Look Back into America’s Rich History of Nature Conservation at Grey Towers
Pennsylvania is well known for its long history of dedication to the conservation of natural resources and wildlife. NEPA is home to 18 state parks, several state forests and game lands, countless trails, nature preserves & conservancies and armies of professional and volunteer conservation stewards.
Inspiring future conservationists
This legacy of conservation is celebrated daily at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford. The stunning French-style mansion and its grounds served as the family home of Pennsylvania’s 28th Governor, Gifford Pinchot. The lifelong conservationist also served as the first head of the U.S. Forest Service and Chief of the U.S. Division of Forestry.
Since the early 19th century, many members of the Pinchot family in Milford, PA and Connecticut have been firm supporters of the conservation movement.
Stroll through the lavish gardens and unique architectural features of the stunning grounds surrounding the mansion. The self-guided tour will take you to the famous Finger Bowl, the Marble Court, the Walled Garden and many more beautiful attractions.
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The grounds at Grey Towers are home to over 30 species of trees. From Apple Trees to towering oaks, the Tree Trail and the accompanying guide help you discover and understand Pinchot’s vision for conserving America’s precious forests.
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Explore the gravesites of many Pinchot family members along with some of Milford’s earliest residents. Each carved headstone and grave marker contribute to the story of Milford and to the magnificent Grey Towers estate.
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Take a short walk along this half-mile trail through the forest behind the mansion. Interpretive signage along the trail offers information about trees, invasive species and more. The trail also leads to a re-creation of a Yale Summer School of Forestry campsite.
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This popular walking tour takes you to 15 unique stops throughout the Borough of Milford where the Pinchot Family’s long-enduring influence is still celebrated today. Visit the original family home built in 1824, the original lecture hall for the Yale School of Forestry and more.
Learn MoreHistory, Architecture and Conservation Come Together
The 19,000 square-foot mansion known as Grey Towers sits on a pristine, manicured 102-acre estate just outside the Borough of Milford.
The meticulously-preserved mansion and grounds, built in 1886, regularly hosted U.S. and foreign dignitaries, President Theodore Roosevelt, prominent nature conservation groups, the Yale Summer School of Forestry and more.
In 1963, the Pinchot family donated the mansion, surrounding buildings and 102 acres to the U.S. Forest Service. The site was dedicated the same year with a visit and declaration by President John F. Kennedy.
In addition to offering self or staff-guided tours throughout summer and early fall, Grey towers also hosts public programs, conferences, seminars and leadership development programs for leading conservation and environmental thinkers. The site, featuring gardens, trails, architecture, a museum, gift shop and visitor center is open year round with daily tours running from Memorial Day through October.
Check out these nearby parks and trails!
