Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
4.5
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Historic home of Robert Lincoln, only child of President and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. The estate has beautiful gardens, restored 1903 wooden Pullman palace railcar, goat farm and cheesemaking facility, 12+ miles of walking trails, teaching greenhouse and cross-country skiing in winter.
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  • Carol Ann J
    Germantown, New York1,783 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely Historic Home and Grounds
    Hildene is a lovely estate. One may visit for an hour or spend the entire day touring the home and grounds. After purchasing tickets at the visitor center, one may watch a short film or grab a map of the property and start exploring. After being greeted outside the home and given a short overview, one is free to take a self-tour of the first and second floor. The magical sound of a pipe organ may be heard throughout the home. Most of the furniture is original to the family and the beautiful wallpaper in the dining room is original to the home. There are several buildings on the property and even an original Pullman car to tour. One may also walk trails through wooded and meadow areas, one leading to the Hildene Farm at the goat dairy. I especially loved the formal gardens just outside the back door of the home.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 May 2023
  • Ann B
    Syracuse, New York143 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Appreciation of our history
    The history is riveting. One of the male tour operators pointed out so many little things i.e. the grandfather clock made and designed by Tiffany's? Who knew they did intricate wood works! Just to view the antique hand-written letters by a department head in the war dept was a look into history about Abraham Lincoln out walking in Washington by himself.. How times have changed. The garden wasn't even much in bloom yet. The Pullman RR car with Tiffany glass windows and the history was an eye-opener.
    Visited May 2023
    Written 24 May 2023
  • Steven A7839
    New York City, New York1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Terrific experience with Hildene tour
    Really amazing historic place in a spectacular setting and the day was perfect weather. We as a family took a tour through the home of Lincoln and it was so interesting. Our tour guide, Christopher, pointed out fascinating historical things about the Lincoln family while telling a compelling history of that era. It was so interesting especially to my wife who had studied civil war history. All in all, a great place worth visiting. A nice ending was listening to the organ play in the house.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 2 June 2023
  • Skier9175
    Pembroke, Massachusetts472 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exceeded our expectations!
    We choose to visit Hildene one afternoon over a long weekend in Vermont. It was wonderful. The staff is very friendly. The residence is wonderfully maintained. The story and history is amazing as most people’s’ knowledge of the Lincoln family fades after Abraham Lincoln’s death. If you enjoy history or well maintained period homes, we would strongly recommend that you visit Hildene
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 June 2023
  • Carol A S
    Grafton, Massachusetts24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful Piece of History
    This is a beautiful place to visit. The house is set on a hill located between two mountains. Beautiful views and beautiful gardens. The staff is well informed and was very helpful. We were able to walk around and take our time. There were many baby goats at the farm. The Pullman car is beautifully restored and it's a great look into the past.
    Visited June 2023
    Written 22 June 2023
  • kathymcassola
    Warwick, Rhode Island8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not just Abraham's son
    A gem. Robert Lincoln's estate. Lovely but also livable -- i.e. not like the Newport 'cottages.' Also a tour of a Pullman Car. And beautiful gardens. Lots of walking available.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 August 2023
  • Bernadette R
    Hudson, New York16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don’t miss this
    The volunteer staff here was extremely helpful and informative. We were so impressed with the cleanliness of the grounds, the restrooms, the home and the farm. The whole family enjoyed the farm and cheese making facility. All the staff were friendly and ready to answer questions. The transportation of kids and elderly people was so important and the tram? ( large golf cart that fits 6) made touring so easy. I highly recommend this tour. The gardens were in full bloom and the kids got to run free though them. I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. I thought it would be a modest home but it is grand in its setting. I wish the weather was better for walking the grounds but even the rain couldn’t dampen our visit.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 August 2023
  • Gary G
    Denver, Colorado126 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A bit of Lincoln history in Vermont
    Really unexpected house and grounds to visit. A real gem in Vermont. Tod Lincoln found a great place live. The house is immense and very well kept up. The back garden and the views of the valley impress. In addition there is a Pullman exhibit and goat farm. Do not miss this!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 September 2023
  • Tina S
    South Fallsburg, New York300 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our family trip to Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
    Let’s start by saying the staff are amazing. Hildene is a self guided tour and go at your own pace. It’s is so beautiful and so much history to learn. You can take pictures inside but are asked to touch nothing. There are guides on the inside to answer questions you may have. Cost was $23.00 to get in but they do have military discounts. This is a good must see. The view is amazing of the valley below. If/When I come back to Vermont I would go and see this place again. They also produce their own goat cheese. They do have goats on the goat farm. So much to see here. At At At
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 October 2023
  • Lynn R
    110 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome experience
    Patricia was one who f the friendliest ladies we met on our Vermont vacation. She went out of her way to make sure we had a great visit. We really enjoyed the tour of the house. The guide at the house was very knowledgeable about the history of the whole Lincoln family. There is a huge telescope that used to rotate in the side yard. The Pullman car was very extravagant. It even had Tiffany glass. This was an awesome experience.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 October 2023
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Gregrob1980
Philadelphia, PA604 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
This is our second visit in the last two years and we found it more enjoyable this time around. Since it's winter, there are no guided tours but they have staff on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Written 6 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Yuliuc
Queens, NY14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
The house is pretty cool to see! It has so much. History my 9 yr old daughter enjoyed the scavenger hunt inside the house!
The tour guide inside the house was very friendly and informative.
Thank you
Written 28 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

