
Staatsburg New York
Step into the opulent Gilded Age at Mills Mansion, a stunning 65-room estate overlooking the Hudson River, filled with original artifacts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Scenic grounds, pleasant weather

Staatsburg New York
Best Time
Scenic grounds, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the opulent Gilded Age at Mills Mansion, a stunning 65-room estate overlooking the Hudson River, filled with original artifacts.
"Shockingly beautiful, rivaling many European houses, and truly an American gem."

🎯 Book Guided Tours Ahead
Limited showings mean tours fill up fast! Reserve your spot online to guarantee entry.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking inside and potentially on the grounds.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grand Staircase
Main Hall
A breathtaking, sweeping staircase that immediately immerses you in Gilded Age opulence.

Dining Room
First Floor
Experience the lavish setting where the wealthy Mills family entertained guests in style.

Historic Furnishings
Throughout the Mansion
Marvel at original artifacts, including ancient Greek vases and furniture owned by royalty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Exterior Restoration in Progress
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Mills Mansion, Staatsburg, New York, USA (1536 x 842) [OC]
🎯 Book Guided Tours Ahead
Limited showings mean tours fill up fast! Reserve your spot online to guarantee entry.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking inside and potentially on the grounds.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Check current rules; sometimes interior photos are restricted.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least a half-day to enjoy the mansion tour and grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours Ahead
Limited showings mean tours fill up fast! Reserve your spot online to guarantee entry.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking inside and potentially on the grounds.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Check current rules; sometimes interior photos are restricted.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least a half-day to enjoy the mansion tour and grounds.
🌟 Ask Your Guide Questions
Guides are passionate and knowledgeable; they enhance the experience!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking beauty and historical richness of Mills Mansion's interiors, with many highlighting the knowledgeable and passionate guides who bring the Gilded Age to life. The collection of original artifacts is a major draw. Some guests note that the exterior and grounds are still undergoing restoration, which slightly impacts the overall visual appeal, but the interior experience is overwhelmingly positive and highly recommended for a half-day trip.
"Today’s Gilded Age adventure took us to Staatsburg.
Along the Hudson in Staatsburg, New York, Mills Mansion tells a story that spans centuries. On land originally granted to the Livingston family by King Charles II, Governor Morgan Lewis built his home in 1792 and later welcomed the Marquis de Lafayette to dine beneath its roof. After fire and rebuilding, the estate passed to Ruth Livingston and Ogden Mills, who in 1895 transformed it into a breathtaking palace of sixty five rooms.
In 1938, their daughter Gladys Mills Phipps gifted the house, complete with every original furnishing, incliding 3000 year old greek vases and a desk ownwd by Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette to New York State. Today, stepping inside feels like slipping back into another world.
This is one of the most impressive homes I have ever seen. Entering the dining room and the sweeping main staircase literally took my breath away. It is shockingly beautiful, rivaling many European houses, and truly an American gem.
The exterior tells another story. As New York’s largest surviving Gilded Age mansion, it is in need of care and funding to preserve its grandeur for future generations.
I’d also like to extend my thanks to our guide, Joe (if I remember his name right). He was wonderful, so knowledgeable, and his genuine passion for the stories he shared made the entire experience even more special.
The only reason I didn’t give a full five stars is because the grounds and exterior are still a work in progress. I sincerely hope they receive the proper funding and attention they deserve to restore this beauty to her original grandeur."
David Thomas Garren
"Beautiful house on the Hudson with walking trails. The tour and trails are definitely worth a half day trip! Magnificent, Gilded Age Mills Mansion set in the hamlet of Stattsburg, town of Hyde Park, steeped with personal artifacts of the time period, ahead of it's own time in up and coming technology."
Becky Gambill
"It was very nice and beautiful! The guide was very informative and humorous. Unfortunately, for us, the weather was so hot that we were not able to see all of the mansion."
Paula Sturge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mills Mansion is located within Mills-Norrie State Park in Staatsburg, NY. It's accessible by car via Route 9. Parking is available on-site. For those using public transport, Amtrak stops at the Poughkeepsie station, which is a short taxi or rideshare away.
Yes, there is ample parking available at Mills-Norrie State Park, near the mansion entrance.
While possible, it's more challenging. You can take Amtrak to Poughkeepsie and then arrange for a taxi or rideshare to Staatsburg.
