Franklin Delano Roosevelt spent more than 12 years in the White House, but Springwood was the place he called home.

FDR designed much of the home in the Hudson River Valley himself. He and his mother expanded the Italianate mansion purchased by his father, adding two wings and a third story, bringing the home more in line with the then-popular Colonial Revival style.

Springfield served as the “Summer White House” during FDR’s administration. He gave speeches from the front porch, and hosted Queen Elizabeth and King George VI on their first state visit. As he requested, FDR and his wife were buried in the Rose Garden at Springwood.

The site today includes FDR’s Presidential Library and a museum dedicated to his life. A tour of the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site begins with a film about his life and a guided tour of the mansion. You can visit the Presidential Library and Museum and walk along the grounds and trails on your own.

From the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, you can take a shuttle to Top Cottage, the wheelchair-accessible retreat the president used when he wanted more privacy to relax or meet with advisors. If only the walls of Top Cottage could talk!

If You Go: 

You can also visit Val-Kill Cottage, where First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt entertained. The cottage has a lovely garden.

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