When it comes to one of the oldest places in the United States, there’s no…
The best presidential homes to visit in America
We all have a perception of what certain presidents were like on the job. To really grasp what former leaders were like in real-life, I say there’s nothing better than visiting their home. A handful of presidential homes are open to the public (and I really wish one of them was the Kennedy Compound! Maybe one day!). Here are a few worth visiting.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon – Mount Vernon, VA
Forty minutes south of the nation’s capital, you’ll find the home of the first American President.
George Washington’s mansion along the Potomac remains one of America’s most iconic 18th-century homes. The building began as a one and one-half story house, built in 1735 by his father. When Washington acquired Mount Vernon in 1754, he spent the next 45 years slowly “McMansioning” the joint. It’s actually where he lived while president—the only one to not reside in the White House. But I supposed that’s because he was overseeing its construction and didn’t want to live through that dusty mess. Presidents: they’re just like us!
It’s not surprising that Mount Vernon offerings are some of the most robust amongst Presidential homes—Washington is the guy who started it all! You may tour the mansion, the expansive gardens, distillery and gristmill, pioneer farm, tombs and museum. Please note that over one million visitors flock to Mount Vernon annually, many of them students on field trips. If crowds make you queasy, Sundays tend to be a little more chill.
Since you’re in the area:
Planning a springtime visit to Mt Vernon? Why not go during their annual Spring Wine Festival and Sunset Tour. Celebrate the history of wine in Virginia with exclusive evening tours of the Mansion and cellar. Bring a blanket, relax on the east lawn overlooking the scenic Potomac River, and sample wines made in Virginia. A similar event is held every fall.
For something off-property, enjoy an unparalleled meal along the Potomac at Cedar Knoll. The restaurant sits on land once owned by Washington, and the hearth of the farmhouse that is now Cedar Knoll was constructed in the early 1800s. Since 1941, the building has operated as an inn and restaurant. In 2015, Cedar Knoll opened, featuring American food with a French twist, all made with local ingredients. For something a little more low-key, grab a bite in the Log Cabin room, complete with original log-and-chinking structure and huge stone fireplace. In the summer, the patio is the perfect place for an al fresco cocktail and live music.
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello – Monticello, VA
Over an hour’s drive from Richmond, and two-and-a-half from D.C., a trip to Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia plantation isn’t exactly convenient for the majority of the American population. (Unless you’re studying at UVA in nearby Charlottesville!) That said, those who take the pilgrimage will be rewarded with incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as insight to one of the most notable and quotable American presidents.
The price of admission (between $23-29 for adults; $10 for kids 5-10—you can score discount tickets by purchasing online) include guided tours of the home’s first-floor; slavery at Monticello tours; and seasonal guided grounds tours (mid-March—October). If you’re looking for a more in-depth experience, splurge on the behind-the-scenes experience ($62 per person during high season; $42 for low season), which gives you access to the private quarters on the second and third floors, including the iconic Dome Room, plus a more extensive look into Jefferson’s life. For an American history buff, it’s worth every nickel.
Since you’re in the area:
It’s hard to miss Michie Tavern, founded in 1784. Located a half-mile below Monticello, accommodated travelers with food, drink and lodging more than 200 years ago. Today, you’ll get a similar treatment, complete with servers in period attire and an 18th-century buffet of southern fried chicken, marinated baked chicken, hickory-smoked pork barbecue, buttermilk biscuits and so much more. It’s touristy for sure, but you are a tourist after all! One big change over the last 200 years? They now accept credit cards.
For other dining options in the area, head to nearby Charlottesville, VA. This college town offers lots of great options, including Tavern & Grocery, Back 40 and The Local.
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Springwood – Hyde Park, New York
With its incredible Hudson River views and beautiful rose garden, a visit to FDR’s Springwood property is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. There’s a lot to note about this place. First of all, it was not only the birthplace, but the lifetime home of FDR. It’s also the site of the first-ever presidential library, which he opened in 1939 during his presidency while he was still living and working there part-time. Can you imagine letting the public hang out at the sitting president’s home? No way would that ever happen today! $14 gets you in the door, plus a self-guided tour of the FDR Presidential Library and Museum.
