Rock N Bowl

Refreshments
Lounge
Snackbar


Kids Attractions
18 hole Miniature Golf Course
Arcade

CSA Products
Apples
Eggs
Herbs
Honey
Locally made cheeses
Organic Vegetables

Burger Hill's seventy-six-acres of open meadows and rural, scenic beauty are perfect for bird-watching. The park is protected by a Scenic Hudson conservation easement and is owned by Winnakee Land Trust.

Things To Do
Birding
Hiking / Walking
Picnicking

Winter Activities
Cross-County Skiing
Sledding

Directions
From intersection of Route 9 and Route 9G, take Route 9G south for 2.5 miles. Parking area on right

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, photos and more information about Burger Hill Park.

On Saturday June 12th, the Aerodrome will begin its 51st Season. The 2010 season will run through October 17th, with air-shows every Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. The gates open and biplane rides begin at 10:00am, the air show starts at 2pm and ends at 4pm, and the Museum is open daily 10:00am - 5:00pm. Press blue button for more about the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.

Thomas Suckley and his wife Catherine Murray Bowne wanted a building site endowed with striking natural features in the best traditions of the picturesque aesthetic. The landscape setting for Wilderstein fulfilled this criteria by virtue of its varied terrain and the scenic views it afforded of the river and distant mountains - the vistas framed by tall cedars and evergreens.

Suckley named the property "Wilderstein" (wild man's stone) in reference to a nearby Indian petroglyph, an allusive reminder of a cultural heritage that preceded European settlements in the region.

The original Italianate villa designed by John Warren Ritch was remodeled and enlarged in 1888 by Thomas's son Robert Bowne Suckley and his wife, Elizabeth Philips Montgomery. Poughkeepsie architect Arnout Cannon was hired to transform the two story villa into an elaborate Queen Anne style country house . . .

The fashionably appointed interiors were designed by the New York City decorator, Joseph Burr Tiffany. With the ground floor rooms executed in contrasting historic revival and aesthetic movement styles, the interiors at Wilderstein offer a splendid microcosm of the decorative arts during this period of American design.

The self-conscious opulence of the newly remodeled Wilderstein was complimented by the Picturesque Landscape design of Calvert Vaux who laid out the grounds at Wilderstein according to the principles of American Romantic Landscape style . . .

The last resident of Wilderstein was Margaret (Daisy) Suckley. A cousin and confidante of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Miss Suckley traveled extensively with FDR during his presidency, gave him his famous black Scottish terrier Fala and helped to establish his library in Hyde Park. Miss Suckley was with FDR when he was fatally stricken at Warm Springs, Georgia in 1945. She died at Wilderstein in 1991, in her 100th year. The letters they exchanged during their friendship, discovered in a black battered suitcase at Wilderstein, provide one of the best resources for understanding the private side of Roosevelt’s life during his presidency. Press blue button for more about Wilderstein Historic Site in the Hudson Valley of New York.

Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park adjoins Ogden Mills and Ruth Livingston Mills Memorial State Park and together, comprise more than 1,000-acres. Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park offers a full menu of exhilarating recreational opportunities and activities for visitors of all ages.

A serene wooded area with glimpses of the river provides an ideal location for camping. A marina consisting of slip space and a boat launch ramp is a popular area within the park. Press blue button for directions, and more about the activities and attractions available at Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park.

Things To Do
Biking
Boat Launches
Cabins Campsites
Dockage
Fishing
Golf Grills
Hiking
Marina (Marina Pump Out Stations)
Nature Trails
Pavilions
Picnic Tables
Powerboats
Scenic Views
Showers (Handicap Accessible)
Tent/Trailer Sites

Winter Activities
Cross-country Skiing
Snowshoeing Trails

Darius Ogden Mills, father of Ogden Mills, established the family fortune by investing in banks, railroads and mines. Ogden Mills, like his father, was a noted financier and philanthropist. In 1882 he married Ruth Livingston, whose family had been prominent landowners in the Hudson Valley since the 17th century. In the 1890s Mr. & Mrs. Mills commissioned the prestigious New York City architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White to remodel and enlarge their home. Work began in 1895 and when completed in 1896, the house had been transformed from a 25-room Greek Revival style home into a Beaux-Arts mansion of 65 rooms and 14 bathrooms. Although the interior was lavishly decorated, mostly in the styles of 17th and 18th-century France, many architectural features of the earlier Livingston home such as the trims, moldings and many of the fireplaces had been preserved. This melding of grandeur and heritage is characteristic of the American Renaissance period.

Owning five homes, the Mills family resided in their Staatsburg home primarily in the fall and entertained as many as 80 guests at a time. The home and surrounding property was passed to their son, Ogden Livingston Mills in 1929. After his death in 1937 his sister Gladys Mills Phipps inherited the property and in 1938 donated the house and 192-acres of the estate to the State of New York as a memorial to her parents. Today the elegant mansion, restored to its turn-of-the-century appearance, is open for tours and the house and grounds offer special events throughout the year.

Things To Do
Biking
Educational Services
Gift Shop
Group Tours
Hiking
Historic Site
Interpretive Sign
Picnic Area
Scenic Views

Winter Activities
Cross-country Skiing

Press blue button for U-Pick dates.

U-Pick
Apple Picking
Blueberry Picking
Cherry Picking
Peach Picking
Pumpkin Picking
Strawberry Picking

Things To Do
Bowling coupons
Bowling lanes (36)
Bumper bowling for children
League bowling
Open bowling
Parties (kids birthday parties)
Pro Shop
Rock N Bowl

Refreshments
Lounge
Snackbar