Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate

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Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Uncovering New York

Touring Kykuit: A Rockefeller Estate in Sleepy Hollow, New York

The front facade of Kykuit in the Hudson Valley of New York

The Hudson Valley is home to some of the country’s most incredible Gilded Age mansions, and one of the best to tour is Kykuit near Sleepy Hollow, New York.

Kykuit was owned by four generations of the Rockefeller family and was first used as a vacation home before later becoming a primary home. The house was initially built for oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller and was later the primary home for New York Governor and Vice President of the United States Nelson Rockefeller.

Kykuit, which is derived from the Dutch word for “lookout”, was completed in 1913 and served as a winter and early summer getaway for the Rockefeller family. It has 40 rooms and sits on 3,400 acres of land on a hillside overlooking the Hudson River.

Trees line one of the entrances to Kykuit in Westchester County New York.

I’ve always been fascinated by the opulence of the Gilded Age, so I was excited to take a tour of the home on a beautiful autumn day. There are several tour options, and I opted for the Classic Tour. This tour is a little over two hours long and includes the chance to see the home, the gardens, and the impressive art and antique car collections.

Some tours of the property include a bit more or a bit less than what I did in my tour. My comments here will focus on the spots visited in the Classic Tour, so just be aware that if you book a different tour, your experience might be slightly different. Still, the general experience of touring Kykuit should remain the same.

The entrance to the visitor center at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, NY covered in shade.

All tours leave from Philipsburg Manor near the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery , and the shuttle ride to Kykuit is included in the ticket price and listed length of the tour.

For my tour, we started on the eastern side of the home. As you approach, you are sure to be awed by the ivy-covered structure that feels like it wouldn’t be out of place in the countryside of Europe.

Along the road up to the Kykuit as well as the area adjacent where tours start, there are several large and impressive art pieces.

kykuit tours

Outside the home, guides start the tour with a bit of an overview of the property’s history, as well as the story of the Rockefellers, one of the richest and most influential families in American history.

Soon, the tour heads inside the home for a tour of the first floor, which is primarily the public living and entertaining space in the mansion.

The interior of Kykuit is truly breathtaking in its opulence, with each room somehow being more incredible than the last.  During the tour, you’ll be able to see priceless artifacts from around the world, my favorite of which were the porcelain vases from the Ming Dynasty in China.

Furniture sitting on the back porch of Kykuit in the Hudson Valley.

Sadly, photos aren’t allowed inside the home, so you’ll just have to visit to fully appreciate this incredible space.

After touring the first floor, my tour headed back outdoors to tour a small portion of the home’s gardens. Unsurprisingly, these spaces were quite beautiful and undoubtedly relaxing for the residents of the house.

View of the Hudson River and the mountains beyond it from the back porch of Kykuit near Sleepy Hollow, NY

While the trees have grown up somewhat since when Kykuit was a private home, there is still a great view overlooking the Hudson River. The land on the opposite bank was saved from quarrying, in large part because the industrialists on the eastern bank didn’t want their view impacted, and today is publically owned.

If you opt to take the Classic Tour or the Grand Tour, you’ll also have a chance to visit the basement of Kykuit, which is home to Vice President Nelson Rockefeller’s art collection and is one of the most incredible private collections I’ve ever seen.

Roman-esque statue outside of Kykuit in Westchester County New York

This climate-controlled space feels like a high-end museum and features work by famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. It’s truly amazing to see these incredible pieces in such an intimate setting, and the art museum portion was one of my favorite parts of the tour.

The final space included on the Classic Tour is the Carriage House. Like everything on this property, this space is larger and more opulent than any other similar space I’ve seen.

The stone exterior of the Carriage House at Kykuit in New York.

Inside, the Carriage House is the Rockefeller family’s collection of antique cars and carriages, each of which was used by the family at some point. The pieces on display span more than a century of transportation history and none of them would be out of place in some of New York’s great antique automobile museums.

Even if you aren’t overly interested in antique cars, this space is still interesting to see for the many unique pieces on display.

The back gardens of Kykuit in the Hudson Valley of New York

Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to Kykuit. Not only was the home incredible to see, but my guide did an excellent job bringing the space to life and showcasing the history of both the space and one of America’s most powerful families. Plus, the chance to see incredible pieces of art and some interesting antique automobiles was an added plus.

