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The scene unfolds before me on the beach at New York’s Sagamore Hill National Historic Site. What a childhood dream to have a nature trail leading to a beach in your backyard. I imagine the children playing, wading in the water, building sandcastles, and rowing their boats in the bay. The only thing I knew about visiting Sagamore Hill was that the property contains President Theodore Roosevelt’s House. I was unaware that it was also a National Park Site with beautiful nature.
Visitors Center
Old Orchard is the house built by Theodore Roosevelt’s son, Ted. The building houses Sagamore Hill National Historic Site’s Visitors Center.
It is also home to the Theodore Roosevelt Museum. In the gift shop, you will find the National Park Passport Stamp. The first floor of the Theodore Roosevelt Museum at Old Orchard is packed with exhibits on the President’s life.
I appreciated the exhibits on Roosevelt’s travel writing, his camping trip with John Muir, and his dedication to the National Park System.
Read about our visit to The John Muir National Historic Site
The Film
There is no official theater. One film played on a TV in the gift shop, and another was projected onto one of the home’s walls. With no theater, watching the films can feel a little awkward. They were both informative films with lots of old-timey family photographs.
Sagamore Hill House
Tours of the house are available Thursday-Sunday. Hours vary depending on time of year, staffing, etc.. It is VERY important to know that you MUST purchase a ticket for the house tour. Tickets are available on the National Park System website/app. They can sell out quickly, especially on weekends. We did not get to tour the house. By the time we discovered we needed a ticket, they were sold out.
Because space inside is tight, tour guides share the introduction outside. We were able to join this part of the tour to learn about the home’s history. Be sure your day includes relaxing in one of the porch’s rocking chairs while savoring views of the trees, lawn, and flowers.
Sagamore Hill Garden
Though small, the garden at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site is lovely. It’s the first section of the park you will encounter after walking through the parking lot. There are plenty of buzzing bees drinking from the colorful flowers.
The Farm
Theodore Roosevelt had big dreams for the property he purchased at the age of 22. One was to have a working farm. The family loved animals, so the farm grew hay and straw to provide the animals with plenty of food. Sprawling fruit orchards grew treats the children could pick right off the tree. A vegetable garden provided meals for the family and the rotating number of visitors from cousins to dignitaries. Today you can walk around and see what the farm buildings looked like during Theodore Roosevelt’s time. The family pet cemetery is also nearby.
Sagamore Hill Nature Trail
In the woods behind the Old Orchard Museum, you will find the Sagamore Hill Nature Trail. The nature trail is an easy loop through the woods.
During the peaceful stroll, you will encounter the Eel Creek Bridge. Walk along the boardwalk bridge to cross the tidal pool and salt marsh.
Look down to see if you can spot crabs or fish in the water. Once the bridge ends, watch where you step on the path to avoid getting wet. The trail can become completely flooded depending on the moon’s phase.
If it is completely flooded, you can’t visit the beach. After crossing Eel Creek, your shoes will sink into the sand at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site’s Cold Harbor beach. The beach is small. You can walk the entire beach in a few minutes. The sand is coarse and scattered with pebbles, shells, and shell fragments.
This is a nature viewing beach only. Unlike Theodore Roosevelt’s time, recreation is not allowed at this park beach. That includes wading, swimming, shell collecting, and picnicking. The nature trail, creek, and beach were my favorite parts of this National Park Site. The clear marsh water and forest paths make a tranquil visit.
Additional Information
This is a half-day park. Visit in the morning and check out another Long Island, New York activity in the afternoon.
Restrooms are located in the Visitors Center and near the parking lot.
Fill your water bottle before arriving. I’ve filled my water bottle at many National Park refill stations, and the water here did not taste good.
Theodore Roosevelt was a great consumer of coffee. The gift shop has its own coffee blend. Teddy bears are also available for purchase.
Sagamore Hill is a popular Bark Ranger site. We saw visitors and locals walking their dogs along the paths and nature trail. I was delighted.
Though visitors must pay for their house tour ticket, the rest of the park is free. If you are spending a weekend or week in the Long Island, New York, area, visit Sagamore Hill National Historic Site one day and Fire Island National Seashore the next.
Read about our visit to Fire Island National Seashore
Conclusion
If you like architecture and design, there is the house. If you like nature, there is the garden, grounds, nature trail, salt marsh, and beach. And if you love history, there is the farm and the Theodore Roosevelt Museum.
There is something for everyone. If you are in the Long Island, New York, area, add a visit to Sagamore Hill National Historic Site to your itinerary.
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