2025 Geocache Challenge
It was in Joseph W. Drexel's Adirondack cottage that General Ulysses S. Grant died of throat cancer on July 23, 1885. President Grant arrived at the cottage on June 16, 1885, with a large entourage of family, friends, servants, and physicians in order to complete his memoirs. He died just four days after his final proofreading.
Today, the cottage and its furnishings remain essentially the same as during the Grant family's stay for six weeks in 1885. Guests to the cottage may visit the spacious porch, tour the cottage's four rooms, and view floral arrangements that remain from Grant's August 4th funeral.
There is also a short path to the Eastern Outlook, which commands a spectacular view of the Hudson Valley, from the Adirondacks in the north, the Green Mountains of Vermont to the east, and the Catskills to the south. Grant Cottage State Historic site was established in 1957 and is owned by the State of New York. It is operated by The Friends of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage.
In 2021, Grant Cottage State Historic Site was designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Please check out the Friend's website for details.
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2294 Wilton, NY 12831
Hours of Operation
- 2024 Season / 9:30 am - 4 pm
April 27 - May 26: Friday - Sunday
*Open on Monday, May 27th for Memorial Day
May 29 - July 14: Wednesday - Sunday
July 16 - September 1: Tuesday - Sunday
*Open Monday, September 2nd Labor Day
September 3 - October 27: Wednesday - Sunday
*Open Monday, October 14th Indigenous Peoples Day
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Fees & Rates
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.
The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information.
Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
Grant Cottage welcomes school groups of all ages from May through October. Contact us today to learn about the many programs and activities our site is ready to offer your kids. Enjoy historical fun and the beautiful outdoors at a National Historic and Literary Landmark.
*Teachers & Chaperones are FREE*
Want Grant Cottage to come to you?
Click here to learn more.
For more information about this opportunity contact: colette@grantcottage.org
COMMUNITY DAY at Grant Cottage
Saturday, June 14, 2025 09:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Grant Cottage State Historic Site
Enjoy a full day of family fun including Grant Cottage sneak
peek walk through tours, Civil War reenactors, cannon demonstrations, tintype
photography, a raptor show, and live music. Activities include pony rides, face
painting, 19th century outdoor games, and more. Food for purchase
will also be available.
Saratoga’s Black Heritage
Thursday, June 19, 2025 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Grant Cottage State Historic Site
A Juneteenth
presentation by author Field Horne celebrating Saratoga's black history.
In celebration
of Juneteenth, join author and historian Field Horne of the Saratoga County
History Center as he explores the stories and impact of blacks in the Saratoga
area of New York over the past 300 years. From the colonial wilderness to the
lavish hotels of Gilded Age Saratoga Springs, discover well-known to mostly
forgotten or previously-unknown individuals that helped shape the region. As
part of our Literary Landmark Author Series a book signing of
complimentary copies of Saratoga's Black Heritage: A Guidebook will follow
the presentation.
Ulysses S. Grant Reflects
Thursday, July 24, 2025 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Grant Cottage State Historic Site
Join Ulysses S.
Grant (portrayed by Dr. Curt Fields) as he looks back on his incredible life
and career during his last days on Mt. McGregor. Find out how the support of
fellow veterans, a grateful nation, and his loving family made a difference as
he raced death to finish his Memoirs for the sake of his family. As part of our Literary Landmark Author Series
Dr. Fields will be signing copies of Grant at 200: Reconsidering the Life
and Legacy of Ulysses S. Grant and his recently published book Unconditional
Surrender: Ulysses S. Grant in the Civil War.
A Wilderness Celebration
Thursday, August 21, 2025 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Grant Cottage State Historic Site
Songs &
Stories presented by Folk Singer Dan Berggren celebrating 140 years of ‘Forever
Wild' (1885-2025). Join us for a
celebration of the Adirondack wilderness and what it has meant to the wellness
and livelihood of generations of residents and visitors. Embark on a musical
guided tour through the high peaks and back roads of Adirondack folklife,
exploring the stories and songs of lumberjacks, farmers, poets and people just
trying to get by. Come to Mt. McGregor in the foothills of the Adirondacks to
find out why U.S. Grant and many others came to the area to restore their
health and how the forest continues to provide opportunities for wellness
today. Attendees are encouraged to explore the opportunities available for
outdoor recreation through the New York State Parks ‘Wellness Challenge'. Enjoy
a musical journey amidst the outdoor scenery of Mt. McGregor on the eve of
Ulysses and Julia Grant's 177th wedding anniversary. Bring your
folding chairs and picnics to maximize your relaxation/Folding chairs and
picnics welcome.
Seneca Ray Stoddard
Saturday, September 13, 2025 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Grant Cottage State Historic Site
An Intimate
Portrait of an Adirondack Legend presented by author Daniel Way. Join author and
photographer Dr. Daniel Way in exploring the life of the famous local
photographer (and his great-great uncle) Seneca Ray Stoddard. Stoddard's work,
which included images taken on Mt. McGregor and throughout the Adirondacks,
helped draw public attention to the region and ultimately its preservation. In
this engaging presentation, Dr. Way will shine a spotlight on Stoddard's
significant work, offering insight into the artistry and legacy of one of the
region's most influential figures. As part of our Literary Landmark Author
Series Dr. Way will be signing copies of his book Seneca Ray Stoddard:
An Intimate Portrait of an Adirondack Legend following the presentation.