Bike to Plum Orchard

Plum Orchard Mansion is a wonderful historic resource preserved by the National Park Service. Construction started in 1898 by the Carnegies, and the house grew to 22,000 square feet over the next decade. Getting to Plum Orchard can be tricky as it is located halfway up the island, or 7.5 miles from the Sea camp dock. It is an estimated roundtrip of 8-10 hours from Sea Camp for those on foot (not recommended for day visitors). Biking can make this 14-mile round trip feasible for a day visit to the island. If you plan to bike to Plum Orchard, get an early start. Plan on the visit taking between 3- 5 hours. If you’re on the 11:45 AM ferry, a trip to Plum Orchard is not recommended. Water is available at Sea Camp, Stafford Beach Campground, and Plum Orchard. Make sure to bring enough for the ride, or stop at Stafford Beach on the way. Bikes are allowed on the Main Road only, which is a sandy road. During dry periods and in the hot summer months, this can be a hard bike ride. The road is not paved, and the sand can be soft in places, especially the Stafford area. Take a break at Stafford to judge how you’re feeling. Stafford is half way to Plum Orchard, or one quarter of your overall trip. Keep in mind, once you get to Plum Orchard, you have to get back on your own. There are no rides to or from the house. Once at Plum Orchard, treated drinking water is available from hose faucets on the side of the house. Bathrooms are available around the back of the house and up the stairs on the rear porch. Please do not bikes on the grass. Stick to the paths. Tours of the mansion are available daily at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. The tours take about 45 minutes. Wait on the front porch for the docent to begin the tour. Tours include the first and second floors and basement. **COVID-19 Update: Plum Orchard Mansion Tours have resumed at Reduced Capacity. Check the Current Conditions page for more details.**