Grey Towers National Historic Site

🏰 Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, Pennsylvania, is a striking French château-style mansion with deep roots in American conservation history. Built in 1886 by James and Mary Pinchot as a summer retreat, it later became the home of their son Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service and a two-term Governor of Pennsylvania.

🌲 Historical & Cultural Significance

• Conservation Legacy: Grey Towers is considered the birthplace of the American conservation movement. Gifford Pinchot helped shape national forest policy from this very estate.
• Presidential Dedication: In 1963, President John F. Kennedy dedicated the site as the Pinchot Institute for Conservation, making it the only U.S. National Historic Site managed by the Forest Service.

🏛️ Architectural Highlights

• Design: A 19,000-square-foot mansion with three conical towers, designed by famed architect Richard Morris Hunt in a Neo-Norman style.
• Unique Features: Includes the whimsical Finger Bowl outdoor dining area, the Letterbox and Baitbox cottages, and a moat added in the 1930s to elevate the estate’s grandeur.

🌿 Grounds & Activities

• Estate Size: Spans 102 acres of manicured gardens, forest trails, and historic outbuildings.
• Tree Trail: Features over 30 species of trees, reflecting Pinchot’s forestry vision.
• Tours & Events: Offers guided mansion tours, conservation programs, and seasonal events like outdoor concerts and educational walks.

📍 Visitor Info

• Location: 151 Grey Towers Drive, Milford, PA 18337
• Season: Open for tours from May through November, with self-guided access to the grounds year-round.
• Admission: Ticketed tours available; gift shop and visitor center open during tour hours.

Grey Towers isn’t just a mansion—it’s a living tribute to environmental stewardship and civic leadership.