Group Experiences

 

Ranger Jen presents to a tour group

NPS Photo / Troi Perkins

For Groups Under 12 People

If you are looking to reserve a tour for 12 people or less, reservations are available for tours and programs up to 60 days in advance on Recreation.gov. Please visit our Attend a Ranger Program page for information on our regularly scheduled programs. Tours and programs are limited admission, so we highly recommend scheduling in advance.

The following information is for groups larger than 12.

Group Tours Overview

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park welcomes commercial tours and other large groups to experience the only national park dedicated to the history of conservation.

• Group tours can be booked between late May - October 31.
• The overflow parking lot at Billings Farm & Museum, our non-profit partner, is able to accommodate buses or large numbers of automobiles.
• Many commercial tours work with both sites to create a classic Vermont itinerary for their guests. You can reach Billings Farm & Museum at 802-457-2355.
• All tour groups (including Commercial Bus tour groups and senior tour groups) $9.00 per individual.
• Large groups are required to call ahead for special arrangements. To schedule a group tour, please email [e-mail] with your requested tour date and time. Reservations are not guaranteed until a confirmation is recieved.
• Reservations are required. Each Mansion tour is limited to 12 people. Guided hikes are usually limited to 16 people. Reservations may be made by calling 802-457-3368 ext. 0, or in person at the Carriage Barn Visitor Center.
• Group tours are not available on holiday weekends or peak fall foliage (late September-mid October) weekends.

 

Volunteer Fran talks to visitors during a Mansion Open House

NPS Photo

Services Offered to Large Groups

The following services are well suited to large groups. We will do our best to align with your desired itinerary, however due to staffing limitations, ranger-guided sessions may only be available on certain days and times. A self-guided visit of the grounds and gardens is free of charge to all visitors. See below for opportunities for paid, scheduled experiences.

Introductory Film - A Place in the Land

Viewing the introductory film, A Place in the Land, at Billings Farm & Museum (larger auditorium), played on a loop every 36 minutes. The film can also be requested in advance of your visit from the Billings Farm & Museum.

Ranger Introduction

A ranger to meet & greet the group and provide a brief historical overview of the site. (15 mins)

Group Open House

A ranger to provide an overview of the site history to the group (15 minutes), and then have the group walk through the first floor of the house in groups of six for five minutes each (ex. 55 minutes for a group of 48).

Additional Opportunities for Large Groups

• A ranger-led hike through the oldest, sustainably-managed forest in the United States.
• A ranger-led walk through the historical grounds, providing an in-depth narrative about the landscape, gardens, forest and exterior of the Mansion and other historic buildings. (30-45 mins)

• The opportunity to browse the visitor center exhibits and Eastern National gift shop (15 minutes)

 

Mansion Tours for Large Groups

Many visitors to the park are keen to experience the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion, where three families – all of whom contributed significantly to environmental thought and practice – lived for almost 200 years.

Because of the fragile and priceless nature of the art and artifacts and the narrow spaces into which the tours venture, the Mansion is not set up to accommodate large tour groups. All access to the building is by ranger-guided tour only, and those tours are limited to a maximum of 12 individuals at a time.

All tours of the Mansion cost $9/person for commercial groups (senior rates and America the Beautiful Passes do not apply).

If your group consists of…	Possible Start times (Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs only)	Maximum visit length*
12 or fewer people	9:00 am 9:15 am 9:30 am 9:45 am	15 minutes for an intro plus the duration of the tour = 45 minutes
13 to 24 people*	9:00 am 9:15 am 9:30 am 9:45 am	15 minutes for an intro plus two tour rotations = 60 minutes
25 to 36 people*	9:00 am	15 minutes for an intro, then the group will enter the mansion 6 people at a time for a short walk through of the first floor (about 5 minutes per group). = 1 hour
37 to 48 people*	9:00 am	15 minutes for an intro, then the group will enter the mansion 6 people at a time for a short walk through of the first floor (about 5 minutes per group).. = 1 hour 20 minutes

*For groups with 12 or more individuals, we will split the group into rotations, and each sub-group will experience another self-guided activity of your choice.

For greatest success in ensuring your desired park experience:

• Groups larger than 6 individuals are advised to call ahead for tour arrangements.
• All groups scheduling a tour outside of public tour times must reserve mansion tours at least two weeks in advance. Please note that your chosen time may no longer be available.
• Groups larger than 24 individuals must contact the park at least two months months in advance to secure mansion tours.
• We are not able to accommodate groups on a walk-in basis for interior building tours. Advanced arrangements must be made.
• We are not able to accomodate groups that arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled tour time.

 

Volunteer Peg poses with accessibility shuttle

NPS Photo

Accessibility

An elevator is available for all Mansion tours. The following services may be requested in advance of your visit:

• Shuttle service from the Billings Farm & Museum parking lot to the Carriage Barn Visitor Center or Mansion
  • The Carriage Barn Visitor Center and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion are located on a steep, 1/8 mile walk up a dirt road from the parking area at Billings Farm & Museum. With advanced notice, we can arrange a pick up for 6 members of your group at a time at the entrance to the park.
• Assistive listening devices
• Wheelchair ramp available for entrance into the Mansion (the porch has 5 steps)
• Wheelchairs available for loan

 

Contact Information

To book your group tour, please email [e-mail] or call 802-457-3368 x0 and ask to speak to the Group Tour Coordinator.