Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library

About

As New York City became increasingly industrialized in the 19th century, the upper-class took flight, seeking refuge in places like Hyde Park. Among the illustrious names that took up residence in Hyde Park: the Vanderbilts, the richest family in the world who kickstarted America’s consolidation as a world power. Designed by the esteemed McKim, Mead & White architecture firm, you can stroll the pleasant park around the the Beaux-Arts, but you'll want to take a tour of the manor to see the Vanderbilts' decadent lifestyle. Even the Vanderbilts play second to Hyde Park's best known resident: President Franklin D. Roosevelt. FDR was born and lived at his estate, Springwood. Take a tour of the interior to see how FDR lived and learn more about the life of the beloved president. Then visit the museum or presidential library, or stroll through the gardens where you'll find the graves of FDR and his wife, Eleanor. And speaking of Eleanor, her home of Val-Kill is only about 2 miles away and is also open to visit!