Do you love spending time in nature? Here are the best gardens and parks in New York State:
1The Montgomery Place Campus - Bard College
Red Hook, NYMontgomery Place, currently recognized as Bard College The Montgomery Place Campus, is a historic estate from the early 19th century situated near Barrytown, New York. This estate has been honored with the designation of a National Historic Landmark and also contributes to the Hudson River Historic District. The estate reflects the architectural tastes of the post-Revolutionary generation of wealthy landowners, with influences from French trends in home design. 2Clermont State Historic Site
Red Hook, NYThe Clermont State Historic Site, also referred to as the Clermont estate, the Clermont Manor, or simply Clermont, is a recognized New York State Historic Site. It is located in the southwestern part of Columbia County, New York, United States. This site is significant as it was the former estate of the Livingston family, who lived there for over seven generations spanning more than two centuries. 3Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury, NYOld Westbury Gardens is a historic site located in Old Westbury, Nassau County, on the Long Island peninsula in New York, USA. This former private estate is now a museum with show gardens and is also used for various cultural events and private parties, such as weddings. 4Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Buffalo, NYThe Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are a beautiful and serene location situated within South Park in Buffalo, New York. This location is not just a garden, but a living museum that offers a unique blend of art, history, and nature. The gardens are a product of the combined efforts of landscaping architect Frederick Law Olmsted, glass-house architects Lord & Burnham, and botanist and plant-explorer John F. Cowell. 5Green-Wood
Brooklyn, NYGreen-Wood Cemetery is a significant historical site in New York City, located in the western part of the Brooklyn borough. Established in 1838, it was initially a garden cemetery in Kings County, which is now part of Brooklyn. The cemetery is known for its monumental two-arched gothic gateway, designed by Richard M. Upjohn, and its reliefs depicting death and resurrection. The cemetery's design was inspired by Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which was a landscaped park-style cemetery. 6Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn, NYThe Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a significant botanical garden situated in the borough of Brooklyn in New York. Established in 1910, the garden spans an impressive 21 hectares, offering ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse plant life. 7Storm King Art Center
Firthcliffe, NYThe Storm King Art Center, often simply referred to as Storm King, is an open-air museum situated in New Windsor, New York. The name of the museum is derived from its close proximity to Storm King Mountain. This unique museum is a popular destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of nature and art in a serene setting.- Online discount!
8New York Botanical Garden
New York, NYThe New York Botanical Garden, located in the Bronx, New York, is one of the main botanical gardens in the United States. It offers a diverse range of plant collections and gardens, making it a great place for nature lovers and those interested in botany. 9Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
Hyde Park, NYThe Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is a significant landmark located in Hyde Park, New York. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1940, signifying its importance in American history. The site is managed and maintained by the National Park Service, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Visitors can explore the historic house museum, gaining insights into the lives of its former inhabitants and the architectural styles of the period. 10The Noguchi Museum
New York, NYThe Noguchi Museum, officially chartered as The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum, is a unique blend of museum and sculpture garden. It is situated in the Long Island City section of Queens, New York City. The museum was designed and created by the Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, making it a testament to his artistic vision and creativity. 11Oheka Castle
Huntington, NYOheka Castle, also known as the Otto Kahn Estate, is a hotel situated on the North Shore of Long Island, in West Hills, New York. This location was once the country home of investment financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn and his family. The name 'Oheka' is an acronym derived from the first several letters of each part of its creator's name, Otto Hermann Kahn. 12Manitoga
Garrison, NYManitoga, located along New York State Route 9D south of Garrison, New York, was the estate and modernist home of industrial designer Russel Wright and his wife Mary Small Einstein Wright. This unique property offers a glimpse into the life and work of one of the 20th century's most influential designers. Visitors can explore the home and studio, which are a testament to Wright's innovative design principles and his commitment to living in harmony with nature. 13Wave Hill
Bronx, NYWave Hill is a sprawling 28-acre estate located in the Hudson Hill section of Riverdale in the Bronx, New York City. The estate is home to public horticultural gardens and a cultural center, offering a unique blend of nature and culture to its visitors. The gardens and cultural center are situated on slopes overlooking the Hudson River, providing expansive views across the river to the New Jersey Palisades. 14Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury, NYOld Westbury Gardens is a historic site located in Old Westbury, Nassau County, on the Long Island peninsula in New York, USA. This former private estate is now a museum with show gardens and is also used for various cultural events and private parties. 15Nevin Welcome Center - Cornell Botanic Gardens
