Rte 9H PO Box 545, Kinderhook, NY 12106
Phone: 518-758-9689
Fax: 518-758-6986
Overview. In the seventeenth century, the Dutch explored the Hudson River Valley, establishing towns such as Kinderhook along the way. Martin Van Buren was born here in 1782. After serving as the Governor of New York, Secretary of State, Vice President and the 8th President of the United States, he returned to his hometown, where he purchased the estate of local Judge Peter Van Ness; Van Buren named his new home Lindenwald after the many linden trees growing on the property. Local history insists that Washington Irving, another man of Van Buren's generation, wrote "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" while staying at Lindenwald. Today the house and grounds serve as a memorial not only to Van Buren but also to a genteel mode of northeastern life before the Civil War.What to see and do. Your trip to this site should last approximately two hours. At the kiosk near Route 9H, sign up for a ranger-guided tour of the mansion, which should last about 45 minutes. In the 36 rooms, you'll see original furnishings, objects, and French wallpaper portraying a fox hunt. After your house tour, watch the 15-minute audiovisual program on Van Buren's life or select from one of the other regularly offered tours of the grounds. You can also browse through the small exhibits focusing on Van Buren's life and political career. Special events throughout the visitor season include campfire talks, musical performances, a historic military encampment, hikes, bicycle tours and Van Buren's birthday celebration. Call the park for times and dates. You can tour the house Thursday through Monday from 9 AM until 4 PM mid-May through October 31; thereafter, weekends only until December 5. The rest of the year the mansion is closed, but the 22 acres of grounds remain open. You may also visit the Martin Van Buren Natural Area across Route 9H from the mansion; it contains transitional and climax forests, and has 3.5 miles of trails, picnic tables and a picnic pavilion. When you walk the grounds and look back at the house, you'll notice its mix of architectural styles. Originally exhibiting a Federal design, Van Buren's son added an Italianate brick tower and a Victorian Gothic central gable, to name a few modifications. The result is eclectic. Groups wishing to tour the site should make reservations in advance. The site is handicapped-accessible. Historic Kinderhook offers many other interesting places, such as the Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse. Ask at the gatehouse for more details. Fees: A nominal fee is charged for those aged 17 and over.
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