We have been checking out some different places in the Hudson Valley, and wanted to visit the FDR Historic site on the way downstate from the Capital Region.

Hyde Park may be a small town, but there is so much to do during a visit to the birthplace of Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States. With three national parks and the nation’s first presidential library and museum, it will take more than a single day to see everything. Beyond Hyde Park, the region’s Hudson Valley National Heritage Area is home to many museums, historic houses, gardens, nature preserves, and culinary adventures.

Tickets are $15, and sold on a first come, first serve basis.

We used Google Maps to get there, and it is easy to find.

There is plenty of parking at the site, and the Visitor Center is right where you park.

The Visitor Center is a nice large space, with a gift shop, restaurant, exhibits, and an auditorium.

The grounds are beautiful, and it was a short walk (about 5 minutes) to the beginning of the tour at the Carriage house.

The tour was clearly marked.

Next, we visited the FDR home.

We were able to explore the house, from the living room to FDR’s bedroom. The residence is well preserved and decorated with many original items from the home, including FDR’s wheelchair.

The views from the FDR house have been maintained.

Just outside the home, FDR was buried in the rose garden, per his request. He passed on April 12, 1945.

The walk back and around the property has a lot to offer, with great views as well as displays like this one with Churchill.

There is a restaurant on site, Uncle Sam’s Canteen. With indoor and outdoor seating, it makes it a nice place to sit and relax, especially if you spend time walking the grounds of the estate.

The food was actually very good, and reasonably priced.

The gift shop was very nice, with a lot of great merchandise, from historical prints to shirts.

We could have spent much more time at the FDR site, between walking the grounds, checking out a movie in the auditorium, and more. I enjoyed our visit, with a mix of history buffs and those who wanted to explore the local history.

Check out the FDR site at https://www.nps.gov/hofr/index.htm