Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Explore Vermont's only National Park, a historic estate dedicated to conservation, featuring a Victorian mansion and scenic forest trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Vermont's only National Park, a historic estate dedicated to conservation, featuring a Victorian mansion and scenic forest trails.
"Beautiful location and wonderful carriage trails to walk around."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails and carriage roads are extensive; good footwear is a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:
Book Mansion Tours
Self-guided tours are available, but guided tours offer deeper insights. Book ahead! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Marsh-Billings Mansion
Main House
Step back in time with a tour of this beautifully preserved Victorian mansion, a testament to conservation history.
Mount Tom & Pogue Pond Trails
Western side of the park
Hike scenic carriage roads and trails offering stunning views, leading to the tranquil Pogue Pond.
Conservation Exhibits
Visitor Center
Discover the park's unique history of forest management and the birth of the American environmental movement.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Mansion Tours & Timings
Navigating the Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails and carriage roads are extensive; good footwear is a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:
Book Mansion Tours
Self-guided tours are available, but guided tours offer deeper insights. Book ahead! :ticket:
Check Parking Signs
Distinguish NPS parking from Billings Farm & Museum to avoid confusion. :world_map:
Junior Ranger Program
Grab a Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center for an engaging experience for kids. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails and carriage roads are extensive; good footwear is a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:
Book Mansion Tours
Self-guided tours are available, but guided tours offer deeper insights. Book ahead! :ticket:
Check Parking Signs
Distinguish NPS parking from Billings Farm & Museum to avoid confusion. :world_map:
Junior Ranger Program
Grab a Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center for an engaging experience for kids. :child:
Explore the Forest
Discover the oldest continuously managed forest in the US and its unique timber products. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the park's beautiful grounds, scenic trails, and the historical significance of the mansion and its conservation legacy. The knowledgeable rangers and volunteers enhance the experience. Some find the parking and signage a bit confusing, and mansion tour access can be limited without booking specific guided tours.
"Beautiful location and wonderful carriage trails to walk around. The mansion was closed but the porch was open so you could sit and enjoy the view. They could have better signs and add the distance to some of the major trails."
Marie Taylor
"We visited on a Thursday morning in late June 2025. We parked across the street at the Billings Farm & Museum which is a private establishment but works along with the NPS. In the parking lot there is a NPS booth that gives info on the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. It is staffed by volunteers and they can give you info on what you need to know. I think a lot of people get confused and try to go into the Billings Farm & Museum. NPS does house it's short film in the theater inside the Billings Farm & Museum that is free of charge. You just walk in and turn right.
From the parking lot to get to the National Historical Park, you go up the paved walkway and then cross the street. It's a lot of up hill to get to the Visitor Center. The visitor center itself is in a newer building and is quite large. When you enter the info desk is to the right and the bathrooms and water fountain are to the left. If you walk ahead there are a ton of exhibits and it goes all the way around to the large open area more focused towards children. There are books and tables and activities. We asked for Junior Ranger Booklets at the info desk. The info desk is where the NPS Passport Cancellation Stamps are too. The gift shop is also back behind the info desk area to the right. It's a standard size for the National Historic Site like this.
We asked to get tickets to tour the house at 12:30PM when they started but the ranger said it was too early. They give you a laminated piece of paper with a time printed on it for each person in your party and I think she was afraid we would lose it or take it and not turn it in. Not quite sure. We paid $15 for 2 adults and 3 children (15&under). This was for the "Marsh, Billings, Rockefeller - The Mansion Experience (Self guided tour)".
The tour itself starts on the front porch of the mansion where a ranger gives a 15 min talk and then they let you inside where there is another ranger and you get 15 mins to walk around while the ranger outside starts the next tour group. So it's like a rolling program. The ranger inside told us that the self guided tour only allows you to explore the main floor of the house and to tour the upstairs you'd have to book those guided tours.
While we waited for our 12:30PM tour we toured the rest of the property. We went to the Belvedere and the gardens and hiked a short loop around the property. There is a shed along the path with exhibit in as well. Looked like a converted garage.
Overall it was a great visit. The rangers and volunteers were all very nice and helpful. I do not know if I would visit again but it was certainly worth the first visit. Maybe if we were driving by and able to get that guided tour of the mansion. We didn't have time to watch the entire film in the Billings Farm & Museum either. If we had more time we would've probably paid to check that establishment out but we had a tight itinerary for the day."
David L.
"We took a very long hike (mostly because we got lost a couple of times) to Pogue Pond and back. It was very peaceful and beautiful. The hike is moderate- some uphill walking, but the paths aren't difficult to navigate."
