Accessibility Guide

Robert & Mary’s Home

Hildene has 14 historic buildings, two working farms; Hildene Farm which is a goat dairy and Dene Farm on the lower portion of the property, a restored 1903 Pullman palace car and approximately 12 miles of walking trails. It is situated on 412 acres of quintessential Vermont landscape. Below you will find information regarding physical accessibility for various points on the property.

If you have any questions, please call: 802.362.1788

Pathway accessibility

  • Asphalt paving
  • Sure pack
  • Dirt
  • Brick
  • Stamped concrete
  • Gradient
  • Pathways range from level and easy terrain to steep hills

Transportation/mobility on the grounds

  • Two wheelchairs are available at the house on a first come, first served basis
  • Strollers are not allowed inside any of the venues, but are allowed throughout the rest of the grounds.
  • Mid-May through October – Special assistance trams provide transportation every fifteen minutes to each of the venues
  • Mid-May through October – Trams provide transportation every thirty minutes to Dene Farm on the lower portion of the property.
  • November through May – A van with two steps up is available upon request for transportation to the house and Hildene Farm.
  • Some guests may need assistance through the venue sites, as the historic home contains thresholds and the Pullman car Sunbeam is not wheelchair accessible on the interior. The interior of the car is visible from the accessible platform that runs along the side of the car.

Welcome Center

  • Walkway: Asphalt paving and stamped concrete from parking lot
  • Entrance: Level entrance
  • Inside: Has fully accessible restrooms
  • Exit: Level

The Lincoln Family Home

  • Moderate incline walkway, partially paved, sure pack and brick portions
  • Entrance: ADA ramp on east side of house. Please ask the Welcome Center for directions to access it.
  • Inside:
    • Some doorways are less than 30" wide and all have thresholds
    • Only the first floor is wheelchair accessible, photo album of second floor is available
    • Center stairway has14 steps to the landing and 8 steps to second floor
    • Front door has 3 steps, highest is 7” with railings on both sides
    • Back door has 4 steps, highest is 6” with railings on both sides
    • Restrooms at the house are not wheelchair accessible and only available May through October on the east side of the house.
  • Exit: Same as entrance
  • Distance: 0.13 miles from the Welcome Center

Pullman Car Sunbeam

  • Walkway: Paved, slight incline and decline
  • Entrance: Platform is wheelchair accessible, but car interior is not wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers
  • Inside: some guests may require assistance for moving through narrow spaces and over carpeting
  • Exit: Same as entrance
  • Distance: 0.23 miles from Welcome Center

Hildene Farm Goat Dairy

Walkway: Asphalt paving, sure pack, or dirt (some guests may need to use transportation vehicles)

  • Entrance: Level entrance at front (south facing)
  • Inside: There are fully accessible restrooms and drinking fountains
  • Exit: Same as entrance
  • Distance: 0.75 miles from the Welcome Center

Dene Farm

  • Walkway: Dirt roadway, grass, wood boardwalk (some guests may require transportation to the Dene drop off points for ADA accessible areas)
  • ADA accessible sure pack pathways, ADA accessible wood floating boardwalk (trail distance total: 0.24 miles)
  • Distance: 1.69 miles from Welcome Center