Dateline: 01/11/99  

Ever wish you had your own 192-acre Hudson River Valley estate with a snow-covered, sweeping, descending hill for a back lawn that was perfect for sledding and tobogganing this time of year?

Well, when I was a kid, I had the next best thing! I grew up in the New York hamlet of Staatsburg, just minutes from Mills Mansion (now officially known as Staatsburgh State Hisoric Site), and my family could strap the old wooden toboggan to the roof of the car and before we knew it, we'd be whizzing down the hill with the majestic, icy Hudson River as our perfect view. Ogden Mills used his connections to ensure that his view of the Hudson River was unobstructed by the railroad--his former residence is the only Hudson River estate with such an unblemished view.

The grounds of Mills Mansion are open daily until dusk, and the hill I loved to sled as a child is every bit as enchanting today! Note: Sleds with metal runners are not permitted. From January through March, tours of the mansion are offered on Sundays only from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. 

Want to Learn More About the Estate? Mills Mansion The Poughkeepsie Journal provides details about the history of the mansion and the hamlet of Staatsburg. Staatsburgh State Historic Site Learn some background on this great estate that is maintained by New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation department.

Where is Mills Mansion? Mills Mansion is located in New York State's Hudson River Valley in Staatsburg, a hamlet of the historic town of Hyde Park. From Albany: 72 miles Thruway I-87 South to Kingston exit. Northwest on State Route 28 to US 209. Northeast on 209 to US 199. Cross Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. South on US Route 9 about 10 miles to right turn on Old Post Road in Staatsburg. Mansion entrance is on the right. From Boston: 209 miles Mass Pike I-90 West to I-84 West, passing by Hartford, Connecticut, and on into NY. To exit 13 for US Route 9 North. About 22 miles to left on Old Post Road in Staatsburg. Mansion entrance is on the left. From White Plains: 73 miles I-684 North to I-84 West. Follow directions as above. For More Information: Call (845) 889-8851

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Sledding Estate banner created by Kim Knox in NetStudio with images from MasterClips Premium Image Collection. Snowflake background graphic from MasterClips Premium Image Collection. All photographs by Kim Knox, copyright 1999.