I’ve toured several of the Gilded Era mansions in the Hudson Valley (including the Vanderbilt Mansion and Staatsburgh ), and this is definitely among the best and worth a stop when exploring the region.

Looking for more places to visit nearby? Check out Bannerman Castle , Dover Stone Church , and the West Point Museum .

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Jim Cheney is the creator of Uncovering New York. After spending 5.5 years exploring Pennsylvania, Jim discovered a love for New York and is excited to spend time exploring this great state and uncovering the best things to do here.

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Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate

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http://www.hudsonvalley.org/historic-sites/kykuit

Pocantico Hills

Tarrytown, NY 10591

Hours: House and Garden open from May through November

(Closed Tuesdays) 10:00-3:00, weekends 10:00-4:00.

Garden and Sculpture tours depart 11:15 AM Wed, Sat, & Sun. Notes: Groups tours available by reservation.

Phone: (914) 631-9491

Historical Description:

Completed in 1913 for John D. Rockefeller by architects William Adams Delano and Chester Holmes Aldrich, Kykuit has been home to four generations of Rockefeller family members. Visitors will see interiors designed by Ogden Codman, collections of Chinese and European ceramics, fine furnishings and galleries of twentieth-century art. Landscape architect William Welles Bosworth designed terraces and gardens with fountains, pavilions and classical sculpture; more than 70 works of modern sculpture were added during the 1960s and 70s. In the coach barn are horse drawn vehicles and classic automobiles.

All tours of Kykuit begin at the Philipsburg Manor/Kykuit Visitor Center on Route 9 in Sleepy Hollow, New York. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. While every effort is made to accommodate individuals in a timely manner, there may be waiting time for a tour. Please note that weekends are the busiest days, and tours may sell out by midday. The guided tour takes approximately 2 hours and is wheelchair accessible. Strollers and backpack carriers are not permitted. Parents are required to supply a car seat for the shuttle bus ride to Kykuit for children age 4 and under. You may also purchase gift certificates using a credit card by calling Historic Hudson Valley at (914) 631-9491. Call 1-800-53-FERRY for information about boat trips to Kykuit from Manhattan and New Jersey.

Directions:

One hour north of New York City. To reach the Kykuit Visitor Center at Philipsburg Manor from the New York Thruway, take Exit 9 and go two miles north on Route 9; via I-95, the Hutchinson River of the Merrit Parkways, take I-287 West to 87 North, to Exit 9 (last exit before bridge) and go two miles north on Route 9. The Visitor Center is also accessible via Metro North Railroad (Tarrytown Station) from Grand Central Station.

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Hudson River Valley Institute 3399 North Rd Poughkeepsie NY 12601 Phone: 845.575.3052 Fax: 845.575.3416 Email: [email protected]

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Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate – One of the Best Day Trips From NYC

Table of Contents

  • 1.1 Word of advice from a NYC tour guide:
  • 1.2 What is Kykuit?
  • 1.3 How big is Kykuit?
  • 1.4 Kykuit Tours
  • 1.5 “What will I see at Kykuit?”
  • 1.6 “Why should I go?”
  • 1.7 Things to do after touring Kykuit:
  • 1.8 Getting to Kykuit:

Kykuit offers the perfect day trip opportunity from New York City, particularly for travelers who enjoy architecture, art, beautiful landscapes, and history.

Less than one hour from Rockefeller Center, tucked into Pocantico Hills, is the beautiful Rockefeller Estate called “Kykuit”.  Located in Sleepy Hollow (Westchester County, NY), Kykuit is less than 40 minutes by train from Grand Central Terminal.

Word of advice from a NYC tour guide :

If you only have a few days in NYC, don’t bother with day trips.  There are so many interesting things to do and see in New York City that it would almost be a sin to leave the city if your time in the city is limited.  However, if you have a week or more in the city, especially if you’ve visited NYC before, then a quick trip to Kykuit is a great idea.

What is Kykuit?

Kykuit, the name of the Rockefeller Estate, means “Lookout” in Dutch.  And while the Rockefellers were not Dutch, the name likely paid homage to New York’s Dutch roots – New Amsterdam was established at the bottom of Manhattan, while New Netherland was spread across the East Coast of the United States, including Dutch colonies in upstate New York, Delaware, and New Jersey (check out a great book about NY’s Dutch influence by Russell Shorto called The Island at the Center of the World ).

