5 Best Things to Do in Sleepy Hollow, New York

By VacationIdea Staff on June 6, 2022 - Updated

5 Best Things to Do in Sleepy Hollow, NY

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Sleepy Hollow was once the preserve of the rich and famous Rockefeller family. Today visitors come here mainly to take a step back in time and learn about the life and times of the oil-rich Rockefeller family and earlier colonial settlers like Frederick Philipse who made his fortune in the slave trade. Attractions are mainly historic – you can visit the John D. Rockefeller Estate, the Philipsburg Manor, the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and the Old Dutch Reform Church and Burial Ground. Myths and legends abound and you are sure to hear about a ghost or two. For a break from history you can go hiking in the beautiful Rockwood Hall State Park to admire outstanding views of the Hudson River.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Kykuit, Sleepy Hollow, New York

Kykuit is also known as the John D. Rockefeller Estate. It is comprised of a 40-room mansion which was built for the oil tycoon and his family between 1907 and 1913, and enjoys sweeping views of the Hudson River Valley. The four storey Georgian Classic Revival mansion’s interior was designed by Ogden Codman Jr. and features a remarkable collection of ceramics from China and Europe as well as priceless antiques, fine 20th century art and wonderful vintage cars. The impressive mansion is surrounded by formal gardens in the Beaux Arts style and includes several statues and themed gardens like the Morning Garden, Japanese Tea Garden and more. Entrance to the historic estate is by guided tour only.

Kykuit, 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, Phone: 914-366-6900

2.Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Sleepy Hollow, New York

Listed in the National Register of History Places and 2009, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is the final resting place of several famous people. The 85-acre cemetery first opened in 1849 and was then called the Tarrytown Cemetery. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is carefully tended and all the old monuments and gravestones are kept in a good state of repair, as befits the last resting place of famous people such as William Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Walter Chrysler, Elizabeth Arden, Leona Helmsley, Samuel Gompers, Brooke Astor and Washington Irving. The best way to learn all about the cemetery is to join one of their guided walking tours.

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, 540 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, Phone: 914-631-0081

3.The Old Dutch Church and Burial Ground, Sleepy Hollow, NY

The Old Dutch Reformed Church of Sleepy Hollow is one of the oldest religious buildings in New York State. The 17th century stone church was completed around 1699 and was built by Frederick Philipse I, a wealthy merchant and, ironically, a slave-trader. The ancient building is still used for religious services from May to September and for special services at Christmas, but was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Adjacent to the church you will find an ancient burial ground which features in Washington Irving’s book “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. Legend has it that the peaceful burial ground is haunted by a headless horseman. Visitors are welcome to tour the church and cemetery on a self-guided walking tour.

The Old Dutch Church, 430 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, Phone: 914-631-4497

4.Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow, New York

Philipsburg Manor was once part of a 52,000 acre estate owned by Dutch immigrant Frederick Philipse, who used the manor house as part of an extensive commercial complex operated mainly by enslaved Africans and tenant farmers from various parts of Europe. Today visitors can take a step back in time to 1750 as they tour this working museum. The Manor House is filled with 17th and 18th century antiques and period furnishings and you can see a working water-powered grist mill and millpond. Costumed docents bring the history to life. Highlights include the slave garden, and a reconstructed tenant farm house. The house is rumored to be haunted and the manor hosts a “spirited” annual Halloween Ghost Tour.

Philipsburg Manor, 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, Phone: 914-366-6900

5.Rockwood Hall State Park, Sleepy Hollow, New York

Rockwood Hall State Park forms part of the Rockefeller State Park. Originally this large tract of land was home to Rockwood Hall, one of the largest private homes in the U.S. The property was then owned by oil magnet William Rockefeller, brother of John D. Rockefeller. In 1946 the impressive manor house and all the outbuildings were razed to the ground following foreclosure by the bank. Care was taken to preserve the beautiful gardens which boasted hills, woodlands and meadows. Today the park is open to the public for walking/hiking along miles of well-maintained trails, many of which offer outstanding views of the Hudson River.

Rockwood Hall State Park, Phelps Way, Pleasantville, NY 10570