Step into the final days of Ulysses S. Grant with a Living History Tour at his historic cottage in Gansevoort, NY. Experience firsthand stories told by guides in period attire amid original artifacts and serene Adirondack surroundings.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for visitors of all fitness levels; minimal walking required
Wildlife
History
Grant Cottage was built in 1885 where Ulysses S. Grant spent his final days, making it a unique Civil War-related landmark in New York state.
Conservation
The site prioritizes preservation of both natural surroundings and historic artifacts, maintaining a balance between visitor access and sustainability.
U.S. Grant Cottage State Historic Site
Step into the final days of Ulysses S. Grant with a Living History Tour at his historic cottage in Gansevoort, NY. Experience firsthand stories told by guides in period attire amid original artifacts and serene Adirondack surroundings.
U.S. Grant Cottage State Historic Site preserves the final home and legacy of Ulysses S. Grant on Mount McGregor in Gansevoort, New York. The site operates as a state historic site offering interpretation, tours, and special programming that focus on Grant's final days, the Mount McGregor resort era, and 19th-century life. Visitors can choose from guided experiences that include a 30-minute Guided Cottage Tour showcasing rooms with original artifacts, a Living History Tour led by costumed interpreters, an immersive Historical Encounters Tour featuring historical figures and narratives about the mountaintop resort and Grant Cottage, and private tours tailored for small groups. Each experience emphasizes factual interpretation, preservation of material culture, and stories of resilience and family devotion associated with Grant’s last months. The site maintains original furnishings and artifacts related to Grant and his family, and guides interpret those items within the broader historical context of post‑Civil War America and Victorian-era mountain resorts.
Education-minded travelers, history groups, and families find the site useful for learning about presidential history and 19th-century domestic life. As a New York State Historic Site, the property follows professional standards for conservation, interpretation, and visitor safety. Accessibility, reservation details, fees, and seasonal schedules are managed by the site’s administration; prospective visitors should consult official resources for the most current visitor information and to book tours. Interpretive staff provide guided commentary, answer visitor questions, and support research inquiries; the site also hosts occasional educational events, lectures, and group bookings under state historic site programming throughout the year.
Location
Gansevoort, NY
Located on Mount McGregor
Historic Site
State Historic Site
Preserves Grant Cottage history
Tour Length
30 minutes
Guided Cottage Tour duration
Tours Offered
4 tours
Historical, guided, private, living history
Reserve guided or private tours, check visitor information, and experience the historic home of Ulysses S. Grant on Mount McGregor in Gansevoort, NY.
Book in advance
Tours are limited to 10 participants, so reserving your spot early ensures you won’t miss this intimate experience.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour includes walking around the cottage grounds and some uneven terrain outside.
Check the weather
Portions of the tour take place outdoors, so bring weather-appropriate clothing.
Arrive early
Arriving 10 minutes before your scheduled tour helps with check-in and maximizes your time inside the cottage.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for navigating uneven trails and the cottage grounds.
Weather-appropriate layers
Bring layers to stay comfortable during outdoor portions regardless of season.
Insect repellent
Helpful during warmer months due to nearby woodland habitats.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture unique artifacts and scenic surroundings throughout the visit.