In addition to the main property, it’s worth noting First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s humble home Val Kill (where she lived until her death in 1962) is just two miles away and open for visitors. FDR’s private cabin, Top Cottage, is located well into the woods on the same property and can be visited by shuttle (the only way you can tour the inside of the cabin) from the main house, or via hiking from Val Kill, about two-miles round trip.
Since you’re in the area:
The Culinary Institute of America is just down the road. Why not enjoy a meal cooked by the next generation of great chefs? Choose from a variety of restaurants, including American Bounty Restaurant, the Bocuse Restaurant, Post Road Brew House, Ristorante Caterina de Medici, and the Apple Pie Bakery Café.
PS Here’s link to some of my favorite spots in the Hudson Valley.
Lincoln Home – Springfield, Illinois
The 16th American President remains one of the country’s most beloved. It’s no surprise his Springfield, Illinois home continues to see a constant stream of visitors—ever since it opened to the public in 1887. Constructed in 1839 and beautifully restored to its 1860 appearance, the 12-room, Greek Revival house was Abraham and Mary Lincoln’s home for 17 years.
Per Lincoln’s family’s orders, the 25-minute ranger-led home tour will always cost exactly zero pennies. That said, hundreds of thousands of people visit annually and tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Get there early and secure your ticket at the Visitor Center Information Desk.
Does traveling to Springfield for a quick tour of Lincoln’s home seem a bit… light? Don’t worry- there’s plenty to do in the neighborhood. Creatively dubbed the Lincoln Neighborhood, 12 homes in the surrounding blocks have been restored to their original splendor. A few are even accessible by tour.
Since you’re in the area:
Continue celebrating America with two of the most iconic foods in the country. Enjoy a corn dog at the Cozy Dog Drive In. Established on historic Route 66 in 1949, you really can’t beat their hot dogs on a stick. More of a burger person? Krekel’s Custard has you covered. Also open since 1949, a cooked-to-order Krekel Burger with fries and a chocolate shake hits the spot. You’ll find seven locations throughout central Illinois, but their Springfield location resides at 2121 N Grand Avenue East.
Have you visited any of these homes, or other presidential homes? What are your favorites? Share in the comments!
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As a professional interpreter of President James Madison I’d have to add to your list his home in Orange Virginia Montpelier!
I used to live a hop & a skip & a jump from Mt. Vernon.. After you’ve passed the turnoff to the airport,,, Take the left back to Alexandria.. This drive will take you to the Masonic Temple..
Dwight D. Eisenhower’s home & farm in Gettysburg, PA is worth a visit, which may spur further reading on the man & his contributions to our country as President & to the world as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe in WWIi. He was greatly underestimated during his time in the Oval Office, partly by his own design, as he wished his adversaries to underestmate his considerable abilities & was truly a humble man & an excellent public servant. His organizational abilities were such that he delegated wisely & could get a full day’s work in early in the day & find relief from the pressures of office on the golf course in the afternoon! Gettysburg Battlefield is nearby & worth exploring & reading about, as well. I heartily recommend them both!
Visited Mt. Vernon!!! HIGHLY Recommend!!!
We have visited Dwight Eisenhower’s home in Gettysburg, Pa. I want to take my grandkids to see it this summer.
There are so many sites in Springfield that you should see other than Lincoln’s home. The Abraham Lincoln Library & Museum is so very well done and those of us who have seen it more than once cannot say enough good things about it. Also not to be missed in the city is the Lincoln Tomb where both Mr & Mrs Lincoln are buried along with 3 of their sons. Quite an imposing structure and so much history there as well.
Not far away is New Salem, IL state park where Abe lived while a young man. The park consists of many restored log cabins and during the summer months there are volunteers working throughout the village. Gardens are growing, blacksmiths working, ladies quilting make the experience seem as it was during Abe’s time there.
Harry Truman’s home in Independence Missouri is a must see!
