Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park
A Hudson River Estate Park — Gilded Age Mansions, Riverside Camping & Cycling the Hyde Park Heritage Trail
Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park — commonly known as Norrie State Park and often referred to together with the adjacent Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park as Mills-Norrie State Park — is a 1,000+ acre park along the eastern shore of the Hudson River in Staatsburg, Dutchess County, New York. Situated in the heart of the Hudson Valley’s historic estate district, the park offers a rare combination of Hudson River frontage, Gilded Age mansion tours, riverside camping, a marina, and miles of woodland trails — all within a two-hour drive of New York City.
The park occupies land that was once part of the great Hudson Valley estates of the 19th century. The adjacent Staatsburgh State Historic Site (the former Mills Mansion) — a 65-room Beaux-Arts masterpiece designed by McKim, Mead & White — is one of the grandest Gilded Age homes open to the public in America. The combination of historic architecture, river access, and natural beauty makes Mills-Norrie one of the most compelling state parks in the Hudson Valley.
Things to Do
Staatsburgh State Historic Site (Mills Mansion)
The park’s crown jewel — a 65-room Beaux-Arts mansion built for Ogden Mills and Ruth Livingston Mills:
- Guided tours: Explore the opulent interiors designed by Stanford White — one of the best-preserved Gilded Age estates in America
- Holiday events: Special themed tours during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Gilded Age season
- Free admission to the grounds; small fee for mansion tours
Camping & Cabins
One of the few state parks offering Hudson River–adjacent camping:
- Tent sites and cabin rentals in wooded settings
- Restrooms and showers within walking distance
- Reservations through ReserveAmerica (recommended for summer weekends)
Marina & Boating
The park features a marina with slip space and a boat launch providing direct access to the Hudson River:
- Seasonal slip rentals for sailboats and powerboats
- Kayak and canoe launch area
- Hudson River fishing access — striped bass, shad, and more
Golf — Dinsmore Golf Course
An 18-hole public golf course within the park — one of the most scenic in the Hudson Valley, with views of the river and surrounding estates.
Hiking & Cycling
Miles of trails wind through the park’s mature hardwood forest and along the Hudson River bluffs:
- Hiking, jogging, and cycling through mixed deciduous forest
- Winter use: cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
- Connection to the Hyde Park Trail linking Norrie to the FDR Presidential Library and Vanderbilt Mansion
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodland Trails | Varies (5+ mi network) | Easy–Moderate | Hardwood forest; Hudson River bluff views; wildlife |
| Hyde Park Trail Connection | ~8 mi one-way | Moderate | Links to FDR Library, Vanderbilt Mansion; multi-use |
| Riverside Paths | ~2 mi | Easy | Hudson River frontage; marina views; sunset walks |
Camping
| Type | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Sites | Multiple | Wooded settings; fire rings; picnic tables; restrooms/showers nearby |
| Cabins | Available | Furnished rental cabins; reservations via ReserveAmerica |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | ⭐ PEAK: Hudson Valley foliage; Mills Mansion tours; cool hiking; apple picking nearby | Peak weekends busy; reserve camping early |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ Marina & boating season; camping; long hiking days; golf; riverside picnics | Humid; mosquitoes near river; weekends crowded |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildflowers; shad run on Hudson; mansion gardens; comfortable hiking | Variable weather; marina may have limited early-season hours |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Holiday mansion tours; cross-country skiing; snowshoeing; Gilded Age Christmas | Campground closed; limited facilities; cold; check mansion tour hours |
Visitor Tips
- Mills Mansion: The Staatsburgh State Historic Site (Mills Mansion) is the park’s must-see attraction — a 65-room Beaux-Arts masterpiece. It’s believed to have inspired Edith Wharton’s “The House of Mirth.” Tours are available year-round (check hours).
- Hyde Park corridor: Norrie is part of the historic Hyde Park estate corridor along Route 9. Within a few miles, you can visit the FDR Presidential Library, Vanderbilt Mansion, and the Culinary Institute of America — arguably the densest concentration of historic sites in the Hudson Valley.
- Hudson River camping: This is one of very few state parks offering camping with Hudson River access. The riverside setting and marina make it popular — reserve well in advance for summer and fall weekends.
- NYC day trip: At approximately 90 miles north of Manhattan, Norrie is an accessible weekend escape from the city. The Amtrak line stops at Rhinecliff, about 10 miles north.
- Pet-friendly: Leashed pets welcome on trails and in the campground (not in cabins or the mansion).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tour the Mills Mansion at Norrie State Park?
Yes — the Staatsburgh State Historic Site (Mills Mansion), adjacent to Norrie State Park, offers guided tours of the 65-room Beaux-Arts mansion designed by Stanford White of McKim, Mead & White. Tours are available year-round, with special themed events during the holiday season. The mansion grounds are free to explore; a small fee applies for interior tours. The mansion is believed to have inspired Edith Wharton’s novel “The House of Mirth.”
Is there camping at Mills-Norrie State Park?
Yes — Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park offers tent camping and cabin rentals in wooded settings with nearby restrooms and showers. The campground is one of the few in New York State with Hudson River access and a park marina. Reservations are handled through ReserveAmerica and are strongly recommended for summer and fall weekends. The park is approximately 90 miles north of New York City.
Last updated: April 2026
