Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, Pennsylvania, offers a rare blend of natural beauty, architectural grandeur, and rich American history and recently, PTN host Deanna Fontanez explored the estate with interpretive guide Jared Simister, uncovering hidden gems and little-known stories that bring this historic property to life.

“Welcome to a place where the past meets the present in the most exciting way,” Deanna said as she stepped onto the grounds of Grey Towers. Originally built in the 1880s as a summer retreat for James and Mary Pinchot, the estate would later become the home of their son, Gifford Pinchot, founder and first chief of the U.S. Forest Service and a two-term Pennsylvania governor.

Simister shared fascinating background during the tour, including the estate’s architectural roots. “Grey Towers was designed by Richard Morris Hunt,” he explained. “He also designed the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina and the pedestal that the Statue of Liberty stands on. Many visitors from New York City are surprised and delighted to learn about that connection.”

Inside the estate, Deanna explored a rotating exhibit space showcasing handmade lace collected by Mary Pinchot. “Between the changing landscape and the changing exhibits, you never really visit the same house twice,” Simister noted. This dynamic approach allows Grey Towers to highlight new artifacts and untold stories annually.

One of the most unique features of the property is the famed Finger Bowl, a circular outdoor dining area added in the 1930s. “This is probably the most unique feature on the landscape,” Simister said. “Food was served in wooden bowls that floated across the water, encouraging conversation and engagement in a creative, memorable way.” 

From April through December, Grey Towers hosts regular programming in partnership with the Grey Towers Heritage Association. “Just about every weekend, there’s something going on here,” Simister said. “We always encourage people to check our website or social media for the latest events.”

One of Simister’s favorite spots on the grounds is the bench, just outside the garden area, overlooking the historic amphitheater, where President John F. Kennedy delivered a dedication speech in 1963. Archival footage captures the moment: “What Gifford Pinchot and Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt and Amos Pinchot and others did... will serve as a stimulus to all of us... to make this country we love more beautiful.”

Deanna’s tour also included a walk along the Forest Discovery Trail to a recreation of the Yale Foresters’ campsite. The Pinchot family donated $150,000 to Yale University to establish the country’s first graduate-level forestry school. Students, many from prominent Northeast families, camped in rows named “Broadway” and “Fifth Avenue, inspired by the streets of New York City”. Today, the site includes historic forestry tools still used in modern practice, offering educational events that connect visitors with the origins of conservation in America.

“Grey Towers isn’t just a landmark,” Deanna said. “It’s a place where history lives on, and every visit reveals something new.” As part of the Pocono Art and History Trail, Grey Towers offers guests a powerful blend of education, inspiration, and natural beauty making it a must-see stop in the region.