Physical / Mobility

Difficult stairs to navigate down to the Hollow.

Frederick Law Olmsted NHS has three major features to explore.

Home: The 1810 farmhouse that was the family home is now our exhibit space and is fully accessible to those people with mobility issues, all on a single floor, with ramp access. There are ample seating options available in every room.

Historic Design Office: Connected to the Olmsted's home is a rambling multi-level design office. Two sets of steep staircases are used to get through the office wing as well as other smaller staircases. There are a couple of stools in each room. Interior spaces have several unexpected stairs to be navigated. This area is not accessible for people who use a wheelchair. In 2015 a new video tour was filmed and has a ranger to guide you through the rooms giving the same information one would get on a tour. This is available on request.

Grounds: The grounds are uneven, but many people have toured portions of them using a wheelchair. Some areas, like the sunken garden called the "Hollow" are not accessible, due to uneven stone steps, though one can see the whole area from above looking down from the adjoining Carriage Turn. A ramp on the Carriage Turn can allow access to the South Lawn and the Rock Garden, a narrow, uneven rocky path but one should use their own judgment on traversing it using a wheelchair. There is no seating available.

Handicap parking is available at the entrance to the site on Warren Street.

Tour reservations are for groups of 10 or more throughout the year, and for all groups during the winter season (late December through early April), please call 617-566-1689 ext. 211 or email us. Reservations can be made based on site accessibility and staff availability. Please make reservations at least two weeks in advance of your visit.

Unable to make it to the site? Explore the Historic Design Office and Fairsted's Cultural Landscape online.