Franklin Roosevelt built Top Cottage at the eastern most end of his estate on land purchased in 1937 on what his cousin and close friend Margaret Suckley called "the nicest Hill in Dutchess County." FDR imagined Top Cottage as a place where he could return to private life after his second term as president. When he was elected to an unprecedented third term in 1940, Roosevelt realized that the little retreat would be an excellent place to "escape the mob" at Springwood. He also brought close friends and political allies there to discuss the state of the world or simply relax. Like Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill Cottage, the FDR Library and the addition to Springwood, Top Cottage was designed by FDR to emulate the Dutch colonial architecture found throughout the Hudson River Valley. FDR planned the cottage with accessibility in mind to accommodate his wheelchair and give him greater independence. Top Cottage became part of the Home of FDR National Historic Site in May 2001.
The “New Deal” for the Roosevelt Ride in 2009 - Now 7 Days Experience Historic Hyde Park and Leave the Car at Home
May 1, 2009 through October 31, 2009.
There’s so much to see and do in Hyde Park, NY, and the National Park Service and Metro-North make it easy for you. Spend an enjoyable – and relaxing! -- day at the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites. The National Park Service will operate the Roosevelt Ride shuttle bus service from Poughkeepsie Metro-North Station 7 days a week to all the Roosevelt sites from May 1st through November 2. You can leave the car at home, and get comfortable with history.
Your day begins with a scenic trip up the Hudson River on Metro-North’s Hudson Line to Poughkeepsie Station – one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys! Catch any Hudson Line Train that will get you to Poughkeepsie at 10:37 am (weekdays) 10:38 am (weekends). When you arrive at Poughkeepsie, come up the stairs or take the elevator to the ticket hall. There you will see a uniformed National Park Service Ranger or Volunteer. Please introduce yourself to them to prevent us from missing you.
You’ll board the Roosevelt Ride Shuttle bus for a 10-minute trip to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home and the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. Purchase your tickets at the Henry A. Wallace Center and watch the “Rendezvous with History” orientation film. You can devote several hours to touring this magnificent Home, and making fascinating discoveries at his Presidential Library and Museum. Be sure to see the Roosevelt Library’s special exhibition: “Action and Action Now” FDR’s First 100 Days. Then, shop for memorable gifts and books at The New Deal Store.
Later, enjoy a delicious casual lunch with beautiful views at Mrs. Nesbitt’s Café. From the FDR site, you can choose what happens next. These are your choices:
1) Board a shuttle vehicle to the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site (Val-Kill) where you’ll get to know the unique and fascinating “First Lady to the World” through a new orientation film and intriguing exhibits, and tour the only house Mrs. Roosevelt ever called “home.” While at Val-Kill shop at the Val-Kill Fair Trade Store which offers items relating to Mrs. Roosevelt’s commitment to human rights and world peace.
2) Take a shuttle to Top Cottage (FDR’s personal retreat), where you’ll get a deeper understanding of the private side of FDR,
or
3) You can choose to stay at the FDR site and spend more time touring the FDR Library/Museum, the Rose Garden, the Beatrix Farrand Garden and the miles of Hiking Trails on our grounds including the newly restored Roosevelt Farm Lane which links the Val-Kill with the Home of FDR (approximately two miles round trip).
For reservations and information call 845/229-5320.
