A Legacy of Stewardship: Introductory Mansion Program

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Tours

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park was home to three generations of conservationists whose deep connection to this land fueled their lifelong dedication to conservation and land stewardship. Their work and advocacy played a pivotal role in the rise of the American Conservation Movement, establishment of the Vermont and U.S. Forest Services, and creation of our national parks. This ranger-guided tour invites you on an intimate journey through the landscape and home that inspired their conservation ethos and love for the natural world. The tour begins at the Carriage Barn Visitor Center. Time is split between the grounds and the interior of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion.

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Need to Know

• Arrival Time

  Please arrive at the Carriage Barn Visitor Center at least 15 minutes in advance of your program time. Allow at least 15 additional minutes for parking and walking up the site.

• Parking & Directions
  • Parking for Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is located at Billings Farm & Museum. Click here for Google directions. The Billings Farm & Museum is located off Route 12, 1/2 mile north of the village of Woodstock. From Woodstock, cross the iron bridge and make a right onto Old River Road. The Visitor Center parking lot is immediately on the right.
  • Free parking is available in two separate lots. The main parking lot is adjacent to the Billings Farm & Museum Visitor Center. An overflow parking lot is located directly across the street from the main parking lot. This area is convenient for recreational vehicles, larger vehicles and buses.  
  • Getting to the National Park: After parking, walk towards the Billings Farm & Museum and take the concrete path to the right of the Visitor Center. Walk up the path, cross Elm St using the cross walk, and take the left fork in the road to walk up a short, steep hill towards the NPS Carriage Barn Visitor Center, where you will check in for your tour. Additional Details 

• Accessibility

  Accessible parking is available next to the mansion. Please call 802-457-3368 ext. 0 after your booking if you require a wheelchair ramp, assisted listening device, or have any other accessibility concerns. There is an elevator in the mansion that allows upper floor access. There are stools available to sit down during guided ranger talks. Additional details. 

• Temperature

  There is no air conditioning inside the mansion. Temperatures can reach higher than 90 degrees in July and August. Please prepare accordingly and let staff know if you have concerns. If temperatures become unsafe, programs may be cancelled or shortened.

• Must reserve for adults AND children

  Children 15 and under are only charged a $1 reservation fee per ticket. When booking your reservation, please ensure that you account for all adults AND children, including infants.

• Limited Space

  Due to the sensitive collection and tight spaces, there are only 12 visitor slots available during each indoor tour.

• Day-of Tickets

  Ranger-led programs can be booked online until the designated tour time.

• Cameras

  Photography, including flash, is allowed in all guided program areas. Please be courteous to other visitors.

• Restricted items

  Backpacks, food, and drink (including water) must be left outside the mansion before entry. Storage lockers are available in the Carriage Barn Visitor Center.

• Time Spent in Mansion

  During the A Legacy of Stewardship program, visitors will spend approximately 20 minutes outdoors and 40 minutes indoors.

• Reduced Admission at Billings Farm & Museum

  Show your tour ticket at Billings Farm & Museum for $2 off admission to the farm. 

• Park Film
  • The introductory park film A Place in the Land (32 minutes) is shown on a loop in the Billings Farm & Museum Visitor Center theater (69 Old River Rd). The Billings Farm & Museum is a non-profit partner of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. 
  • The Billings Farm & Museum film theater and restrooms are accessible to all visitors free of charge (full access to Billings Farm requires admission fee) . Please allow 15 minutes to walk up to (or drive up to accessible parking at) Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park from the Billings Farm & Museum.

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