*Gates re-open at 5:00pm. Tours START at 5:30pm, 6:00pm, and 6:30pm.

Registered guests ONLY (no site visitors).

Book Now: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/grantcottage/items/768144/?full-items=yes&flow=206035

Experience Grant Cottage by evening lanternlight as it was in 1885, just after the death of Ulysses S. Grant. Encounter members of the Grant family in mourning as your tour guide discusses Victorian mourning and funerary practices. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a world where a family and a nation are processing the loss of a great figure.

Each Tour is limited to 10 individuals. $15 flat-rate fee. 

Tours will be 30 minutes long and concentrate on the events after the death of U.S. Grant in 1885 (mourning customs, embalming, funeral preparations/decorations, etc.). Non-costumed guides will lead the tours through the Cottage amongst costumed characters representing the Grant family.

RSVP’s are not required. They are greatly appreciated, as they assist us with staffing and setup.

History can certainly be dark and spooky. Other than the death of a U.S. president, Mt. McGregor has had its share of tragedies. Join Grant Cottage staff member Ben Kemp as he shares true tales of mystery and misfortune on the mountain from the last 150 years.

Note: Some program content involves discussing elements of death, self-harm, and suffering and may be considered too graphic for younger audiences.

ALL GRANT COTTAGE PROGRAMS ARE FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Join us for a day devoted to our beloved pets! We are planning a range of activities, including indoor/outdoor tours, vendors, and of course, the stunning views of fall foliage.

Bring your furry friend to learn more about local pet-related organizations and resources, and enjoy treats for both! Learn about the pets of the U.S. Grant family with a FREE 1:00 pm living history presentation. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to join fellow pet-lovers for a day on the mountain.   

Experience the sights and sounds of a Civil War camp at night!

• Tour the campfire and lantern-lit Civil War Encampment at dusk.

• Exclusive after-dark opportunity includes exciting artillery firing demonstrations with muskets and cannons.

• Participate in an ancestral recognition ceremony.

THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT WITH 50 SPACES - We recommend booking ahead.

RSVP’s are not required. They are greatly appreciated, as they assist us with staffing and setup.

Literary Landmark Author Series

Join author and presidential historian Louis Picone as he shares the underappreciated legacy of Ulysses S. Grant’s world tour. The subject of his new book, Ulysses’s Odyssey: Ulysses S. Grant’s World Tour at the Dawn of American Empire, follows the extensive travels of Grant, his wife, and sons over nearly three years of globetrotting. He will share the significant impact of the tour on international relations, as well as the personal journey of the Grant family. A book signing to follow the presentation featuring Picone’s new title as well as his other titles, Grant’s Tomb and The President is Dead!

Ulysses’s Odyssey: Ulysses S. Grant’s World Tour at the Dawn of American Empire

Louis Picone unearths Ulysses S. Grant’s forgotten world tour, a journey that shaped America’s rise as a global power. Drawing on Grant’s personal papers, letters, diaries, and period newspapers, this meticulously researched narrative weaves adventure and diplomacy into a vibrant portrait of the Gilded Age. With sweeping prose, Ulysses’s Odyssey captivates history buffs and adventure enthusiasts alike, offering fresh insights into Grant’s legacy and the dawn of the American empire. Essential reading, this grand tale restores a pivotal chapter to its rightful place in history.

ALL GRANT COTTAGE PROGRAMS ARE FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Come ease your body and mind by joining yoga instructor Lisa, as she guides you through a relaxing yoga session surrounded by the natural beauty and fresh mountain air of Mt. McGregor. Visitors have travelled to Mt. McGregor for health reasons throughout history. Known for its fresh mountain air, beautiful views, flora, fauna, and more. Experience yoga like you never have before. Find peace and serenity through movement on the top of Mt. McGregor.

Don’t miss this unique chance to experience sunrise at Grant Cottage!

RAIN DATE: Friday, September 25th, at 6:00am.

*This program has a 10-person minimum attendance. Tell your friends, and RSVP today!

RSVP below:

$5 suggested donation is appreciated. Thank you!

Lisa began her yoga journey when one day scrolling the internet. She saw something that caught her eye, Buti Yoga. The video seemed more like dancing and free sequencing of poses mixed in with pounding on the mat to some tribal beats. The meaning of Buti, healing from within led her to her first class at a certification to teach. The energy in the room along side free movement to fun music and the moments of truly stepping out of the mind had her knowing that this was it. This was something she would learn and then spread to others. Fast forward eight years later, she is certified in Buti Movement and Aerial Yoga, teaching 5 times a week. 

