Home of Theodore Roosevelt

Sagamore Hill features rolling farm fields, woodland areas, and the home of President Teddy Roosevelt. There is plenty to explore on this property and visitors usually leave with an understanding of why a president would choose to live here. This is the location where Roosevelt raised his family, wrote his books, spoke to the public, and farmed, as well as spent his final days. The house on Sagamore Hill was known as the Summer White House. Roosevelt conducted business during the sunshine season at Sagamore, just as he would have in the White House in Washington. Guests can stroll on the same grounds as Roosevelt, enjoy the sunset from the porch, hike through the same areas he rode on horseback, and take a walk along the family beach.

Sagamore is 83 acres of property and just 35 miles west of New York City. The home that sits on the property is an 1885 Queen Anne shingle-style building, and it contains the Theodore Roosevelt Museum. Also on the grounds are an orchard, farm buildings, an estuary, a pet cemetery, and pastures and woodlands. A park ranger will assist visitors in touring the 23 room estate that still features Roosevelt's furniture, belongings, books, artwork, and trophies. Following the indoor tour you can walk to the farm buildings and fields to the museum. The museum teaches about Roosevelt's life using photos and historical objects, as well as videos and letters. Families are encouraged to participate in the Junior Range Program, which is a free education scavenger hunt that leads you through the entire museum.

Following the tour of the museum, head outside for a hike on the same lands which Roosevelt walked and loved. The nature trails and the estuary feature small mammals, turtles, birds, frogs, and insects. There is a brochure available that will lead you on a self-guided tour of the grounds, as well as Oyster Bay. Young's Memorial Cemetery is where Roosevelt and his family are laid to rest and this is another popular destination for those who tour the home and grounds.

Admission to the museum for adults is $5. Visitors are allowed to view the home through guided tour only. Tours include 14 people and tickets sometimes sell out. Tours are held from 10 am until 4 pm. Tours for children 15 and younger are free. In instances when all tours are sold out, the first floor of the home may be open for unguided tours beginning at 4:15 pm. This enables those who missed out on the official tour to still view the home. The cost of this is $3. Group tours are also available. Reservations are required for groups of 15 to 55 people. Tour reservations are first come first serve and touring as a group is a great idea for churches, schools, scout groups, and veteran organizations.

If you have an interest in presidential history, or in President Roosevelt specifically, a visit to Sagamore Hill is a great way to understand his personal side and learn about some of the Roosevelt family history.