Ithaca, NYThe Cornell Botanic Gardens, located adjacent to the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York, is a botanical garden that spans over 175 acres. This includes 25 acres of botanical gardens and 150 acres of the F R Newman Arboretum. The gardens offer a diverse range of plant life and natural beauty, making it a great place for visitors to explore and learn about different plant species. 16New York Chinese Scholar's Garden
New York, NYThe New York Chinese Scholar's Garden is an integral part of the Staten Island Botanical Garden, which is situated within the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. This location provides a unique cultural and botanical experience for visitors, combining the tranquility of a traditional Chinese garden with the diverse flora of the botanical garden. 17Mount Vernon Hotel Museum
New York, NYThe Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, previously known as the Abigail Adams Smith Museum, is a historic antebellum building located at 421 East 61st Street, near the East River, in New York City. This museum is one of the few remaining pre-1800 buildings in Manhattan, originally planned in 1795 as an estate for Colonel William S. Smith and his wife, Abigail. However, the Smiths never completed the building; it was ultimately built as a carriage house and stable in 1799 for the nearby estate of William T. Robinson. 18Queens Botanical Garden
Queens, NYThe Queens Botanical Garden is a sprawling 39-acre botanical garden situated in Queens, New York. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, explore diverse plant species, and learn about the environment. The garden is home to a variety of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees that are displayed in various gardens and spaces associated with QBG's collections. 19Innisfree Garden
Millbrook, NYInnisfree is a sprawling country estate nestled in the Hudson Valley in Millbrook, New York. The estate was established in 1930 by Marion Burt Beck, who was the daughter of the eccentric lumber baron Wellington R. Burt from Saginaw. She inherited the 384-hectare property along with a small part of the family fortune in 1919. The estate's name was inspired by a famous poem by Irish poet William Butler Yeats. 20Raynham Hall Museum
Oyster Bay, NYToday, Raynham Hall is owned by the Town of Oyster Bay and is operated as a public museum by the Friends of Raynham Hall Museum, Inc. This organization is dedicated to preserving the house and its history, and to providing an educational and engaging experience for visitors. The museum offers guided tours, exhibits, and events that bring the history of the Townsend family and Oyster Bay to life. 21Boscobel House and Gardens
Garrison, NYBoscobel House and Gardens is a historic house museum located in Garrison, New York. The house, which overlooks the Hudson River, was built in the early 19th century for States Dyckman. It is a significant example of the Federal style of American architecture, and its interiors are adorned with decorative elements and a collection of furniture representative of the Federal period. 22Voelker Orth Museum
Queens, NYThe Voelker Orth Museum, Bird Sanctuary and Victorian Garden is a unique cultural and historical site located in Murray Hill, Queens, New York City. The museum is dedicated to preserving the home and garden of a German immigrant family from the 1890s. This offers visitors a glimpse into the past, providing a rich understanding of the immigrant experience during that period. 23Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens
Purchase, NYThe Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens is a unique sculpture park nestled in the park landscape at the headquarters of PepsiCo in Purchase, Westchester County, in the US state of New York. This location offers a serene and artistic environment for visitors to explore and appreciate. 24Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Oyster Bay, NYThe Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, which also includes the Coe Hall Historic House Museum, is a significant attraction for tourists. This arboretum and state park spans over 400 acres and is situated in the village of Upper Brookville in the town of Oyster Bay, New York. The park is a testament to the rich history of the area and offers a unique blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance. 25Herkimer Home State Historic Site
Little Falls, NYThe Herkimer Home State Historic Site is a historic house museum located in Herkimer County, New York, United States. This site offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and architecture of the region, providing a glimpse into the past. 26Socrates Sculpture Park
Queens, NYSocrates Sculpture Park serves as an outdoor museum and public park, providing a platform for artists to create and exhibit sculptures and multi-media installations. This unique setting allows visitors to experience art in an open-air environment, offering a different perspective compared to traditional indoor museums. 27Griffis Sculpture Park
East Otto, NYGriffis Sculpture Park is situated in a picturesque location between Ashford Hollow and East Otto in Cattaraugus County, New York. This unique outdoor art museum offers a blend of natural beauty and artistic creativity, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. 28Nannen Arboretum