Come join her on the mat for a fun, free flow class that will help you step out of your mind through movement. On top of the mountain yoga we will,  as they say free your mind, find your soul.

Grant Cottage invites members of the military and their families to discover the history and beauty of Mt. McGregor. Veterans and Active-Duty Military are always receive FREE admission to Cottage Tours, but we are extending 1 ADDITIONAL FREE GUEST to each military/veteran on this day. We hope you will share this National Historic Landmark with a friend or family member and enjoy a day filled with history.

There will be a FREE 1:00PM veteran-themed living history presentation for all. We will also be hosting organizations related to military/veterans’ services in the community. Details will be released shortly.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to share the mountain with other members of the military community and their loved ones.  

RSVP’s are not required. They are greatly appreciated, as they assist us with staffing and setup.

Diana O’Brien remembers her Greek father, a WW2 veteran, asking her brother if he needed a handkerchief as her brother headed out the door to Vietnam in 1966.  Aside from language issues, her father had no words for the fear and love he felt for her brother.  The handkerchief was his love letter.

During the Civil War, quilts made for soldiers were their own love letters, but were also battleground and medical gear.  Also, there were ways, for mostly mothers, to express the angst in their hearts, and pass the time, until hopefully, their loved ones returned home from the most human costly war in American history.

Diana O’Brien, a Grant Cottage volunteer and award-winning quilter, will tell the unheralded story of Civil War quilts. Professionally made replica Civil War Quilts will be on display, including the most famous of Civil War quilts, the Stickles quilt, now on temporary display at the Bennington Museum.

RSVP’s are not required. They are greatly appreciated, as they assist us with staffing and setup.

Join magic lantern performers Dawn Elliott and Joel Schlemowitz as they work with original magic lantern glass slides and projectors. Rediscover the wonder of this entrancing entertainment of the Revolutionary War era while also learning about the mechanics behind this illuminating art form. Experience lantern images of the American Revolution with text from Thomas Paine's famous work Common Sense, special effects of George Washington’s tomb, 18th-century comic poetry, and more.

Dawn Elliott is a New Paltz-based museum professional and historic interpreter. She was the recipient of the Martha Washington Woman of History Award in 2018. Joel Schlemowitz is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker and part-time faculty member at The New School. Elliott and Schlemowitz have received a Program Award from the Victorian Society New York and the Dick Balzer Presentation Award from the Magic Lantern Society UK.

More info: www.magiclanternexhibition.com/home

ALL GRANT COTTAGE PROGRAMS ARE FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

RSVP’s are not required. They are greatly appreciated, as they assist us with staffing and setup.

The history of the American Revolution is often detailed through battles, conferences, and personalities, but it was also a time of patriotism, inspiration, and song. Join musical duo Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle as they share historic songs evoking this pivotal moment in American history, curated to provide a brief narrative history of the war as well.

Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle are award-winning songwriters and singers and live near the Adirondacks in upstate New York. As a duo, they have been performing for fifteen years, and tour both regionally and nationally. Together they play originals and favorites with a variety of instruments such as guitar, fiddle, banjo, dulcimer, and harmonica, and in many settings such as festivals, concert series, theaters, livestreams, and community events.

More info: www.cosbygibson.com/history-songs

ALL GRANT COTTAGE PROGRAMS ARE FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

RSVP’s are not required. They are greatly appreciated, as they assist us with staffing and setup.

Spend an afternoon with legendary author, humorist, and curmudgeon, Mark Twain (portrayed by Kit Webb). Twain will recount his stories known for their humor, satire, honesty, and blasphemy, as well as share some passages from his now sadly “classic” novels. Twain will take time to remember his friend and fellow author, Ulysses S. Grant, and will be introduced by Fred Grant, who worked with Twain at Grant Cottage to edit the memoirs of his father. Books on Twain will be available at the Grant Cottage gift shop.

A memorial ceremony will follow the presentation at the flagpole in front of Grant Cottage.

Christopher “Kit” Webb is a college professional, actor, musician, and living history tour guide for the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, CT.

ALL GRANT COTTAGE PROGRAMS ARE FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

RSVP’s are not required. They are greatly appreciated, as they assist us with staffing and setup.