Susan E
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in Woodstock, Vermont. Parking is available across from the Billings Farm & Museum, with clear NPS signage. Be aware that the visitor center and mansion are uphill from the parking area.
Yes, parking is available. It's important to follow the NPS signs to ensure you are in the correct parking area, as it is separate from the Billings Farm & Museum.
While public transportation options directly to the park are limited, Woodstock is a walkable town. If you are staying in Woodstock, you may be able to walk or bike to the park.
Billings Farm & Museum is a separate, private establishment focused on rural Vermont life. The National Historical Park is adjacent and shares some facilities, including a theater for a short film.
The visitor center and main floor of the mansion are generally accessible. Some trails may be challenging, but carriage roads offer flatter options. Check with the visitor center for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park grounds and visitor center is free. However, tickets are required for tours of the Marsh-Billings Mansion.
Ticket prices for the mansion tour can vary, but as of recent information, it was around $15 for adults. Children under 15 may have reduced or free admission.
Yes, you can purchase tickets for the self-guided mansion tour on the day of your visit. However, it's recommended to arrive early as tickets are time-stamped and can sell out.
Yes, there is a self-guided tour of the main floor. For access to the upstairs, you'll need to book a specific guided tour, which offers a more in-depth experience.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information on park hours and tour availability.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Mount Tom trail for scenic views and the carriage roads for a more leisurely walk. The Pogue Pond loop is also a beautiful option.
Yes, the visitor center has exhibits geared towards children, and Junior Ranger booklets are available to make their visit interactive and educational.
Pets are generally allowed on park grounds and trails but must be kept on a leash. They are typically not permitted inside park buildings or the mansion. Always check current park regulations.
The park is home to various wildlife, including red foxes, deer, and numerous bird species. Keep an eye out during your walks!
Wi-Fi availability can be spotty within the park. It's advisable to download any necessary maps or information beforehand.
📸 📸 Photography
The mansion itself, the surrounding gardens, and scenic overlooks from Mount Tom offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The Pogue Pond area is also very picturesque.
Photography policies inside the mansion can vary. Typically, non-flash photography may be permitted in certain areas, but it's best to confirm with the ranger during your tour.
Drone usage is generally restricted in National Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check the park's official website for specific drone regulations.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for landscape and architectural photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers good opportunities for capturing details.
Consider capturing the historic sawmill or the preserved forest areas to highlight the park's conservation legacy. The unique 2020-W quarter featuring the park is also a fun collectible for photography enthusiasts. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The carriage roads provide relatively flat and easy walking paths suitable for strollers and little legs, making it easy to explore the grounds. The mansion tour can also be adapted for children, with rangers often tailoring their talks to be more engaging for younger audiences. The natural beauty and wildlife sightings, like the red fox kits, add an extra layer of excitement for kids.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity to spot local wildlife and observe the unique flora of Vermont. The Pogue Pond area is a tranquil spot for quiet contemplation and nature observation. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring water, as some trails involve elevation changes.
🏛️ History Buffs
Explore the exhibits in the visitor center to understand the park's significance as the only National Park Service unit dedicated to conservation history. Learning about the oldest continuously managed forest in the U.S. provides a unique perspective on land use and environmental policy over time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Conservation
Visitors can explore this history through exhibits in the visitor center and guided tours of the mansion. The park also manages the oldest continuously managed forest in the United States, demonstrating sustainable forestry practices. This living laboratory allows for the study of forest ecology and management, showcasing how human intervention can work in harmony with nature.
The park's commitment to conservation extends to its trails and grounds. The well-maintained carriage roads and hiking paths encourage visitors to connect with nature while respecting the environment. This focus on environmental stewardship is a core theme that resonates throughout the park experience, making it a valuable destination for those interested in history, nature, and the future of our planet.
Exploring the Marsh-Billings Mansion
For a more in-depth experience, guided tours are available that provide access to the upstairs rooms and delve deeper into the personal stories and the architectural evolution of the house. These tours are highly recommended by visitors for their engaging narratives and the opportunity to see more of the mansion's preserved interiors.
Beyond the interiors, the mansion's porch offers a serene spot to enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. This vantage point allows visitors to appreciate the deliberate design of the estate, which integrates the home with its natural environment, reflecting the conservationist ideals of its former inhabitants.
Hiking and Outdoor Recreation
A particularly rewarding destination is Pogue Pond, a serene body of water accessible via several trails. The loop around the pond offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to observe local flora and fauna. Some sections of the trails, like the steeper parts of the Mount Tom trail, are marked for their challenging terrain, offering options for various fitness levels.
These outdoor spaces are not just for recreation; they are integral to the park's mission of demonstrating sustainable land management. The trails are designed to minimize environmental impact while allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the managed forest and the natural landscape.
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