Martin Van Buren National Historic Site

Politics before the Civil War was a whirlwind of opposing interest groups. Martin Van Buren was able to unite those groups becoming president in 1837, but he was unable to gain a second term. As frustration and violence over the extension of slavery grew in the 1840s, Van Buren ran for the presidency twice more from this house. He hoped for re-election but failed, ultimately, just as the union.

The Basics

Hours:

Sign-up for tours at the visitor center. Tours begin at the top of every hour from 9:00 to 4:00.

Address:

1013 Old Post Road
Kinderhook, NY 12106

Phone:

518-758-9689

Map

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, New York Map

Directions

From Albany, Montreal and other points north and west
Take Interstate 90 to US Route 9 south at Exit 12; from Boston and points east travel on Interstate 90 to US Route 9 south at Exit B1. After exiting Interstate 90, follow US Route 9 south 4.5 miles to the traffic circle. Enter the traffic circle and exit it onto NY Route 9H. Continue on NY Route 9H another 4.5 miles south to the park entrance on the right. Look for the large brown and white park sign. Note the site is on NY Route 9H, not US Route 9.

From New York City, Hyde Park, and Points south
Take US Route 9 north to Kinderhook. At the stoplight in the Village Kinderhook, turn right onto Hudson Street. Proceed approximately one mile over the Kinderhook Creek and make your first left following the signs for NY Route 9H. Turn right onto NY Route 9H south. Park is approximately 1.5 miles south on the right.

Climate

The weather at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site is typical of the northeast United States; it varies considerably throughout the year. Always check the forecast prior to your visit and dress accordingly. Be sure to wear comformtable walking shoes as well.

Link to our Hudson/Kinderhook Weather coverage for more information.

Seasons

The visitor season runs seven days-a-week from 9:00am to 4:30pm from mid-May to October 31. An entrance fee for those 16 and older, to tour the house, is collected at the Visitor Center across the Old Post Road from the parking lot. Please see the park ranger there for additional information on fees, tours and sales items. Holders of National Park passes are admitted free. Daily activities include ranger-led tours of Lindenwald. See the centerpiece of President Van Buren's Lindenwald farm. The mansion is also where Van Buren managed two presidential campaigns and entertained politicians and celebrities during the turbulent 1840's and 1850's.

Fees

$4.00 - $9.00

Guided Tours

Daily activities include ranger-led tours of Lindenwald. See the centerpiece of President Van Buren's Lindenwald farm. The mansion is also where Van Buren managed two presidential campaigns and entertained politicians and celebrities during the turbulent 1840s and 1850s.

Sign-up for tours at the visitor center. Tours begin at the top of every hour from 9:00 to 4:00.

Nearby Attractions

Other Attractions

Olana State Historic Site - Olana is the home of famed Hudson River School painter Frederic Church. 20miles
Clermont State Historic Site - The home of seven generations of the Livingston family including Robert R. Livingston who helped to draft the Declaration of Independence. The world's first successful steamboat was invented here. 25 miles
Lake Taghkanic State Park, 25mi
Landmarks Visitor Center, 547 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534 - The Landmarks Visitor Center in Hudson has information and merchandise about area historic sites including Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, Clermont State Historic Site, Olana State Historic Site, Columbia County Historical Society and the Shaker Museum and Library in Columbia County and Thomas Cole National Historic Site in nearby Greene County. 10 miles

Link to our Hudson/Kinderhook Attractions coverage for more information.

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