The original “retreat” in the country was built by John D. Rockefeller, the family patriarch and oil monopolist, at the end of the 19 th century (encouraged by his son, John D. Rockefeller Jr.).  The house was altered in 1913 to its current appearance.  The location was ideal for a family estate — an idyllic retreat and a relatively easy commute from New York City by steam boat up the Hudson River.

“Senior” moved in to Kykuit when he was in his 70s (he died at 97).  He commissioned a reversible 9-hole golf course on the property, since he was an avid golfer and had plenty of time for leisure in his later years.  John D. Rockefeller was the world’s first billionaire , having amassed an enormous fortune with his oil behemoth called Standard Oil.  Keep in mind, he was a billionaire more than a century ago!

His son, “Junior”, also moved to Kykuit in his 70s, with his wife Abby Aldrich Rockefeller.  One of Junior’s 5 sons, Nelson Rockefeller , was the prominent member of the third Rockefeller generation to live in the house.  He is also responsible for adding an impressive collection of modern art, including paintings, tapestry, and sculptures.

Interesting fact:

John D. Rockefeller Senior and Junior were devout Baptists, and as such, they didn’t smoke, drink, dance, or gamble.  That’s why the house has a beautiful piano but no ballroom!  Fun times at Kykuit…

This conservative lifestyle is also reflected in the house itself, which, although grand, isn’t a “show-off” mansion like the Breakers in Newport , Rhode Island built by the Vanderbilts (or any other mansion built by the Vanderbilts, for that matter).

How big is Kykuit?

The mansion itself, which is now open to the public as a museum, has 40 rooms.  It sits on a 250-acre central section of the much bigger 3,400 acre Rockefeller family compound.

Kykuit Estate in Sleepy Hollow, NY

Kykuit Tours

Kykuit tours are offered by Historic Hudson Valley, which was established by “Junior” in 1951 .  They offer several different tours, ranging from the “Time Saver” tour, which lasts 90 minutes, to the “Grand Tour”, which lasts 3 hours.  Most tours are $25 per adult on weekdays and $28 on weekends.  The Grand Tour is $40.

The days and hours of operation vary seasonally, so be sure to view the tours page for available dates during your visit.  Reserving your tickets ahead of time is highly recommended, as they can sell out fast, especially on weekends.

“What will I see at Kykuit?”

Depending on which tour option you choose, you may get to explore parts of the mansion; the beautiful main grounds, which combine landscape architecture, as well as classical and modern sculpture; the enormous “barn”, with a rare collection of vintage coaches and cars; and various gorgeously landscaped gardens, including the Italian garden and “Adam and Eve” fountain area.

Vintage car and coach collection at Kykuit

If you have an interest in modern art, be sure to choose a tour that includes Nelson Rockefeller’s (4-term NY State Governor and Vice President of the United States under President Ford) basement art gallery.  Here you will find works by Picasso, Chagall, Warhol (including a “Pop Art” painting depicting an angry Nelson Rockefeller), and many other prominent artists who worked in the abstract, avant garde, and modern styles.

“Why should I go?”

Kykuit is a rare historic and architectural gem, which was home to 4 generations of the Rockefeller Family (David Rockefeller, who is Nelson’s brother and son of “Junior”, still lives in a different house on the enormous property and is 101 years old.).  It’s a meticulously preserved century-old masterpiece, with amazing views of the surrounding Hudson valley, beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens, rare works of art – from ancient Chinese figurines to Picasso tapestry, from replica Florentine statues to modern sculptures – and beautiful architecture.

A day trip to Kykuit gives you a chance to get away from New York City’s crowds, noise, and traffic, while learning about the Rockefellers — one of the richest, most famous, influential, and philanthropic families in American history.  The commute from Manhattan is under an hour, which makes it all-the-more appealing as a quick and enjoyable excursion into the “country”.

Anyone with even a slight interest in history, architecture, nature, interior design, and art, will walk away delighted.

The grounds and modern art at Kykuit

Things to do after touring Kykuit:

Don’t rush back to Manhattan after your tour, because neighboring Tarrytown offers some terrific dining options along Main Street.  It has a charming small-town feel and quality lunch and dinner options in just a few short blocks.

