Last updated: January 20, 2025
Thing to Do
Tour Val-Kill Cottage
NPS Photo.
Tour Schedule
Tour schedule changes seasonally.
All buildings at Val-Kill will remain closed until Spring 2025, with an opening date TBD.
The grounds are open every day during normal operating hours.
Visit our Operating Hours & Seasons Page for more information.
How to Obtain Tickets
Access to Val-Kill Cottage is by guided tour only. Tours are limited and fill up quickly. Advanced individual reservations are not available. Free tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis at the Stone Cottage Visitor Center.
About the Tour
The tour presents three rooms on the first floor of the cottage. Park Rangers discuss the history of the building and the important people who gathered here for relaxation, family holidays, and discussions of urgent national and global importance.
Preservation Restrictions and Conditions
- Baby strollers, "Gerry" carriers, or infant carriers with handles are not permitted in FDR's home.
- Backpacks and parcels (including purses, briefcases, diaper bags, camera bags) that exceed 11" x 15" in either dimension are not permitted in FDR;s home.
- The public may not carry open containers of food or beverages in FDR's home. Water bottles are permitted, but must remain sealed and contained at all times while inside buildings with museum collections.
- Photography is permitted inside Val-Kill Cottage, but we ask that you refrain from using your flash. Selfie Sticks and Tripods are not permitted on the public tour.
Details
Duration
30 Minutes
Activity
Guided Tours
Pets Allowed
No
Only service animals are permitted inside Val-Kill Cottage and park facilities. Contact the park for more information on our service animal policy.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Val-Kill Cottage
Reservations
No
Reservations for individuals and families are not available for tours of Eleanor Roosevelt's home. Tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis at the Stone Cottage Visitor Center.
Reservations are required ONLY for commercial tour services (motor coaches) and any public group of 20 or more people. Commercial and group reservations can only be made through recreation.gov. Visit Fees & Passes for more information.
Reservations are required ONLY for commercial tour services (motor coaches) and any public group of 20 or more people. Commercial and group reservations can only be made through recreation.gov. Visit Fees & Passes for more information.
Accessibility Information
Val-Kill cottage is not accessible, but a ramp at one entrance provides ability for wheel chairs to enter and exit the building. Historic doorways are narrow, but navigable. The cottage does not have an elevator or lift to provide access to the second floor.