Ellicottville, NYThe Nannen Arboretum, located at 28 Parkside Drive, Ellicottville, New York, is an eight-acre botanical garden and arboretum. This expansive space offers a diverse range of flora for visitors to explore and enjoy. 29Locust Grove Estate
Poughkeepsie, NYThe Locust Grove estate spans 200 acres and features a park-like setting with homes, a carriage house, an ice house, trails, a flower garden, and a vegetable garden. The estate offers stunning views of the Hudson River from a bluff, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors. 30John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden
Mill Neck, NYThe John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden, located in Mill Neck, New York, spans across 7 acres. It was designed as a space for passive recreation and contemplation, providing a serene retreat for visitors. The garden's design was inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, with a focus on balance and harmony. 31Highland Park Conservancy
Rochester, NYHighland Park, also known as Highland Botanical Park, is an arboretum located in Rochester, New York. This park is one of the first municipal arboretums in the United States, endowed to the Rochester community in 1888 by nurserymen George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, a renowned landscape architect, with the intention of maintaining a natural appearance. 32Halsey House
Southampton, NYThe Halsey House, located in Southampton, New York, is a historic house that has been converted into a museum. The house was built around 1683 by Thomas Halsey Jr., who was the son of pioneer Thomas Halsey Sr. This historic site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the lifestyle and artifacts from the time of its construction. 33Genesee Country Village and Museum
Wheatland, NYThe Genesee Country Village and Museum is a living history museum that transports visitors back to the 19th century. Located in the town of Wheatland, New York, the museum spans over 600 acres and offers a unique glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore the Historic Village, the John L. Wehle Gallery of Sporting Art, the Genesee Country Nature Center, the Carriage Museum, the Silver Baseball Park, and the Heirloom Gardens. 34Friends of Lasdon Park & Arboretum
Katonah, NYThe park is home to a variety of natural features, including woodlands, an open grass meadow, and formal gardens that showcase flower and shrub specimens from around the globe. One of the park's unique features is the Chinese Friendship Pavilion, a gift from the People’s Republic of China to the citizens of Westchester. 35Cutler Botanic Garden
Binghamton, NYThe Cutler Botanic Garden is a 3.5-acre botanical garden that is affiliated with Cornell University. It is located in Binghamton, New York, United States. This garden offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature. 36Stone Quarry Hill Art Park
Cazenovia, NYStone Quarry Hill Art Park is an outdoor sculpture park situated near Cazenovia, New York. The park is open to visitors every day from dawn until dusk, providing ample time for exploration and enjoyment of the art installations and natural beauty of the park. 37Lyndhurst Mansion
Town of Greenburgh, NYLyndhurst, also referred to as the Jay Gould estate, is a remarkable example of Gothic Revival architecture. This country house is situated in Tarrytown, New York, adjacent to the scenic Hudson River. Its unique location and architectural style make it a noteworthy site for visitors interested in history and architecture. 38Cayuga Nature Center
Ulysses, NYThe Cayuga Nature Center (CNC) is an educational institution that focuses on nature and environmental issues. It is situated on the west side of Cayuga Lake in Tompkins County, New York. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the environment while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. 39Nassau County Museum of Art
Roslyn, NYThe Nassau County Museum of Art (NCMA) is situated on the former Frick "Clayton" Estate, a 145-acre property in Roslyn Harbor, in the heart of Long Island’s Gold Coast, 20 miles east of New York City. This location offers a unique blend of art and nature, providing a serene backdrop for the museum's extensive collection. 40Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
New York, NYThe Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art is situated in the residential area of Lighthouse Hill in Staten Island, New York City. This location offers a serene environment that complements the museum's focus on the rich cultural traditions of Tibet and the Himalayan region. 41Canfield Casino
Saratoga Springs, NYCanfield Casino and Congress Park, located in Saratoga Springs, New York, spans across a 17-acre site. This location was once home to the Congress Hotel, a large resort hotel, and the Congress Spring Bottling Plant. The Canfield Casino, which also resided here, contributed to Saratoga Springs' international fame as a health spa and gambling site. 42Clark Botanic Garden
Albertson, NYClark Botanic Garden is a botanical garden and park that spans across 12 acres. It is located in Roslyn Heights, Nassau County, on Long Island, in New York, United States. This location makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists alike. 43Halsey House & Garden
Southampton, NYThe Halsey House, located in Southampton, New York, is a historic house that has been converted into a museum. The house was built around 1683 by Thomas Halsey Jr., who was the son of pioneer Thomas Halsey Sr. This historic site offers a glimpse into the past, providing visitors with an understanding of the area's history and the lives of its early settlers. 44Ellwanger Garden