Fans of Washington Irving’s “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” should head to nearby Sleepy Hollow Cemetery .  While you may not encounter any Headless Horsemen or ghosts by day, you can visit graves of famous “residents” , including Walter Chrysler, Andrew Carnegie, and of course, Washington Irving himself.

Getting to Kykuit:

Kykuit’s website provides great directions to the Rockefeller Estate if you’re driving.

If you plan to take the train, head to Grand Central Terminal on East 42 nd Street in Midtown, Manhattan.  Once inside, enter the Main Concourse with the Milky Way vaulted ceiling, and buy a round-trip ticket to Tarrytown.  You can just hail a taxi (there should be taxis waiting for arriving passengers when you exit, if not, call 914-631-TAXI) for the 5-minute ride to Philipsburg Manor, where the Kykuit tours depart from.

Enjoy your day trip!

And if you’d like to explore New York City before or after your visit to Kykuit, check out our fun and informative small-group NYC walking tours .

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Kykuit Tours

November 4, 2022 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

kykuit tours

Built between 1906 and 1913, Kykuit was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. In 2022 the site will be open for guided tours Saturday-Sunday from May 21-October 2; and Wednesday-Monday between October 5-November 13. There are three distinct Kykuit tours available: Classic Tour: Great for first-time visitors. Your visit will include the main floor of the house, art galleries, Inner Garden, golf room, and Coach Barn. The tour is 2 1/4 hours, including the shuttle bus ride. $38-$40. Grand Tour:  Includes everything in the Classic Tour, plus extra time in the gardens and art galleries, as well as a visit to the second floor of the home. The tour is 3 hours, including the shuttle bus ride. $60. Selected Highlights Tour: This tour includes the main floor of the house, Inner Garden, and West Terrace. The perfect choice for those with busy schedules. The tour is 1 1/2 hours, including the shuttle bus ride. $18-$20. Location: All Kykuit tours originate from the Visitor Center at Philipsburg Manor, 381 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, 914-631-8200. https://hudsonvalley.org Do not type “Kykuit” into your GPS, as it will not bring you to the right location. Admittance to the estate is by guided tours only.

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Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate

Architecture , landscapes & gardens.

kykuit tours

  • 381 North Broadway, Route 9 Sleepy Hollow, NY
  • 914-366-6900
  • Westchester County
  • Westchester County Tourism Website
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  • Guided tours through May 12 - November 12
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Varies by tour

This Classical Revival-style villa was completed in 1913 for John D. Rockefeller, founder of the Standard Oil Company. It became the home of his son, philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., and grandson, Nelson A. Rockefeller, four-time governor of New York and vice president under Gerald Ford. First-floor living spaces were designed by Ogden Codman Jr., then America’s leading interior decorator. They contain excellent examples of 18th-century-style furniture, as well as Asian ceramics. An underground art gallery holds works from the collection of Nelson Rockefeller, including pieces by Andy Warhol and Alexander Calder. Dramatic grounds were designed by noted architect William Welles Bosworth and feature formal gardens in a variety of styles. The grounds contain fountains, pavilions, and Nelson Rockefeller’s collection of large-scale sculptures, including works by Louise Nevelson, David Smith, Pablo Picasso, and Henry Moore.

Historic Hudson Valley provides a sign language interpreter for visitors who are hearing impaired. Please call in advance to request this service and note that Historic Hudson Valley does not provide transcripts of their tours. 

Amenities:  Restrooms

Nearby Destinations

  • Philipsburg Manor Upper Mills 0 miles
  • Sleepy Hollow Cemetery 0.6 miles
  • Union Church of Pocantico Hills 1.7 miles
  • Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture 2.1 miles
  • Lyndhurst 2.3 miles
  • Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
  • Architecture
  • Landscapes & Gardens

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O. Christine

Kykuit Tour: Visiting the Rockefeller Estate in Sleepy Hollow, NY

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“Secret Garden” doesn’t begin to describe the lush setting that welcomes you as you step off the Kykuit shuttle bus to a four-generation home turned museum: the Rockefeller estate in Sleepy Hollow, NY.

