Historic Tours in Westchester
Westchester has a rich history where many living monuments and homes are still standing. During these guided tours, you and your family can learn more about the history, homes, and people who lived in Westchester. This can be an incredible way to experience a look back in time as you uncover the stories – and lives – of people who were an integral part of this County. Read on to check out some tours to check out with your kids.
Psst…check out Historic Hudson Valley Announces Upcoming Tours of Historic Landmarks
Histoury Historical Tours by Design
Take a historical tour (bus and walking) throughout Westchester with Histoury Historical Tours by Design. Currently, this includes historic home tours of New Rochelle, midcentury home tour of Dobbs Ferry, an historic tour Lewisboro, and a Bronxville in the 20s, and a bus tour of Bedford, to name a few options. Tours generally last for four hours and are designed for adults and older kids. Additionally, they cover historical tours in Connecticut and New York City. Reach out to histoury.org to learn more.
Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate
Take a tour of the historic home of John D. Rockefeller and four generations of the Rockefeller family. Located in Sleepy Hollow, the home (called Kykuit) is an historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Here, they offer guided walking tours from May-November. Tour options include the grand tour (three hours) and the classic tour (two hours). These historic tours include a look of the main floor of the house, the gorgeous inner garden, west terrace, golf room, and coach barn. Additionally, these tours are recommended for kids 10 and up. Children under five years old are not permitted on the Grand tour. 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY.
Philipsburg Manor
Learn more about colonial New York during a visit to Philipsburg Manor. Here, you and your kids can learn more about the enslaved individuals who worked on the property in 1750. Walking tours and events at Philipsburg Manor happen from May-December. 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY
Washington Irving’s Sunnyside
Visit the home of Washington Irving’s Sunnyside. Designed by the author, the cottage and landscape is open for guided historic tours from November-December. Additionally, Sunnyside is the location ofA Victorian Christmas Celebration, a self-paced holiday moment. During this time, families can make Victorian paper crafts, Tour Washington Irving’s home, and enjoy festive snacks. 3 West Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, NY 10533
Union Church of Pocantico Hills
This historic church is open from May-November. Here, you and your family can view stunning stained-glass windows from European masters. Incredibly, this historic site is also the location of Henri Matisse’s last commissioned work, the Rose Window. Additionally, view nine beautiful windows designed by Marc Chagall. 555 Bedford Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
The Armour-Stiner Octagon House
Visit this Victorian-style house to take a walking tour of this mansion. Incredibly, this mansion features one of the only remaining Egyptian revival rooms in America. Tour options include the The “Classic” Guided Tour; Preservation Focus Tour; and the Victorian Springtime at The Octagon House. Additionally, this historic tour is best for kids ages 12 and up. The mansion is closed during the winter and reopens in March. 45 West Clinton Avenue, Irvington, NY 10533.
West Point Tours
Learn more about the military during a West Point historic tour. Guided tours run year-round that includes a history and cemetery tour and the West Point story. Here, visitors will learn more about the military from 1778 to the present. Tours range between $15-20 per person. 2107 New South Post Rd, Highland Falls, NY 10928
Bedford Court House and Museum
Take a trip to Bedford to view its restored 18th century court room and museum. The museum includes a look at Bedford’s history from artifacts, farming documents, and more. Additionally, this location features the location of the oldest jail cell in Westchester County. 615 Old Post Rd., Route 22 at the Village Green, Bedford, NY 10506.
Jacob Purdy House
See the home of Samuel Horton, an early settler in White Plains. This home has been documented as Washington’s Headquarters in 1778. Historians also believe it to have been the General’s Headquarters before the Chatterton Hill battle of October 28, 1776. 60 Park Avenue, White Plains, NY 10603
