Photo: NPS Photo/Kevin DaleyHamilton Grange National Memorial preserves the only surviving home of Alexander Hamilton, built in 1802 on a sprawling 32-acre estate in what is now St. Nicholas Park. The Federal-style country house was actually moved twice — first in 1889 when the surrounding land was developed, then again in 2008 to its current location where visitors can see it in a parklike setting similar to Hamilton's original vision. Inside the restored rooms, families discover original furnishings and learn how Hamilton, who appears on the $10 bill, shaped America's financial system from this Manhattan retreat. The memorial also features thirteen sweet gum trees planted to honor the original thirteen colonies, a living tribute to George Washington's gift to Hamilton.
Junior Ranger Program at Hamilton Grange National Memorial
The Junior Ranger program at Hamilton Grange engages kids with interactive activities about Hamilton's life, colonial history, and the founding of America. Young historians complete age-appropriate booklets featuring puzzles, games, and exploration activities that bring the Revolutionary War era to life right in the heart of New York City.
- Tour Alexander Hamilton's beautifully restored 1802 country home
- Learn about dueling, the Revolutionary War, and early American politics
- Explore the peaceful grounds and garden in bustling Manhattan
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 Hamilton Grange National Memorial
Ages 4–7
Young children need to complete at least 3 activities from the booklet, making this program very accessible for preschoolers and early elementary kids. The activities include simple matching games with founding fathers on currency, basic questions about Hamilton's life, and observational tasks about the house itself. Parents are welcome to assist, but rangers encourage children to participate actively in the learning process.
Ages 8+
Older children and teens must complete all activities in the booklet, diving deeper into Hamilton's contributions to American government and finance. The crossword puzzles, detailed historical questions, and critical thinking activities about native versus invasive species challenge kids to really engage with both history and environmental science. These activities truly help kids understand Hamilton's lasting impact on everything from the Coast Guard to the New York Post newspaper.
Ages 8+
The program groups all visitors 8 and older together, expecting complete booklet completion from this age group. Teens and adults find the activities engaging as they explore Hamilton's role in founding major American institutions, analyze historical mourning traditions, and connect Revolutionary War history to modern Manhattan. The program successfully appeals to Hamilton musical fans and history buffs alike.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
Hamilton Grange sits in St. Nicholas Park in Manhattan with no on-site parking available. Street parking in the area is extremely limited, so we recommend using a nearby parking garage and walking or taking public transit to reach the memorial. Advance tour reservations aren't required, but tours run on a set schedule Wednesday through Sunday.
Van & RV Notes
Manhattan street parking makes visiting in a Sprinter van quite challenging due to size restrictions and limited availability. Your best bet is finding a parking garage that can accommodate an 11.5-foot-tall, 22-foot-long vehicle, though this may require some searching and higher fees. Consider this more of a day trip from campgrounds outside the city rather than a van-accessible destination.
Best Time to Visit
Spring through fall offers the most comfortable weather for exploring both the historic house and St. Nicholas Park grounds. Wednesday through Friday sees smaller crowds with three daily tours, while weekends offer five tours but draw more visitors. Northern Manhattan temperatures run several degrees cooler than southern parts of the city, making summer visits particularly pleasant.
How Long to Spend
Plan a half-day visit to fully experience the guided house tour, complete the Junior Ranger program, and explore the surrounding park. The house tour itself takes about 45 minutes, leaving plenty of time for the Junior Ranger activities and enjoying the peaceful park setting in the heart of Manhattan.
Don't Miss
The guided house tour brings Hamilton's story to life with period furnishings and detailed explanations of his daily life in this country retreat. Kids absolutely love spotting Hamilton on the $10 bill and learning he's one of only two non-presidents featured on U.S. currency, making every transaction a history lesson long after your visit.
Fun Facts for Kids
Alexander Hamilton was born on the Caribbean island of Nevis, making him the only foreign-born founding father to hold a Cabinet position
George Washington gifted Hamilton thirteen sweet gum trees for his estate, one for each original colony
The Grange was moved twice — first in 1889 and again in 2008 — making it one of the few historic houses to survive multiple relocations
Hamilton founded the New York Evening Post in 1801, which still publishes today as the New York Post, making it America's oldest continuously published daily newspaper
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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