Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home is a 412 acre estate and campus in Manchester Village, built by President Lincoln's son, Robert, in 1905, and home to three generations of Lincoln descendants. A large part of the not-for-profit's mission revolves around the development of best practice in terms of agricultural sustainability and environmental stewardship. Hildene Farm is comprised of two operations separated only by geographic location: Hildene's Goat Dairy and cheesemaking facility on Hildene Road, and Dene Farm along River Road. Both the Goat Dairy and Dene Farm are accessible by an extensive trail system, once guests have checked in and paid admission at The Welcome Center. The goat dairy makes small batch artisanal fresh and aged chevres in late spring through fall, and concentrates on their award-winning goat and cow milk tomme after their Nubian herd dries off for the winter. Hildene Farm cheeses are available at The Museum Store (located at The Welcome Center), and are distributed to several regional purveyors of artisanal cheeses.

Enjoy a Walk on the Farm

Twelve miles of well-maintained and varied terrain trails - mostly easy to moderate in difficulty - lead guests across the campus. From the historic Hildene home and formal gardens, to the restored Pullman railcar, Goat Dairy & cheesemaking facility, and down to Dene Farm, guests will experience wetlands, woodlands, formal and working gardens, ponds and vernal pools, animal barns, pastureland and meadows, and pollinator sanctuaries. Fans of history, cultural heritage, agriculture, and environmental sustainability have plenty to experience during their visit. Learn about their winter trails here.

The historic Hildene home once housed generations of Lincoln family residents; agriculture was a part of family pastimes for decades, and very much a lifestyle for the last Lincoln descendant who occupied the home until 1975. We are proud of the agricultural operations we have built; they allow us to showcase our Values into Action mission, as well as support our goals for environmental stewardship. When guests spend time on our trails, at our farm, in our wetlands, observing and engaging, we know we are providing a space of opportunity for growth and renewal.

Maps

Trails are all well-marked, and maps may be viewed/recorded on guest devices, at the Welcome Center. Printed trail maps are not currently being distributed, per Vermont state COVID-19 best-practice guidelines.

Extra Info for Walkers

• Guests are required to pay admission (unless they are Hildene Members). Check in and park at the Welcome Center.
• Guest transportation is not currently available, and restroom facilities are currently limited.
• There is cell service in most areas, depending on your carrier. 
• The Hildene Goat Dairy produces chevre, aged chevre, and award-winning goat and cow tomme, all of which are available for purchase in The Museum Store located in the Welcome Center. Guests will also find beverages and additional snacks, many locally produced, in the store. Please note: The Museum Store is currently operating at limited capacity.
• Weather permitting (and providing the service remains acceptable regarding COVID-19 state regulated protocols), cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are available in the winter Pavilion; please check the Hildene website for conditions.