Last updated: July 4, 2022
Thing to Do
Take A Self-Guided Tour of the Park Grounds
Smell the Fresh Air and Take a Stroll Around the Park
The grounds of the historic site are open during standard operating hours (9:00AM to 5:00PM). A quarter-mile walking trace loops visitors around the entirety of the park's ten acre property, including the historic White Haven home. Four historic outbuildings (Summer Kitchen, Chicken House, Ice House, and Horse Stable/Museum) are accessible along the walking trace and can be explored without going on a guided tour of White Haven. Seven wayside markers located around the walking trace provide information on the Grants, Dents, and enslaved African Americans who lived at White Haven in the 1850s. Several benches also provide walkers with spots to take a break and get a view of the home.
Please note that White Haven is only accessible through a guided tour. Vistiors who opt for a self-guided walkthrough of the property are welcome to take pictures of the home from the outside and explore the rest of the grounds at their own pace.
Leashed pets are always welcome on the park grounds.
Map of the Park Grounds
Details
Duration
5-15 Minutes
Individual visitors spend varying amounts of time exploring the park grounds on their own. People who are running short on time should expect to spend 5 to 15 minutes walking the park grounds.
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Pets Allowed
Yes
All pets must be on a leash.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Park Grounds
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
The quarter-mile walking trail on the park grounds is fully accessible for people using wheelchairs, walkers, and other assisted mobility devices. The seven granite park benches adjacent to the walking trail are not ADA accessible. Additionally, the marker text for the seven wayside markers adjacent to the walking trail are not ADA accessible at this time.
Stops on the Self-Guided Tour
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- Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site
Stop By The Visitor Center
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Shopping
- Duration: 5-15 Minutes
- Reservations: No
- Pets: No
- Location: Visitor Center
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day
Start your experience at the Visitor Center. Park Staff and volunteers will be located at the front desk to greet you and answer questions. Allow yourself at least a few minutes to become oriented to the park operation. The Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
- Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site
White Haven
- Type: Place
Ulysses S. Grant, the victorious Civil War general who saved the Union and the 18th President of the United States, first met Julia Dent, his future wife, at her family home, named White Haven. Today, that home commemorates their lives and loving partnership against the turbulent backdrop of the nineteenth century.
- Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site
Summer Kitchen
- Type: Place
This stone building, located behind White Haven, consists of two rooms. Before the Civil War, the enslaved used this building for laundry and summer cooking.
- Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site
Ice House and Chicken House
- Type: Place
The ice house and chicken house are two of the remaining outbuildings from White Haven. The ice house was built around 1840 and the chicken house dates from 1850 to 1870.
- Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site
Stable at White Haven
- Type: Place
Historic stable designed by Grant while President of the United States. He had plans for establishing a horse-breeding farm at White Haven. Today, the structure houses the park's museum exhibits.