A timely article as we are planning our 3 months travel in the US. Thanks for including entrance fees as well., it helps in our budgeting.
Thanks Samantha, this was a fun article and reminded me of our road trip this summer where we visited Mount Vernon with my parents and young kids. Coming from Southern California, it was a crazy experience to get stuck in a random rainstorm on George Washington’s back porch (but it was totally fun!). I would just like to add that we really enjoyed eating on site at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant before heading in to tour the grounds. Also, they had free wheelchairs available to rent for my father, which was a life saver (there are quite a lot of hills if you explore the entire property, which I highly recommend!). We really want to see Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello next 🙂
My three favorites are all in Virginia. In order I would recommend Monticello, Mount Vernon and Montpellier. Each offers a rich experience and insight into the early days of the United States and these individuals that played a significant role. My family did the sunset tour at Monticello and it is worth every penny. Personally I kept pondering the conversations that were had within the rooms of these homes. I had visited Montpelier before the restoration and can not say enough about the improvement.
You missed Peacefields. John Adams summer White House that he retired to. Also home of John Quincy Adams..Birthplaces of both also located nearby as well as hill where Abigail Adams watched the burning if Charlestown by the Brits. Tombs of both presidents and wives in Quincy Center Church if Presidents made of Quincy Granite…
Monticello is my favorite. It is beautiful at all times of the year but especially in the Spring.
The fried chicken at Michie Tavern is awesome. If you there be sure to visit the grist mill.
Don’t forget Franklin Roosevelt’s summer home on the beautiful, small, and unspoiled island of Campobello, in New Brunswick, Canada, just across a short bridge from Lubec in downeast Maine (be sure to bring your passport).
After visiting FDR’s home in Hyde Park, drive north about 50 miles ( Rt. 9 then 9H ) and visit Martin Van Buren’s home, Lindenwald, in Kinderhook. Two presidents, both of Dutch ancestry. The Van Buren home is beautifully restored, open summer to fall.
Although I loved Mt. Vernon and Monticello, this past April I was fortunate to visit the Hermitage (Andrew Jackson) and James Polk’s home in Tennessee. I enjoyed and was so impressed with the Polk place! It is not a plantation, but a simple two-story house that really felt like a home.
Love this list! We coupled a visit to Monticello with the nearby homes of Presidents James Madison’s Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Highland. They’re all in close proximity and make for a great weekend in Virginia’s beautiful Piedmont!
My favorite is Monticello. It is beautiful and you can understand why Jefferson loved it so much.
The fried chicken at Mitchie Tavern is the best!
Thank you for the awesome list. I’ve been to Washinton’s Mount Vernon, Eisenhower’s in NY and “local” Monticello. Agree with including Michie Tavern while here. Would like to add if having extra time to include James Monroe’s Ash Lawn residence and free tour of University of Virginia, founded by Jefferson.
The Hermitage in Nashville was a great experience. Jackson was such a towering figure in US history that the house was humbling to visit. Of course, his former VP , Calhoun, owned the great home in Clemson, and that added meaning to the Hermitage. James K. Polk is buried on the capitol grounds in Nashville, and of course, Nashville is covered with things to do, up to the only full reconstruction of the Parthenon on Earth. So, it’s not just the Northern president’s who had wonderful homes. As a matter of fact, Andrew Johnson has his home just North of Knoxville, and Jimmy Carter has his library right in Atlanta. Awesome history in this area.
Thomas Jefferson’s second home, Poplar Forest, outside Lynchburg in Forest, VA, is also well worth a visit!
Wow. I’ve been to every Presidential home you mentioned. Plus, Dwight Eisenhower’s Gettysburg, PA. Truman’s White House in Key West is on my bucket list. Now come up with a list of Presidential Libraries.
Good recommendations. We have visited Mount Vernon, Monticello, and Lincoln’s Springfield home. All very interesting.
Besides Presidential homes we have also visited many Presidential libraries and state capitol buildings in more than forty states.
Special thanks to all the preservation groups and volunteers who keep these places open for us to enjoy