8. Locust Grove

Photo courtesy Dutchess Tourism

Locust Grove is the 200-acre Poughkeepsie estate of Samuel B. Morse, a painter and inventor of the telegraph and other creations in the 19th century. The Italianate mansion was designed by Alexander Jackson Davis, who designed New York City’s Federal Hall, the Gilded Age mansion at Lyndhurst (the home of Jay Gould and his family), and many more commissions. After Morse’s death, William and Martha Young, a wealthy couple from Poughkeepsie rented and later purchased the property and expanded the home. Their daughter created a foundation to open the home and showcase the family’s extensive art collection and archives, to the public.

In addition to the mansion, you can walk around the gardens, walking paths, or visit the Locust Lawn Farm (now a nature preserve with a beautiful Federal-style mansion). Locust Grove hosts a series of programs and events throughout the year.

The Locust Grove Estate is located at 2683 South Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Also check out Dutchess County’s 2018 Digital Destination Guide.