Springwood, home of FDR
“All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on the Hudson River” FDR. That pretty much sums up how I feel when I stay in the Woodstock area! Springwood is the birthplace, lifelong home, and burial place of the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The National Historic Site was established in 1945. The house is located in Hyde Park, which is about a 40-minute drive from Woodstock and well worth a visit. To get there head to historic Rhinecliff (where there are some great little lunch places) and then continue south on route 9. I would highly recommend taking the one hour tour of the house, call 845-229-5320 for tour times as they vary by season and try to arrive early in the summer months as it gets busy. We were fortunate enough to have The National Park Service’s Ranger Dave as our guide. He was knowledgeable and funny, as well as getting the kids involved. The house has literally been frozen in time since 1945, with many of FDR’s personal effects still in place.
Plan to spend a day here, there is so much to see and do. Also on the site is the Presidential Library and Museum, which was under renovation when we visited and even then there was still a lot to see! The place is crammed with family photos, artifacts and interesting stories about the Roosevelts. We didn’t even have time to visit Val-Kill, the retreat about two miles from Springwood, built by Eleanor to escape her overpowering mother-in-law! We will for sure, next time.
Plan to spend a day here, there is so much to see and do. Also on the site is the Presidential Library and Museum, which was under renovation when we visited and even then there was still a lot to see! The place is crammed with family photos, artifacts and interesting stories about the Roosevelts. We didn’t even have time to visit Val-Kill, the retreat about two miles from Springwood, built by Eleanor to escape her overpowering mother-in-law! We will for sure, next time.
