A visit to Oyster Bay and Sagamore Hill

Is there any other historical figure to have such a major effect on our relationship with nature than Theodore Roosevelt? A colorful man with a zest for life, he is a man that children can identify with and Sagamore Hill in New York is the perfect place to introduce them to him.

His home away from the White House, Sagamore Hill is a Victorian house set upon a hill that once overlooked Oyster Bay. This is where the president played with his children, met with important political figures, and wrote his books.

Touring Sagamore Hill – My husband was excited to bring our family to tour the house at Sagamore Hill. As a student, he remembered field trips to the house and enjoying the large game heads and animal skins throughout the house. Infused with Roosevelt’s love of books, nature, and his family, the house is a wonder to children and their parents. The house has most of the original furnishings including some of the family’s prized possessions, like Roosevelt’s Rough Rider hat and sword. The house is kept unlit like it would have been in Roosevelt’s day and it’s easy to imagine the Roosevelt family rambling in the 23 room house.

The Theodore Roosevelt Museum at Old Orchard and Farm Buildings – Also included on the Sagamore Hill Historic Site is General Theodore Roosevelt Jr.’s home. This building houses exhibits and a movie to give guests a better understanding of the president’s family and political life. On the property are some of the original farm buildings, including the tool and carriage sheds, and landscaped gardens. Guests are invited to walk down to Cold Spring Harbor on a tree-lined nature trail.

Roosevelt’s Oyster Bay – The Roosevelt family has a long history in Oyster Bay and have left their mark in the small village. The Oyster Bay Long Island Railroad Station was often used by Roosevelt as he traveled during his stint as the New York City Police Commissioner and later as President. The later reconstructed Derby-Hall Bandstand was the site of Roosevelt speeches. A stop in Oyster Bay should also include a walk in the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center. The center was first created as a songbird preserve but is now home to birds of prey, reptiles, and amphibians.

To plan your trip to Sagamore Hill and Oyster Bay, visit the National Park Service website here or the Audubon’s website here. You can learn more about Theodore Roosevelt at the Almanac of Theodore Roosevelt. 

Chris Flynn is mom to two rambunctious boys. A homebody at heart, Chris fell in love and found herself moving around like a gypsy. When she isn’t packing, on a plane, or in a car, you can find her at Mom’s Favorite Stuff or on Twitter.
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Image of Theodore Roosevelt Statue, Oyster Bay, New York courtesy of oquendo.