Literary Landmark Author Series

So much of what is written about the Revolutionary War is about battles, leaders, and soldiers. Join Anne Clothier as she explores the experiences of women and children during the fight for American independence. Discover the lives of those on the homefront during the American Revolution through stories from women and children who lived in the Saratoga area during the 1770s, as well as images, maps, documents and hands-on 18th century activities. Copies of Anne Clothier’s graphic novel Overhearing History: A Revolutionary Saratoga Story will be available for purchase.

Overhearing History: A Revolutionary Saratoga Story  

Written by Anne Clothier and illustrated by Alex Portal, Overhearing History follows Nathaniel, a 12-year-old boy living in the then Saratoga District of the expansive Albany County in 1775. As tensions mount and loyalties divide, readers are introduced to the complexities of war, identity, and survival in a region still uncertain about its role in a coming conflict. The novel addresses themes like justice, freedom, and conflicting allegiances as rumors of war mount, while introducing perspectives often left out of traditional history books—including those of loyalists, enslaved people, women, and Native Americans. Book proceeds benefit the non-profit Campaign for Saratoga 250 which supports education, promotion, and preservation of Saratoga’s Revolutionary heritage.

ALL GRANT COTTAGE PROGRAMS ARE FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Join Historical Interpreter Nathan M. Richardson in this first-person portrayal of Abolitionist Frederick Douglass in a conversation about his memories of President Ulysses S. Grant. Learn how Grant and Douglass worked together to save Reconstruction and his support of Grant’s most important accomplishment, the ratification of the 15th Amendment. Learn about their collaboration on Grant’s proposed annexation of Santa Domingo. Hear Mr. Douglass recite his 1871 Decoration Day (now Memorial Day) speech, “Honoring the Unknown Loyal Dead.” Leave this program with a deeper understanding of what civic engagement and agitation can do to reshape the Constitution and American Democracy. Bring your questions about the complex relationships between Frederick Douglass, Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and other leaders of the 19th Century.

Nathan Richardson is a U.S. Army veteran, author, poet, and Frederick Douglass Historian. Richardson teaches a variety of workshops for emerging writers and spoken word artists. He is a Chautauqua Scholar with over 500 living history performances across the country.

More info: https://www.scpublishing.com/about

ALL GRANT COTTAGE PROGRAMS ARE FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Literary Landmark Author Series

Discover the amazing tale of Ezra Trim (portrayed by relative Steve Trimm). A survivor of the early American frontier in his childhood, Ezra later witnessed the drama of the Revolution unfold as a continental soldier. His service in the infantry and later artillery would take him from his home state of Connecticut to the Battle of Harlem Heights, where 100 years later Ulysses S. Grant would be laid to rest. After the war, Ezra started a family and lived for many years in the Saratoga area, just miles from Mt. McGregor.

Steve Trimm is a historical researcher, author, and living history presenter who has been involved with Grant Cottage Historic Site for over 15 years.

Book release/signing: Author Steve Trimm will be signing copies of his new book Meeting Ulysses: Stories From the Life of Ulysses S. Grant, as well as his other titles, following the presentation. Book proceeds benefit the non-profit Friends of U.S. Grant Cottage.

ALL GRANT COTTAGE PROGRAMS ARE FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

* This program will be held OFF-SITE at the Roosevelt II building at Saratoga Spa State Park in the Coesa Room*

Before independence was declared, America's greatest diplomat attempted his most ambitious mission: winning Canada for the Revolutionary cause. In spring 1776, Benjamin Franklin journeyed through the Saratoga region on his way north, hoping to make Canada the 14th colony. Town Historian Sean Kelleher explores why this mission failed, how it influenced the drafting of the Declaration of Independence just months later, and how Franklin transformed defeat into triumph.

From the muddy roads along the Hudson in Saratoga to the halls of Versailles, follow Franklin's remarkable evolution from rejected envoy to celebrated ambassador. Learn how his Canadian failure taught lessons that would prove invaluable in France, where his diplomatic genius secured the alliance that won American independence.

Sean Kelleher is Historian for the Town of Saratoga, New York, board member of the Saratoga County History Center, and is on the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and Saratoga 250th Commissions. He is an avid historical researcher, writer, preservation advocate, and living historian.