Day Trip from NYC by Train or Car

Section description

One of the best things about visiting the Rockefeller Estate’s Kykuit Mansion is its proximity to NYC by train or car. Hop on the Metro North if you don’t have a vehicle and you’ll be enjoying one of the best things to do in Westchester/Sleepy Hollow, NY in less than an hour.

Kykuit Tours: The Rockefeller Estate Classic Tour

There are different Kykuit tours you can choose from if you want to visit the Rockefeller Estate. They are offered by Historic Hudson Valley.

I chose the Classic Tour; I picked up my ticket for the one o’clock Classic Tour of the estate 30 minutes early as instructed. The tour lasts 2+ hours and the forecasted rain and summer humidity had me already second-guessing choosing a walking tour in the July heat. 

Our guide, Susan greeted us at the waiting area outside of the Visitor Center / Gift Shop and luckily, our shuttle was well air-conditioned. Within five minutes familiar Westchester surroundings came to a halt as a large gate opened to mark the beginning of our journey through the Rockefeller estate. 

Here are the Kykuit Tours offered as of 2019:

  • Classic Tour : 2.25 hours, $15-28pp (runs Thurs-Sun throughout the day)
  • Grand Tour: 3 hours, $30-40pp (runs at 9:45am, 1:45pm Thurs-Fri, 3pm Sat-Sun)
  • Landmark Tour : 2.25 hours, $15-28pp (only runs at 11am Thurs-Sun)
  • Timesaver Tour : 1.5 hours, $15-28pp (runs Thurs-Sun throughout the day)
  • Group Tours (discounts on the aforementioned Kykuit Tours)

The Meaning of “Kykuit”

“Kykuit”, dutch for “Look out”, represents the high hill that the Rockefeller Estate rests on, offering views overlooking the Hudson River and New York City skyline.

An Estate Influenced by English and Italian Design

Influenced by Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens in Florence, Italy (which I recognized from my trip to Florence) , John D. Rockefeller, Jr. chose a fountain statue of Oceanus to stand directly across the manor front entrance. 

The standing 20th-century home was built by John D. Rockefeller, Sr. and lavishly decorated by his junior. The Classic Kykuit Tour gave us insight into Junior and his son, (Governor) Nelson’s love for art, sculpture, and automobiles, amongst other treasures.

From the romantic English-style gardens to the Italian-style garden rooms adjacent to the Rockefeller house, sculpture collection, and five-hole reversible golf course, the 4,000 acres of landscape gives the opulent six-story stone mansion a run for its money (and lots of it), some might say. 

Inside the Rockefeller Estate’s Six-story Kykuit Mansion

View this post on Instagram A post shared by O. Christine | Travel • Wellness • Outdoors (@ochristine)

Still in a nostalgic fog of my time exploring the garden fountain, the Kykuit front porch made of limestone led me through grand double doors and into the historical home, with a men’s and women’s room on either side of me.

The men’s room gave me a glimpse of the working Rockefeller, his desk, and hobbies, while the women’s room told a story of card games and planning what is now the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA: founded by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, wife of Rockefeller Junior).

In-home elevators dressed the decorated halls and an open, atrium-style chamber purposed for enjoying music divided the front gender-based quarters from the back of the house. I paused to imagine the family often sitting in this area before I turned and entered a small room housing decorated china collections from around the world. 

Through a discrete door, our guide led us into a large kitchen pantry that would put some New York City studio apartments to shame. The annunciator alone was an indication of the house’s size and grandeur. Each visitor and guest was marked on this device in order to keep track of who was where (and when).  

Other rooms explored during this Kykuit tour were the dining room, library, tea room, and basement featuring an elaborate collection of modern art.

Picasso tapestries draped the basement walls and temperature-controlled settings ensured each work of brilliance was properly preserved.  

Before our departure, we were shuttled to the massive Coach Barn, where antique carriages, automobiles, and other gems remained stored and on display.

Why Don’t the Rockefellers Live in the Kykuit Estate Anymore?

Well it was just too much work, frankly. There is still one “small” house (originally built on the estate as a playhouse for the children) that family members use to gather and have events but overall, the main Kykuit residence proved to require too much maintenance and Nelson, Rockefeller Junior’s son decided to share his childhood home and grounds with the public. 

