Photo: NPS / D. StankoGeneral Grant National Memorial stands as North America's largest mausoleum, housing the remains of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia in a magnificent granite and marble structure that rises 150 feet above the Hudson River. Families discover intricate mosaic floors depicting Grant's military campaigns while exploring the circular interior where two red granite sarcophagi rest beneath a soaring dome. The memorial's unique design draws from ancient mausoleums like Napoleon's tomb, creating an impressive architectural experience right in Manhattan's Riverside Park. Kids are often amazed to learn this National Park Service site sits just blocks from Columbia University and overlooks the Hudson River.
Junior Ranger Program at General Grant National Memorial
The Junior Ranger program at General Grant National Memorial engages young historians through hands-on activities about the Civil War era and Grant's presidency. Kids complete age-appropriate workbooks while exploring the monument, learning about leadership, courage, and American history through interactive exhibits and ranger-led discussions.
- Explore the largest mausoleum in North America
- Learn Civil War history through engaging storytelling
- Earn a Junior Ranger badge in the heart of NYC
Program Details
Download Junior Ranger Booklet
Get a head start! Download and print the booklet before your visit.
Source: NPS Junior Ranger Program Page
Best Ages for General Grant National Memorial
Ages 5–7
Young children complete three or more activities and love the impressive scale of the mausoleum interior with its colorful mosaic details. The 22-minute park film helps them understand Grant's story, while the circular tomb design keeps their attention focused. Families find the shorter activity requirement perfect for maintaining young attention spans during their Manhattan park visit.
Ages 8+
Children ages 8 and older must complete all activities in the Junior Ranger program, diving deeper into Grant's Civil War leadership and presidency. This age group truly appreciates the historical significance of visiting the final resting place of both a commanding general and U.S. President. The program challenges them to think about leadership, courage, and how Grant's legacy impacts our lives today.
Ages 8+
Teens and adults completing the full program explore Grant's complex legacy from Civil War hero to Reconstruction-era president who fought for civil rights. The requirement to complete all activities encourages deeper engagement with the permanent exhibits and park film. Many families find the program sparks meaningful conversations about American history, leadership, and the ongoing work of healing our nation.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
Street parking along Riverside Drive is extremely challenging in Manhattan — arrive early morning for better chances or plan to use public transportation. The memorial sits between northbound and southbound Riverside Drive near West 122nd Street, with the visitor center across southbound Riverside Drive. Both subway and bus lines serve the area well through NYC's MTA system.
Van & RV Notes
Manhattan poses significant challenges for Sprinter vans with our 11.5-foot height and 22-foot length — street parking is nearly impossible to find near the memorial. We recommend parking further away in a less congested area and taking public transit to the site. No camping or overnight parking is available in this urban National Park Service location.
Best Time to Visit
Visit during spring through fall when both the mausoleum and visitor center operate extended hours (10am-5pm Wednesday-Sunday). Winter and early spring bring reduced hours (10am-3:30pm) and Monday-Tuesday closures. Weekday mornings typically offer smaller crowds and easier public transit access in this busy Manhattan location.
How Long to Spend
Plan 2-3 hours for a complete visit including the Junior Ranger program, 22-minute film, and exploring the permanent exhibits. The compact site makes it perfect for combining with other Manhattan National Park Service locations like Hamilton Grange or exploring nearby Riverside Park with kids.
Don't Miss
Walk inside the mausoleum to see the impressive red granite sarcophagi and stunning mosaic floors that tell Grant's military story in colorful detail. The 22-minute park film brings Grant's life and accomplishments to life for kids who might not yet grasp the Civil War's complexity, making the memorial visit much more meaningful for young visitors.
Fun Facts for Kids
General Grant National Memorial is the largest mausoleum in North America, even bigger than Napoleon's tomb in Paris
The memorial took 12 years to build and cost over $600,000 in 1890s money, all raised through public donations
More than 90,000 people attended Grant's funeral procession through New York City in 1885
Julia Grant is one of only a few First Ladies buried alongside their presidential husbands in a National Park Service site
Plan Your Stay
Save on park entry with the America the Beautiful Pass — $80 for unlimited access to all 400+ National Park sites for a full year.
Where to Stay
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