Grey Towers National Historic Site

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions people ask the most are answered below, or links are provided to more detailed information.

• What is Grey Towers?
• What can we do at Grey Towers?
• When can I take a tour?
• Is there a fee for touring Grey Towers?
• What events are scheduled at Grey Towers?
• How do I get to Grey Towers?
• What about parking at Grey Towers?
• Who was Gifford Pinchot?
• Who were James and Mary Pinchot?
• Who can use the Conference Center at Grey Towers?
• Can I have my wedding at Grey Towers?
• Is Grey Towers haunted?
• Why isn't there a dining room in the house?
• Are pets allowed at Grey Towers?

What is Grey Towers?

Grey Towers is a National Historic Site administered by the USDA Forest Service, donated by Gifford Pinchot's son, Dr. Gifford Bryce Pinchot, to carry on his father's conservation legacy.

What can we do at Grey Towers?

You can take a guided tour of the first floor of the mansion and surrounding gardens, walk around the grounds and see the historic gardens, take a hike on the trails or attend a conservation education program or "Off-the-Shelf" public program.

When can I take a tour?

Tours of the mansion and surrounding gardens are conducted daily on the hour from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. from Memorial Day Weekend through the end of October.

Is there a fee for touring Grey Towers?

Yes, prices are as follows:

What events are scheduled at Grey Towers?

Check the Calendar of Events for an up-to-date schedule of events.

How do I get to Grey Towers?

Click here for directions.

What about parking at Grey Towers?

The Visitor Parking Lot is situated about 600 yards from the mansion. The walkway is designed to mimic the original carriageway and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the meandering walk approaching the mansion. There is a slight incline and benches along the way are intended to provide rest stops. Allow about 10 minutes from the parking lot to the mansion and please do not rush.

There are two handicap parking spots adjacent to the mansion for those with appropriate vehicle identification. Please follow the handicap parking signs straight up the driveway.

For those with limited mobility, please consider the drop-off option at the handicap parking area adjacent to the mansion; after dropping off, please have your driver park in the parking lot to keep the handicap parking spaces open. You can get picked up at the handicap parking area after your visit.

The parking lot gates are locked at 5: 30 pm from May 1-Oct. 31. All other times the gates are locked at 4:30 pm. All vehicles must be removed from the parking lot before the gates are locked.

For more information please call 570-296-9630.

Who was Gifford Pinchot?

As founder and first chief of the USDA Forest Service, Gifford Pinchot implemented the groundbreaking concept of conservation, or sustainable use of our natural resources. An eminent conservationist, he helped create the National Forest System, which today comprises nearly 193 million acres. As two-term governor of Pennsylvania, Gifford along with his wife Cornelia, made tremendous changes in the economic, social and political climate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Who were James and Mary Pinchot?

James and Mary Pinchot, Gifford's parents, built Grey Towers in 1886. James was a wealthy businessman who made a fortune in wallpaper. A patron of the arts, he was a supporter of the Hudson River School of Painting and was cofounder of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He had a strong conservation ethic and encouraged his son Gifford to pursue forestry as a career.

Who can use the Conference Center at Grey Towers?

The Forest Service and other natural resource agencies, groups, associations and organizations and our partners can use the conference facilities.

Can I have my wedding at Grey Towers?

As nice as the landscape is, it is not within the scope of the Grey Towers mission to host weddings or other private social functions.

Is Grey Towers haunted?

There have been no documented sightings of ghosts, though some claim to have "felt" a presence. It depends on your personal interpretation.

Why isn't there a dining room in the house?

Grey Towers served mainly as a summer home. Gifford and Cornelia Pinchot spent a lot of time outdoors. The outdoor dining table, also known as the Finger Bowl, served as their dining room.

Are pets allowed at Grey Towers?

While you and your pet are welcome, there are some regulations to follow in order to make your visit a safe and enjoyable one for you and other visitors:

• Pets must be leashed at all times
• Pet excrement must be picked up and disposed of properly
• Pets may not be left unattended
• Pets must not be allowed to make excessive noise
• Pets are not allowed to damage property or plants and may not disturb wildlife
• Pets, other than service animals, may not enter the buildings

Please help keep the site open to your animal companions by respecting the resources and other visitors.

USDA Forest Service - Grey Towers National Historic Site
Last Modified: Thursday, 29 November 2012 at 10:42:02 EST