beckyjean71
New England28 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
I'd been wanting to go to Hildene for quite a long time, and it did not disappoint. The house is lovely, and contains a great many original furnishings and decorations. One bedroom has been kept in an unrestored state, to show visitors what the home looked like when it entered into preservation in the 1970s -- it's in remarkably good condition. Informational placards in each room give background on the uses of the room, and sometimes some information on various furnishings or decorations. There's usually a docent nearby to answer any additional questions you might have.

We also enjoyed seeing the small observatory near the house. It would have been nice to have some information about its history.

There are beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and there are several hiking trails. It was pretty cold on the day we were there, so we didn't hike.

The standout for me was the restored Pullman car that's a short distance from the house. It was a real treat to be able to walk through this beautiful train car, with its beautiful wood panels that pull down to reveal sleeping berths.

We waited around for the tram to take us out to the goat farm, but it didn't seem to be running on schedule, so we left. Sorry, goats! I did buy a bar of soap made with the goats' milk, which was available in several scents at the gift shop in the visitors' center.

I'd like to come back here again in a warmer month, to see the gardens in bloom -- and to get to say hi to the goats.
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lee L
Valhalla, NY1,920 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Solo
I visited Hildene the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, on a beautiful fall day. Didn't see much traffic on my way up but was surprised when I pulled into the parking lot that it was packed to the gills.

It is a very large property. You can walk from the ticket counter up to the house. The person there will give you a short 10-15 minute overview before taking you inside. Once inside you can walk thru the house at your own pace. Many of the items in the house are original since it remained in the hands of one of his daughters. They do have 1 room that has items pertaining to President Lincoln.

In addition to the house I would probably walk thru the gardens, Robert's astronomical observatory and the rail car, Robert was chief attorney and president of the Pullman company.

You can go down and check out the farm area which is still a working farm. It is interesting but doesn't really deal with the Lincoln's but farm operations. You can walk, it is quite a hike, or take the shuttle.
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robin
Anthem, AZ3 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023
Took the morning to see Robert Lincoln and Family's summer home. Excellent visit, staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Beth S
South Lake Tahoe, CA490 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Docents provide an introduction every 15 minutes in front of the mansion before letting you tour at your own pace. The grounds are extensive, and you can enjoy a wonderful walk. There are golf carts for those not up to the walking.
Written 13 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lynn R
110 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Patricia was one who f the friendliest ladies we met on our Vermont vacation. She went out of her way to make sure we had a great visit. We really enjoyed the tour of the house. The guide at the house was very knowledgeable about the history of the whole Lincoln family. There is a huge telescope that used to rotate in the side yard. The Pullman car was very extravagant. It even had Tiffany glass. This was an awesome experience.
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tina S
South Fallsburg, NY300 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
Let’s start by saying the staff are amazing. Hildene is a self guided tour and go at your own pace. It’s is so beautiful and so much history to learn. You can take pictures inside but are asked to touch nothing. There are guides on the inside to answer questions you may have. Cost was $23.00 to get in but they do have military discounts.
This is a good must see. The view is amazing of the valley below.
If/When I come back to Vermont I would go and see this place again. They also produce their own goat cheese. They do have goats on the goat farm. So much to see here. At At At
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sara T
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Friends
We thoroughly enjoyed having a look around Hildene. It is a lovely house in a beautiful setting but it feels like a home. The guides are knowledgeable and are happy to share information about Hildene with you.
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gary G
Denver, CO126 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
Really unexpected house and grounds to visit. A real gem in Vermont. Tod Lincoln found a great place live. The house is immense and very well kept up.
The back garden and the views of the valley impress.
In addition there is a Pullman exhibit and goat farm.
Do not miss this!
Written 29 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home is open:
  • Thu - Mon 10:00 am - 4:30 pm