Important Wellness Tips For Your Visit to the Kykuit Rockefeller Estate

Be mindful of the weather forecast when you tour the grounds. The Rockefeller gardens are not completely shaded so if sun is an issue for you, make sure to lather on the sunscreen.

Food isn’t allowed on the Kykuit tour so eat something beforehand and make sure you bring a bottle of water. Within 30 minutes I was already thirsty. Note: you cannot drink inside the house so hydrate outdoors whenever you can.

Save this inside look at the Kykuit Rockefeller Estate and share it with anyone looking for NYC day trips in Westchester. History fanatics, era design and art enthusiasts, and luxe lovers will really enjoy the Kykuit mansion and gardens.

For Information about the Rockefeller Estate and Kykuit tours, check out the Hudson Valley website .

xx, O. 

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A view of the main entranct to Kykuit, the John D. Rockefeller mansion.

Kykuit Tours

Built between 1906 and 1913, Kykuit was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. It is open seasonally for tours through Historic Hudson Valley .

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Between the end of April and the beginning of June (the exact dates determined by nature), hundreds of tree peonies burst out with huge blossoms in shades of pink, fuchsia, lavender, red, and white, greeting visitors at the park's gatehouse entrance.

The precious shrubs were a gift from the Shimane Prefecture of Japan to express their solidarity with the U.S. after the catastrophic events of 9/11. Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve holds a Peony Celebration each year, scheduled this year for May 9, 2024, between 6 and 9 pm. The fundraiser includes a floral show and a silent auction.

Explore The Expansive Gardens at Kykuit (Pocantico Hills)

Kykuit , a spectacular house museum and garden, is the former home of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., and subsequent generations of the Rockefeller family. After the death of Nelson Rockefeller (a four-term governor of New York State and Vice-President under Gerald Ford), the family turned the estate over to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The park-like setting offers views of the Hudson River and more than 90 outdoor sculptures strategically placed to catch the light. Rockefeller initially hired landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (famous for co-designing Central Park) but completed the project himself. The Beaux-Arts gardens, designed by William Welles Bosworth between 1906 and 1913, are considered one of his best works. They include the Rose Garden, Italian Garden, and Brook Garden.

Visitors can only enter the estate during guided tours offered by the non-profit Historic Hudson Valley . Tours begin each year in May and end in November.

Immerse Yourself in the History and Beauty of Untermyer Gardens (Yonkers)

Samuel Untermyer, an attorney and one of the most prominent Jews of his time, was passionate about horticulture. After purchasing Greystone (the former estate of Samuel Tilden), he expanded the property and hired William Welles Bosworth to design gardens covering 150 acres of land overlooking the Hudson River.

After his death, some of the gardens fell into ruin. Years later, head gardener Timothy Tilghman became involved in an ambitious effort to restore the gardens in partnership with the Yonkers Parks Department and the non-profit Untermyer Gardens Conservancy .

During April and May 2024, visitors can enjoy public (and private) garden tours on Sundays, including bird walks, history tours, and walking tours.

Enjoy the County’s Largest Lilac Collection at Lasdon Park and Arboretum (Katonah)

Visitors can stroll the grounds of this public garden and witness the vibrant cherry blossoms (usually between April and early May), take a historic tree walk, visit the Chinese Friendship Garden, and more.

On Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 11 am, the park will host a free walking tour, In Celebration of Trees , to enjoy the beauty of and learn about its early flowering trees. Other nature walks and events are scheduled throughout the season.

In May, visitors can enjoy one of the county’s largest selections of lilacs, with over 90 species on display, including purple, rose, and white blooms.

Pedal Along A Scenic Parkway on Bicycle Sundays (Bronx River Parkway)

The beautifully landscaped Bronx River Parkway, which winds through the southern part of Westchester County parallel to the river after which it is named, was one of the first automotive roadways when it opened in 1925.

Each year, the roadway is closed to vehicles on certain dates between May and October when the Westchester Parks Foundation sponsors Bicycle Sundays , allowing bicyclists to enjoy the 13.1-mile loop. The program started in 1974 and also invites inline skaters, scooters, walkers, and joggers to join the fun.

The understated and elegant home of John D. Rockefeller just north of New York City in the Hudson ... [+] River Valley of NY.

