Free parking is available in the Wallace Center, a short distance to the Garden. Also at the Wallace Center are: accessible restrooms, information on other nearby national historic sites, and the Real Deal Bookstore. The Uncle Sam’s Canteen café is open seasonally.

An ADA accessible access is available from the Bellefield parking lot to the terrace overlooking the Beatrix Farrand Garden. Limited ADA parking is available near the Bellefield house. The historic pea gravel paths are one level, but are challenging for wheels. The yellow Bellefield Mansion is the NPS Administrative Headquarters, and is not open to the public. Wallace Center provides facilities.

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. There are several restaurants within a short distance of the Garden, and in nearby Poughkeepsie to the south and Rhinebeck to the north.

The garden is usually in peak bloom the last two of weeks of May and the first couple of weeks in June when iris, peonies and foxgloves proliferate. But the garden is also beautiful throughout the year as blossoms sequence from the Christmas rose and early bulbs in March to the asters and anemones that often are still blooming into early November. Even in winter when the garden is covered in snow the strong forms of the garden read clearly and the “bones” of the garden can be fully appreciated.

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

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. Take pictures, not living things.

Leashed, well-behaved dogs (or cats!) are welcome and love the outdoors. Paws need to 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.

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 within 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.

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

Children are always welcome and encouraged to visit with parents or school groups. There are scheduled kid-friendly events. Also, simple activities are found on this website.

There is more information on this website in “Digging Deeper.” 

Free brochures are available at the site in Wallace Center and by the Garden’s gates.