Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site is pleased to bring back our popular walking tour centered on the Saw Mill River and its impact on the early industry and economy of Yonkers.
It will take place on Sunday April 19 at 1:00 PM. The tour will begin and end at the museum (29 Warburton Avenue in Yonkers).
Although often ignored today, the Saw Mill River was for centuries the main hub of life in Yonkers. On this special 2.5 mile, 2.5 hour urban hike, explore over 400 years of history on the Saw Mill River, from its days as a fishing tributary called Nepperhan, through its earliest uses for water power, to its industrial heyday, burial, and daylighting. We’ll learn about historic mills, from Adriaen Van Der Donck’s saw mill to the Alexander Smith Carpet Mills, how Chicken Island got its name, the influence of the Old Croton Aqueduct, and how the river shaped Yonkers’ working life.
This urban hike takes a circular route and departs from Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site (located at 29 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, NY) and includes inclines and hills. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen or a hat. Tour departs promptly at 1:00 p.m., museum opens at 10:00 a.m. Philipse Manor Hall is accessible via Hudson line train, car, or bus. You can find directions, transportation, and parking information here.
Tickets are $10/person, pay at the door. Tickets include museum admission. Pre-registration is recommended, but not required. To register, call 914-965-4027 or email philipsemanorhall@parks.ny.gov. If heavy rain, storms, or road closures occur, this hike will be cancelled. This hike is not recommended for children under age 12.