This program will be immediately followed by The Friends of Grant Cottage Annual Meeting

Light refreshments will be available.

ALL GRANT COTTAGE PROGRAMS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

This picturesque mountaintop has hosted thousands of residents and visitors over the last 150 years, from U.S. presidents to TB patients, veteran and prisoners. Join Grant Cottage Historic Site Operations Manager Ben Kemp as he shares the mountain’s compelling and storied history, including tales of tragedy, mystery, romance, and heroism.

(This walk will be less than a mile but over varied terrain with some inclines.)

$5.00 Suggested Donation Only

*Not Required

Join Grant Cottage volunteer and antique photography collector Randall Gamby as he shares the evolution of 19th-century photography and its profound influence on the understanding of history. The presentation will feature key examples of 19th-century photographic history, including a revealing image of Grant Cottage in 1885.  

Gamby is an avid collector of interesting historical artifacts, especially of 19th-century Niagara Falls, and has had items from his collection featured in National Park exhibits and multiple publications.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS

Edward A. Burke & The Glens Falls Senior Center

Join us for a walk through the fall foliage!

Enjoy a staff-guided tour of the historic site grounds, where different tree species will be identified and discussed amid the beautiful colors of fall. Over 20 species of trees will be identified, and participants are encouraged to fill out the tree ID scavenger hunt forms for a free souvenir.

Along your stroll you’ll learn about the different species of trees that call the ecosystem of Mt. McGregor home and interesting facts about the rich history of the site grounds.

Note: This walk requires walking over uneven and some steep sections of natural surface terrain. Severe weather will cancel.

While RSVPing is not required, they do help us provide the best experience possible.

A history-driven family adventure for all ages presented by author Kurt Deion

Author Kurt Deion will discuss his book "Presidential Grave Hunter" about visiting president-related sites as a child and young adult. Fascinated by the U.S. presidents since age seven, Deion embarked on a mission to visit each chief executive’s burial site. Both his grave quest and his love of history expanded over time.

As part of our Literary Landmark Author Series Kurt will be signing copies of his book Presidential Grave Hunter: One Kid’s Quest to Visit the Tombs of Every President and Vice President following the presentation.

All Grant Cottage Programs are FREE and open to the public.

Special Thanks to our Sponsors

Come ease your body and mind by joining yoga instructor Linda, as she guides you through a relaxing yoga session surrounded by the natural beauty and fresh mountain air of Mt. McGregor. Visitors have travelled to Mt. McGregor for health reason throughout history. Known for it’s fresh mountain air, beautiful views, flora, fauna, and more. Experience yoga like you never have before. Find peace and serenity through movement on the top of Mt. McGregor.

Come enjoy the unique experience during Wellness Wednesday on October 1st. After, be sure to stop by the visitor center to top off the time capsule experience with a tour.

RSVP below:

RSVPing is NOT REQUIRED but it helps us give guests the best experience. Thank you!

Lisa began her yoga journey when one day scrolling the internet. She saw something that caught her eye, Buti Yoga. The video seemed more like dancing and free sequencing of poses mixed in with pounding on the mat to some tribal beats. The meaning of Buti, healing from within led her to her first class at a certification to teach. The energy in the room along side free movement to fun music and the moments of truly stepping out of the mind had her knowing that this was it. This was something she would learn and then spread to others. Fast forward eight years later, she is certified in Buti Movement and Aerial Yoga, teaching 5 times a week. 

Come join her on the mat for a fun, free flow class that will help you step out of your mind through movement. On top of the mountain yoga we will,  as they say free your mind, find your soul.

Join Grant Cottage volunteer and antique photography collector Randall Gamby as he shares the evolution of 19th-century photography and its profound influence on the understanding of history. The presentation will feature key examples of 19th-century photographic history, including a revealing image of Grant Cottage in 1885.  

Gamby is an avid collector of interesting historical artifacts, especially of 19th-century Niagara Falls, and has had items from his collection featured in National Park exhibits and multiple publications.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS

Edward A. Burke & The Glens Falls Senior Center

Come ease your body and mind by joining yoga instructor Linda, as she guides you through a relaxing yoga session surrounded by the natural beauty and fresh mountain air of Mt. McGregor. Visitors have travelled to Mt. McGregor for health reason throughout history. Known for it’s fresh mountain air, beautiful views, flora, fauna, and more. Experience yoga like you never have before. Find peace and serenity through movement on the top of Mt. McGregor.

