Hudson River Valley

Springwood

The hunting, fishing, forests, fields and animals at Springwood, the nickname by which his home is popularly known, made it an idyllic place for young Franklin D. Roosevelt to grow up in the late 19th century. Although he spent winters in New York City, summers at Campobello and traveled to Europe with his parents frequently, his heart was always at Springwood.

Franklin brought his new bride Eleanor to live at the estate and returned many times during his years as governor of New York and as United States President. In 1944, ill and weary of the war, he said, "All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on the Hudson River."

Visitors may tour the house, grounds and outbuildings. A 3.3-mile hiking trail joins the Roosevelt estate with the Vanderbilt Mansion (see map). Both are owned and operated by the National Park Service. Talks by rangers are held on a regular basis. Programs vary, and include themes dealing with FDR's Presidency, policies, conservation, home life, and his personal and political challenges.

Visitors who are mobility-impaired may take a multimedia tour of the Roosevelt Home thanks to a donation by Corbis Inc. Corbis's FDR CD-ROM is available at a computer kiosk on the first floor. This comprehensive look at the Roosevelt story is also for sale at the park bookstore, which carries books, postcards, and other items.

An admission fee is charged for the FDR Home. It includes admission to the adjacent FDR Library and Museum. Children ages 16 and are admitted free of charge. Golden Age, Golden Eagle, and Golden Access Passport holders and bonafide educational groups receive free entrance to the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. See MAP of the FDR/Vanderbilt grounds.

A combination pass admits visitors to the Home of FDR National Historic Site, FDR Library & Museum, Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site at a reduced cost. The Mansion and Visitor Center are accessible by wheelchair. Parking for buses and RVs is available. Handicapped parking is also available.

For contact information, see Practicalities page.