  • Westchester County, New York, is bordered by the Hudson River to the west and Long Island Sound to the east. It boasts more than 24,000 acres of parkland. The southernmost part of the county abuts the Bronx and is only 11 miles from Columbus Circle in Manhattan. It is easy to get to by car or public transportation.
  • Before you go, check the respective websites for directions and hours and see if advance ticketing or reservations are required. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby towns, each with unique charm, including historical and cultural sites, restaurants, shopping, and other attractions.
  • For additional ideas, see Visit Westchester New York .
  • To help plan the timing of these and other visits in Westchester and beyond, check out the recently launched interactive New York Blooms Report . The report is updated weekly to help New Yorkers identify the best flower festivals and events at more than 30 partner attractions across the state.

Irene S. Levine

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IMAGES

  1. Kykuit Tours

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  2. Discovering Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate in Tarrytown

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  3. Kykuit Tours

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  6. Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate

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  1. jara tasbir se tu nikal ke #love #lovesong

  2. The Hills of Kykuit -Mike Moreno

  3. Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate Inner Garden Tour

COMMENTS

  1. Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate

    All tours leave from the visitor center and travel by shuttle bus to the estate. Please note that there is no access to Kykuit except through tours leaving from the Visitor Center at Philipsburg Manor. You cannot drive directly to Kykuit. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your tour to check in at the Ticket Desk in the Visitor Center.

  2. Kykuit

    Location: All Kykuit tours originate from the Visitor Center at Philipsburg Manor, 381 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, 914-631-8200. https://hudsonvalley.org. Do not type "Kykuit" into your GPS, as it will not bring you to the right location! Admittance to the estate is by guided tours only. 2023 Season: May 12 - November 12.

  3. Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate

    Kykuit (pronounced KAI-CUT) is a former Rockefeller estate in Sleepy Hollow, Westchester County of New York. Three generations of Rockefellers lived here from the founder of Standard Oil (John D. Rockefeller) to Nelson Rockefeller, 3 term governor of New York and former vice president under President Ford. Historic Hudson Valley offers tours of ...

  4. Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate Group Tours

    Kykuit is the pre-eminent domestic landmark in the Hudson Valley, built by John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil. Groups of 18 or more can enjoy discounted admission and tours of the elegant rooms, expansive gardens and carriages at Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate.

  5. Touring Kykuit: A Rockefeller Estate in Sleepy Hollow, New York

    The Hudson Valley is home to some of the country's most incredible Gilded Age mansions, and one of the best to tour is Kykuit near Sleepy Hollow, New York. Kykuit was owned by four generations of the Rockefeller family and was first used as a vacation home before later becoming a primary home. The house was initially built for oil tycoon John ...

  6. Kykuit Tours

    The tour is 1 1/2 hours, including the shuttle bus ride. $18-$20. Location: All Kykuit tours originate from the Visitor Center at Philipsburg Manor, 381 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, 914-631-8200. https://hudsonvalley.org Do not type "Kykuit" into your GPS, as it will not bring you to the right location. Admittance to the estate ...

  7. Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate

    Garden and Sculpture tours depart 11:15 AM Wed, Sat, & Sun. Notes: Groups tours available by reservation. Phone: (914) 631-9491 . Historical Description: Completed in 1913 for John D. Rockefeller by architects William Adams Delano and Chester Holmes Aldrich, Kykuit has been home to four generations of Rockefeller family members.

  8. Kykuit Classic Tour

    TOUR LENGTH: 2 1/4 hours, including the shuttle bus ride. AGE RECOMMENDATION: 10+. You must check in at the Kykuit & Philipsburg Manor Visitor Center at least 15 minutes before your tour time. All Kykuit tours begin and end with a shuttle bus ride from the Philipsburg Manor Visitor Center. National Trust for Historic Preservation members should ...

  9. Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate

    Kykuit Tours. Kykuit tours are offered by Historic Hudson Valley, which was established by "Junior" in 1951 . They offer several different tours, ranging from the "Time Saver" tour, which lasts 90 minutes, to the "Grand Tour", which lasts 3 hours. Most tours are $25 per adult on weekdays and $28 on weekends. The Grand Tour is $40.

