Know Before You Go

What about parking?  

Free parking is available in the Wallace Center, a short distance to the Garden. Other facilities at the Wallace Center are: ADA accessible restrooms, information about the national historic sites in the Hudson Valley, and the Real Deal Bookstore. The Uncle Sam’s Canteen café is open seasonally.

Is the Garden Accessible?  

An ADA accessible access is available from the Bellefield parking lot to the terrace that overlooks the Beatrix Farrand Garden. Limited ADA parking is available adjacent to the Bellefield house. The paths through the historic part of the garden are pea gravel that is one level, but more challenging for wheels than concrete The Bellefield is the NPS Administrative Headquarters and not open to the public.

Where can we eat? 

Visitors may bring food to enjoy in all areas of the Garden, as well as throughout the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. Tables, chairs, and trash receptacles are available in the Garden, as well as throughout the historic site. There are several restaurants within a short distance of the Garden, and in nearby Poughkeepsie to the south and Rhinebeck to the north.

What about visiting in the winter?   

The gardens are beautiful in the winter and can best be viewed (and photographed!) from the terrace near the Bellefield House (now the NPS Administrative Offices). Paths are pea gravel and are not shoveled during snowy weather, so unwise to use. Come again when snow is not present.

Preservation 

To protect planting areas and historic features, please only walk and operate strollers, bicycles, and wheelchairs on paved areas and lawns. No plants, plant materials, birds, insects, or any natural objects can be disturbed or removed from the Garden, or from anywhere on the national historic site, as on all national park sites. Take pictures, not living things.

Are dogs allowed? 

Leashed, well-behaved dogs (or cats!) are welcome and love the outdoors. Paws need to always stay on paths or lawns, and droppings must be discarded inside plastic bags brought from home. Do not allow your visiting dog to bother other visitors, other animals, or any plants.

Planning to enjoy photography in the garden? 

We encourage you to do so! Our gardens, buildings and grounds are the perfect setting for memorable personal photography and artistic treasures. Drones are never allowed anywhere in the Garden nor anywhere in the national historic site.

If you are planning staged photography of people using props or professional equipment, advance registration must be arranged through the National Park Service. Allow two weeks.

Are there tours? 

Groups of 10 people are invited to make a reservation for an interesting, informative guided tour by emailing.  info@bfgahydepark.org    There is more information on this website in “Group Tours”  

What about children? 

Children are always welcome and encouraged to visit with parents. There are some scheduled events that are specifically geared towards children of various ages; and free, simple activities are available upon request.

Where can I learn more? 

There is more information on this website in “Digging Deeper”  Free brochures will be available at the site.

Enjoy the gardens and have a safe visit!