Two Palace Hike - Lynnewood Hall and The Elkins Estate

2 hours, 3-5 miles, The Elkins Estate and Lynnewood Hall, streets in the neighborhood,

You don't need to go to Versailles to see a real palace. I discovered two on a walk in the Elkins Park area. Lynnewood Hall is an incredible 110 room estate, 55 bedrooms, one of the largest mansions in the country covering an area of 110,000 square feet. After 50 years of decay it is now being restored. Another 30 room building on the grounds Is called The Lodge. Designed for industrialist Peter A. B. Widener, one of the richest men in the world, by Horace Trumbauer, the hall also housed a museum which was open to the public once a month. His son eventually donated 2000 works to the National Gallery of Art including works by Raphael, Rembrandt, El Greco, Van Dyck, etc. from wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynnewood_Hall
A youtube video of the mansion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsgKKLBGKb8

The Elkins Estate also designed by Horace Trumbauer is right across the street from Lynnewood Hall. It's in good condition, still being used for banquets and affairs. On the grounds are two buildings, Elstowe Manor and Chelten Manor.

Carpooling
To carpool from Hill House (201 W Evergreen Ave, Phila) meet 25 minutes before the event. Carpool time changes if hike time changes. Text me 215-2474459, 3-4 days in advance.

GENERAL RULES : ••Hike at my pace. ••Hike lengths are approx: allow 30min -1hr extra. ••Donation requested. All monies donated to recreational charities like Natural Lands and the Friends of Wissahickon. •• For ~360 events each year donate $20 (2025), $30 for 2 or family or donate $5 for each event. ••Pay in person or at Zelle (215 247-4459). Thanks. The yearly donation goes down to $15 July-Aug; to $10 in Sept-Nov; Dec new year.