From the south, take the Taconic State Parkway North to Route 55 West, then Route 9 North. From the north, take the Taconic State Parkway South to Route 199 West, then Route 9 South. Follow signs for Mills-Norrie State Park.
The mansion staff are very accommodating. While some areas might have limited accessibility due to the historic nature of the building, they will do their best to ensure everyone has a positive experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are typically charged for guided tours of the mansion. Check the official Staatsburgh State Historic Site website for current pricing and any potential park entrance fees.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book guided tour tickets in advance, as showings are in small groups and can sell out.
Operating hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Staatsburgh State Historic Site website for the most up-to-date information on tour times and days of operation.
Information on discounts for seniors, children, or groups is usually available on the official website. It's worth checking for any special offers.
Yes, the grounds of Mills-Norrie State Park are generally accessible for exploration, offering beautiful views of the Hudson River. However, access to the mansion interior requires a guided tour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find 65 rooms filled with original Gilded Age furnishings, art, and personal artifacts belonging to the Mills family, including ancient Greek vases and furniture owned by European royalty.
Yes, guided tours are the primary way to experience the interior of Mills Mansion. The guides are known for being knowledgeable and passionate.
Originally built in the 1790s, the estate was transformed into a grand Gilded Age mansion in the 1890s by Ogden and Ruth Livingston Mills. It was later gifted to New York State.
Photography policies can change. It's best to confirm with the site staff upon arrival or check their website for current restrictions on interior photography.
Besides touring the mansion, the park offers walking trails along the Hudson River, picnic areas, and opportunities for enjoying the natural scenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are typically no dining facilities directly within Mills Mansion. Visitors may find picnic areas in Mills-Norrie State Park. Nearby towns like Hyde Park offer various dining options.
You can usually bring food for a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas of Mills-Norrie State Park. Check park regulations for specifics.
The hamlet of Staatsburg has limited dining. Nearby Hyde Park and Rhinebeck offer a wider range of restaurants, from casual cafes to fine dining.
Yes, there is a gift shop located at the end of the tour, offering souvenirs, books, and local items.
The mansion and its grounds may be available for private events or rentals. Inquire directly with the Staatsburgh State Historic Site for details on event bookings.
📸 📸 Photography
The sweeping staircase, the grand dining room, and the exterior views of the mansion overlooking the Hudson River are prime photo opportunities.
Photography rules can vary. Always check with staff on-site or the official website for the most current policy regarding interior photos.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Midday can be good for interior shots if allowed.
Drone usage is typically restricted in state parks and historic sites to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check park regulations before flying.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for both wide interior shots and details. A tripod might be helpful for low-light interiors if permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gilded Age Grandeur of Mills Mansion
One of the most striking aspects of Mills Mansion is its preservation. Unlike many Gilded Age estates that have been lost to time or development, Mills Mansion retains much of its original character. The estate was gifted to New York State by the Mills' daughter, Gladys Mills Phipps, in 1938, complete with its original contents. This includes a remarkable collection of artifacts, such as 3,000-year-old Greek vases and furniture once owned by Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The guided tours are essential for understanding the stories behind these treasures and the lives of the people who inhabited this grand home.
While the interior is a marvel, visitors should be aware that the exterior and grounds are currently undergoing restoration. This means that while the mansion's grandeur is preserved within, the outside may appear to be a work in progress. Despite this, the overall experience remains incredibly rewarding, offering a unique opportunity to explore one of America's most impressive surviving Gilded Age mansions. The scenic location overlooking the Hudson River adds to its charm, making it a worthwhile destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Exploring Mills-Norrie State Park
Beyond the trails, the park features picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a relaxing lunch amidst nature. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes Mills-Norrie State Park a well-rounded destination. Visitors can spend a morning exploring the mansion and an afternoon enjoying the outdoors, creating a memorable day trip. The park's location also makes it a convenient stop for those traveling along the scenic Route 9 corridor in the Hudson Valley.




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