Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!

New England Road Trip 2024➤

My friend Patty and I hit the road again in October 2024. Our route took us through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and upstate New York. Along the way we hit several National Park Service Units and historic sites. On day two, we spent the morning touring Hildene in Vermont.

The Lincoln Family Home➤

Nestled in the hills of Manchester, Vermont, Hildene was the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln. He was the only surviving son of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. Robert built the estate in 1905 as both a family retreat and a place to connect with Vermont’s mountains and valleys. The Georgian Revival mansion, its gardens, working farm, and preserved railcar reveal Robert’s story and the legacy he carried as the son of a president. Today, a nonprofit organization cares for Hildene. In addition, it works to preserve the values of stewardship, education, and civic responsibility that Robert upheld..

The Farm➤

Hildene is home to a working goat dairy where visitors can learn about sustainable agriculture. It shows how Robert Lincoln’s early 20th-century estate managed land and livestock, connecting history to modern stewardship.

After touring the Pullman car, we shuttled down to the farm. Goats gathered near the fence, eager for attention. We fed them some grass growing on our side, and they nudged and pressed close, curious and friendly. A chalkboard explained the herd—why Lincoln chose this location and how it was rebuilt in 2008.

By blending history with hands-on experiences, the farm teaches sustainable practices and land management. It highlights Hildene’s ongoing mission to educate and inspire visitors of all ages.

New England Posts➤

• Mount Holyoke
• Cornish Windsor Bridge
• Saint-Gaudens
• Saint-Gaudens Mansion
• Saint-Gaudens Sculpture Tour
• Hildene
• Hildene: Gardens
• Hildene: Pullman
• Hildene: Farm
• Saint Kateri National Shrine
• Fort Stanwix
• Watkins Glen State Park

---

Location: 1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester Center, Vermont
Designation: National Register of Historic Places
Date designated/established: October 28, 1977
Date of my visit: October 4, 2024