The historic site's stately trees, rolling hills, and picturesque views from the house and gardens situated on the highest bluff above the river all combine to create the natural landscape garden that Morse found so appealing. Morse was strongly influenced by romantic 19th century landscape garden design. At Locust Grove he found many essential elements already put in place by nature and added his artist's touch to frame views, create vistas and provide comfortable settings in which to relax and enjoy the beauty of the landscape.

A kitchen garden has provided fresh produce for the residents of Locust Grove for over two hundred years. Each family who has resided here had a unique relationship with this essential garden based in part on the era in which they lived and in part on their own interests and personalities. Visitors can explore four different plots and the great variety of produce that comprises the Heritage Vegetable Garden while learning about the families who lived here and the circumstances that shaped their attitudes toward growing their own food.

GARDEN TOURS: For the schedule of free guided tours of the landscape and gardens go to the Calendar of Events on our website. Free self-guided tour maps are available to all visitors. Use this guide to learn more about Locust Grove’s gardens, buildings and natural features as you stroll the property at your own pace.

An unforgettable place for your unforgettable day. Imagine your special day in the charm of the 19th century with the comfort of the 21st! Locust Grove, open year-round, offers a particularly beautiful and gracious setting for weddings and other private parties such as anniversary and birthday celebrations. From May through October, the flowering trees and perennial gardens are especially lovely. Clients can enjoy the romantic landscape of the past within a state-of-the art modern facility.

Locust Grove is a romantic 19th-century country estate located on the spectacular Hudson River. Situated conveniently on Route 9 in Poughkeepsie, New York, Locust Grove is 2 miles south of the Mid-Hudson Bridge or 11 miles north of Interstate 84 and 1 1/2 hours from New York City.

The historic Locust Grove Estate includes an Italianate villa designed in 1851 for artist and inventor Samuel F. B. Morse, set on 180 acres of historic gardens and landscaped grounds. The estate was preserved as a museum and nature preserve by Poughkeepsie's prominent Young family, whose 15,000 piece collection of paintings and decorative arts fill the mansion today.