Beneath the Forest Canopy: Secret Garden Tour

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Tours

Step off the map and into the hidden world of the Mansion’s enchanting hillside gardens—secluded sanctuaries tucked beneath the forest canopy and shaped with intention across generations. With a knowledgeable ranger as your guide, discover the hidden spaces shaped by the women of the Billings and Rockefeller families. This engaging experience highlights the profound interconnectedness of nature and history, illustrating the park’s dedication to conservation and the stunning beauty of its historic cultural landscape. This tour begins at the Carriage Barn Visitor Center. 

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

• Arrival Time

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

• Parking
  • 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

  This half-mile walking tour is not fully accessible. The program takes place outdoors and includes uneven terrains and changes in elevation.  Accessible parking is available next to the mansion. Please call 802-457-3368 ext. 0 after your booking to discuss accessibility concerns. 

• Must reserve for adults AND children

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

• Day-of Tickets

  Tours can be booked online until the designated tour time.

• Cameras

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

• Reduced Admission at Billings Farm & Museum

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

• 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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