  10. Kykuit Tours

    Built between 1906 and 1913, Kykuit was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. In 2022 the site will be open for guided tours Saturday-Sunday from May 21-October 2; and Wednesday-Monday between October 5-November 13. There are three distinct Kykuit tours available: Classic Tour: Great for first-time visitors. Your visit will include the main floor of

  11. Kykuit

    Kykuit is the home and gardens of the Rockefeller family, designed by William Welles Bosworth and located high above the Hudson River. It offers public tours from May to November, led by Historic Hudson Valley, a non-profit organization that preserves and promotes historic sites in the Hudson Valley. Learn about its history, architecture, art and collections on the tour.

  12. Kykuit (The Rockefeller Estate), New York

    A: It depends. Historic Hudson Valley offers several different tours of Kykuit, including a 90-minute Selected Highlights Tour, a 2-hour-and-15-minute Classic Tour, and a 3-hour Grand Tour. Tours are offered on select days from mid-May to mid-November, and it's advised to book well in advance, as they sell out.

  13. Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate

    Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate Architecture, Landscapes & Gardens « Back. 381 North Broadway, Route 9 Sleepy Hollow, NY 914-366-6900 ... call in advance to request this service and note that Historic Hudson Valley does not provide transcripts of their tours. Amenities: Restrooms. Nearby Destinations. Philipsburg Manor Upper Mills 0 miles ...

  14. Kykuit

    Kykuit (/ ˈ k aɪ k ə t / KY-kət), known also as the John D. Rockefeller Estate, is a 40-room historic house museum in Pocantico Hills, a hamlet in the town of Mount Pleasant, New York 25 miles (40 km) north of New York City.The house was built for oil tycoon and Rockefeller family patriarch John D. Rockefeller.Conceived largely by his son, John D. Rockefeller Jr., and enriched by the art ...

  15. Kykuit Tours

    Built between 1906 and 1913, Kykuit was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. In 2022 the site will be open for guided tours Saturday-Sunday from May 21-October 2; and Wednesday-Monday between October 5-November 13. There are three distinct Kykuit tours available: Classic Tour: Great for first-time visitors. Your visit will include the main floor of …

  16. Kykuit Tours

    Kykuit tours begin at Historic Hudson Valley's visitor center at Philipsburg Manor, 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY. HHV ticket holders will not be permitted to park on site at The Pocantico Center and must arrive with their tour group by shuttle bus. Selected Highlights Tour — 90 minutes Adult: $25 Senior/Young Adult/Child: $23

  17. Kykuit Tour: Visiting the Rockefeller Estate in Sleepy Hollow, NY

    Timesaver Tour: 1.5 hours, $15-28pp (runs Thurs-Sun throughout the day) Group Tours (discounts on the aforementioned Kykuit Tours) The Meaning of "Kykuit" "Kykuit", dutch for "Look out", represents the high hill that the Rockefeller Estate rests on, offering views overlooking the Hudson River and New York City skyline.

  18. Kykuit Tours

    The tour is 1 1/2 hours, including the shuttle bus ride. $18-$20. Location: All Kykuit tours originate from the Visitor Center at Philipsburg Manor, 381 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, 914-631-8200. https://hudsonvalley.org Do not type "Kykuit" into your GPS, as it will not bring you to the right location.

  19. Kykuit Tours

    Kykuit Tours. Built between 1906 and 1913, Kykuit was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. It is open seasonally for tours through Historic Hudson Valley. There were no results found. There's something for everyone in Sleepy Hollow Country —farmers markets, live music, street fairs, historic homes, hiking trails, kayaking and ...

  20. Historic Hudson Valley

    Through tours of landmarks like Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, and family-friendly events like The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Historic Hudson Valley celebrates the region's history and culture.

  21. Westchester, New York In Bloom: 6 Captivating Spring Visits

    Explore The Expansive Gardens at Kykuit (Pocantico Hills) Kykuit , a spectacular house museum and garden, is the former home of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., and subsequent generations of the ...

  22. Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow

    GPS address for Philipsburg Manor: 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY. GPS address for overflow lot: 100 Continental St., Sleepy Hollow, NY. Get Directions. Nearest transit. Wander along a woodland path and enter the year 1750, when Philipsburg Manor was a milling and trading complex that was home to 23 enslaved individuals of African descent.

  23. www.hudsonvalley.org

    www.hudsonvalley.org