Come enjoy the unique experience during Wellness Wednesday on September 10th at 9:30am. After, be sure to stop by the visitor center to top off the time capsule experience with a tour.

RSVP below:

RSVPing is NOT REQUIRED but it helps us give guests the best experience. Thank you!

Lisa began her yoga journey when one day scrolling the internet. She saw something that caught her eye, Buti Yoga. The video seemed more like dancing and free sequencing of poses mixed in with pounding on the mat to some tribal beats. The meaning of Buti, healing from within led her to her first class at a certification to teach. The energy in the room along side free movement to fun music and the moments of truly stepping out of the mind had her knowing that this was it. This was something she would learn and then spread to others. Fast forward eight years later, she is certified in Buti Movement and Aerial Yoga, teaching 5 times a week. 

Come join her on the mat for a fun, free flow class that will help you step out of your mind through movement. On top of the mountain yoga we will,  as they say free your mind, find your soul.

Don’t miss the 2nd annual Ulysses S. Grant Cottage Race at the Saratoga Race Course!

The 2nd annual Ulysses S. Grant Cottage Race is officially set for Sunday, August 24th, the Sunday after Travers Day, in conjunction with the New York Racing Association (NYRA).

Make sure to stop by the Community Booth to say hello, try your hand at Guess the Artifact or a Raffle, pick up your Buy One Get One Free Cottage Tour ticket, and more.

- RACE # TBA -

Read our blog post Off To The Races... Or Not?, about Grant, his love of horses, and Saratoga Springs.

Celebrating 140 years of ‘Forever Wild’ (1885-2025)

Join us for a celebration of the Adirondack wilderness and what it has meant to the wellness and livelihood of generations of residents and visitors. Embark on a musical guided tour through the high peaks and back roads of Adirondack folklife, exploring the stories and songs of lumberjacks, farmers, poets and people just trying to get by.

Come to Mt. McGregor in the foothills of the Adirondacks to find out why U.S. Grant and many others came to the area to restore their health and how the forest continues to provide opportunities for wellness today. Attendees are encouraged to explore the opportunities available for outdoor recreation through the New York State Parks ‘Wellness Challenge’.

Enjoy a musical journey amidst the outdoor scenery of Mt. McGregor on the eve of Ulysses and Julia Grant’s 177th wedding anniversary. Bring your folding chairs and picnics to maximize your relaxation/Folding chairs and picnics welcome.

2nd Annual Historic Mt. McGregor Open

Tournament starts at 11:00AM

Calling all competitive cornhole players and fans!! Help us raise funds to build a pavilion in the new historic site property (former prison ballfield). The event is free and open to the public for spectators. Tournament participants can use the link below to register. Bring your pop-up canopies, lawn chairs, and picnics, and have some fun enjoying the breathtaking views while cheering on the competitors. Unique trophies will be awarded to the winning competitors.

Guided tours of the historic Cottage will be available every 30 minutes from 10:00AM-3:30PM.

2024 Cornhole Tournament highlights:

Come ease your body and mind by joining yoga instructor Linda, as she guides you through a relaxing yoga session surrounded by the natural beauty and fresh mountain air of Mt. McGregor. Visitors have travelled to Mt. McGregor for health reason throughout history. Known for it’s fresh mountain air, beautiful views, flora, fauna, and more. Experience yoga like you never have before. Find peace and serenity through movement on the top of Mt. McGregor.

Come enjoy the unique experience during Wellness Wednesday on August 6th at 10 am. After, be sure to stop by the visitor center to top off the time capsule experience with a tour.

RSVP below:

RSVPing is not required but it helps us give guests the best experience. Thank you!

Lisa began her yoga journey when one day scrolling the internet. She saw something that caught her eye, Buti Yoga. The video seemed more like dancing and free sequencing of poses mixed in with pounding on the mat to some tribal beats. The meaning of Buti, healing from within led her to her first class at a certification to teach. The energy in the room along side free movement to fun music and the moments of truly stepping out of the mind had her knowing that this was it. This was something she would learn and then spread to others. Fast forward eight years later, she is certified in Buti Movement and Aerial Yoga, teaching 5 times a week. 

Come join her on the mat for a fun, free flow class that will help you step out of your mind through movement. On top of the mountain yoga we will,  as they say free your mind, find your soul.