Rochester, NYEllwanger Garden is a historical site located at 625 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester, New York. This garden, steeped in history, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a piece of Rochester's past. The garden was originally planted in 1867 and has been maintained as a historical landscape since 1982. 45Sampson State Park
Romulus, NYSampson State Park, a vast 2,070-acre state park, is situated in Seneca County, New York. The park is nestled on the east shore of Seneca Lake, offering visitors a picturesque view of one of the Finger Lakes. Its location provides a serene and tranquil environment, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. 46Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space
New York, NYThe Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space (MoRUS) is a unique institution founded by the Times Up! Environmental Organization in 2012. This not-for-profit museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of community-based activism in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. 47The Earle-Wightman House and Garden
Oyster Bay, NYThe Oyster Bay Historical Society operates the Earle-Wightman House as a museum. Two rooms in the house are dedicated to interpreting the periods 1740 and 1830, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the living conditions and lifestyle of those eras. 48Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park
Great River, NYBayard Cutting Arboretum State Park is a sprawling 691-acre state park situated in the hamlet of Great River, New York, on Long Island. The park is home to an arboretum that was designed by the renowned landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. Additionally, the park features a mansion that was designed by Charles C. Haight. These elements combine to create a unique and picturesque environment for visitors to explore. 49Rochester Museum & Science Center
South Bristol, NYA center surrounded with a number of trails suitable for hiking, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and many other activities. 50William Pryor Letchworth Museum
Castile, NYLetchworth State Park, where the William Pryor Letchworth Museum is located, is situated in the western part of New York State. It's approximately 55 km south of the city of Rochester. This location makes it a convenient destination for those visiting the city or traveling through the state.- 51
Landis Arboretum
Esperance, NYThe George Landis Arboretum is a vast botanical garden that covers an area of 80 hectares (200 acres). Out of this, 16 hectares (40 acres) are specifically dedicated to formal plant collections and exhibits. This expansive space allows for a wide variety of plant species to be showcased, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and learn about different types of flora. - 52
Mountain Top Arboretum
Tannersville, NYMountain Top Arboretum, nestled in the Catskill Mountains of Tannersville, New York, is a public garden that showcases and manages native plant communities of the northeastern United States. It also curates a collection of cold-hardy native and exotic trees. This unique location offers a blend of natural beauty and educational opportunities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts. - 53
Salem Art Works
Salem, NYSalem Art Works (SAW) is a unique destination in Salem, New York. It serves as a nonprofit sculpture park, arts center, and artists community. The location was once a dairy farm, but it has been transformed into a thriving cultural hub. Visitors can explore the grounds, which are filled with works by emerging and established artists. The intimate campus is surrounded by nature, including thick woods, running streams, ponds, and pastures. - 54
Mid-hudson Children's Museum
Poughkeepsie, NYThe Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, now known as the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum (MHDM), is a children's museum situated in the Hudson River Valley. This museum, nestled between the larger New York City and Albany markets, has been a staple for children's education and entertainment for many years. In 2022, the museum underwent a strategic assessment and visioning process, which led to an extension of the age range of the children it serves. This was achieved through the addition of a new science exhibition and more relevant STEM programming. - 55
Manlius Historical Society
Manlius, NYDiscover this tiny museum with a permanent exhibition showing you a school room, a kitchen and a blacksmith shop. Nice herb garden outside. - 56
Art Omi – Experience Art Omi
Ghent, NYArt Omi, previously recognized as Omi International Arts Center, is a non-profit international arts organization. It is situated in Ghent, New York, and is renowned for its commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression. The organization provides a platform for artists from various disciplines to collaborate, innovate, and showcase their work. - 57
Five Rivers Environmental Center
Voorheesville, NYThe educational center is surrounded by 450 acres of wetlands intertwined by 10 miles of trails. Intriguing programs and guided tours. - 58
Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden
North Salem, NYThe Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden is a unique cultural destination located in North Salem, New York. The museum showcases a variety of Japanese art, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich and diverse culture of Japan. Additionally, the museum is home to a 3.5-acre Japanese stroll garden, offering a serene and tranquil environment for visitors to explore and enjoy. - 59
Forsyth Nature Center
Kingston, NYSince 1936, this center has been the hotspot of nature lovers in the Kingston community. Admire the animal exhibits and extensive gardens.