“The greatest thing I have learned is how good it is to come home again,” Eleanor Roosevelt
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 take part of the entire Roosevelt Experience at Eleanor Roosevelt’‘s Val-Kill.
The Basics
Hours:
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site is open daily May thru October from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
The last tour of the day is at 4:00pm.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
The grounds are open daily year-round from dawn to dusk.
Address:
4097 Albany Post Road
Hyde Park, NY 12538
Phone:
845-229-9115
Directions
Val-Kill is on Route 9G in Hyde Park, NY about 90 miles north of New York City and 70 miles south of Albany.
Seasons
November thru April Val-Kill is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Fees
Grounds are free, Val-Kill Guided Tour - $8.00
Reservations
Groups of 10 or more are required to make a reservation.
Things To Do
Val-Kill ( Eleanor Roosevelt's cottage) was originally a furniture factory started by Mrs. Roosevelt to teach young men from the area a trade during the depression. When the factory closed in 1936, Eleanor Roosevelt converted the factory into a retreat home. It became Mrs. Roosevelt permanent residence after the death of FDR in 1945. It was the only place Eleanor Roosevelt called home. The Roosevelt family enjoyed picnics and swimming parties at Val-Kill. They also entertained world leaders such as the king and queen of England, Winston Churchill, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, Princess Martha of Norway as well as child star Shirley Temple at Val-Kill.
