Springside Spring, Poughkeepsie, NY

## Overview Springside Spring is located within the historic Springside estate in Poughkeepsie, New York — a remarkable 44-acre landscape designed in 1850 by Andrew Jackson Downing, one of America's most influential landscape architects, for wealthy brewer Matthew Vassar (founder of Vassar College). The estate is a National Historic Landmark, and the spring was an integral part of Downing's vision for the property, once feeding large ornamental fountains that graced the grounds. The spring house sits beside a large sycamore tree and is topped with a marble statue depicting a woman. Interestingly, the statue originally depicted a dog — a detail that speaks to the property's layered history of modifications over the decades. To access the water inside the spring house, you'll need to bring a ladle or cup, as there is no modern spigot or faucet. The spring has historically served as a source of fresh water on the estate, and visitors have reported the water to be clean and refreshing. However, as with any natural spring, water quality can vary and has not been independently verified for potability. Springside is one of the few surviving examples of Downing's residential landscape work and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The ruins of several original structures — including gatehouses, a cottage, and garden features — are scattered throughout the grounds, making a visit to the spring also a walk through mid-19th-century American landscape history. Trail maps are available near the parking area and guide visitors through the ruins while providing more context about the spring and the estate's storied past. ## Directions 1. Take **Route 9** to the **Academy Street exit** in Poughkeepsie. 2. Follow **Academy Street** uphill. 3. Look for the distinctive **pink gatehouse** on the right side of the road. 4. Bear right at the first traffic light past the gatehouse. 5. Park on the right, next to the gatehouse (approximately **185 Academy Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601**). 6. Pick up a trail map near the parking area — the spring is just a short walk from there. **Hours:** Open from sunrise to sunset. ## What to Expect Springside is a peaceful, park-like setting with mature trees, historic ruins, and winding trails. The spring house is easy to find from the parking area and is one of the first notable features along the trail. Bring a cup or ladle to collect water from inside the spring house, as there is no modern tap. The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset and are free to visit. The trail is relatively short and gentle, making it accessible for most visitors. Along the way, you'll encounter the remnants of Downing's original landscape design — stone walls, garden structures, and the ruins of estate buildings — all set among rolling terrain and old-growth trees. The pink gatehouse near the entrance is a landmark in its own right and a good reference point for finding the park. Trail maps posted near the parking area are helpful for navigating the property and learning about its history. The setting is especially scenic in autumn when the foliage transforms the landscape. GPS coordinates: **41.688972, -73.930489**