LOCUST GROVE

This historic estate was the home of Samuel F.B. Morse, 19th Century painter and the inventor of the telegraph and Morse code. It was originally a property of the Henry Livingston family in the 1700s and was acquired by Morse in 1847. It was the first of the Hudson River estates to be named a National Historical Landmark in 1963 (Information courtesy Locust Grove).

The site features breathtaking and meticulously maintained gardens with views of the Hudson River. It has a 150-acre wilderness preserve with 3 miles of trails that lead to the river, around a pond and waterfall. The estate claims thousands of migratory birds visit the sanctuary. The house features a Tuscan tower that overlooks the river valley. Considering the estate is entered right off highway 9, this contained and peaceful sanctuary is a wonderful surprise.

The gardens and grounds are open from 8am to dusk year-round, weather permitting. House tours are available May through November 10am to 3pm. Group tours by appointment; call for December hours. (845.454.4500) More information is available here (Morse Historic Site) Located at 2683 South Road (Route 9), 2 miles south of the Mid-Hudson Bridge and 11 miles north of I84.