If you’ve been looking for a scenic tour within the Hudson Valley, look no further than the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy. Open from April through the end-of-October, this site offers a variety of things to do and see while visiting this location! Visitors are welcome to stop by between the hours of 9am and 6pm daily to walk through the conservancy and take in its beautiful scenery. Additionally, visitors can also partake in one of the many tours offered.
Over the Summer, their tour hours primarily take place on Sundays between the hours of 10am-8pm. During that time, the conservancy offers events such as their family adventure tour, garden history tour, sunset yoga and Minnie Untermyer Concert Series! Some of these tours continue during the fall, while the conservancy also offers their seasonal highlights garden tour and bird walk. These tours are primarily offered between the hours of 10am and 6:30pm on both Saturdays and Sundays. Due to its variety of things to do, this location is perfect whether you’re looking to spend a day with your family, or take time to connect with nature. No matter what your motivation for visiting is, the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy guarantees a day filled with beautiful sights and historical facts, with most tours only costing $12 per person!
History of Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
The Greystone Mansion located on the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy premise, is an over 150 year old landmark! Established in 1865, Greystone was renowned for its size, and contained 99 rooms within its vast walls. Fourteen years after its creation, Greystone was bought from original owner John Waring, and sold to former U.S. governor, Samuel J. Tilden. While Tilden owned the estate, he built thirteen green houses for various fruits and vegetables and dedicated most of his time to gardening. Three years after Tilden’s passing in 1886, Samuel J. Untermyer, a successful lawyer bought the estate. After 15 years of owning it, Untermyer hired esteemed architect William Welles Bosworth to create a magnificent garden, which we now know today as the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy.
In 1946, sixteen acres of the gardens were donated to the city of Yonkers to be a public park. Like many other historical landmarks, however, the park began to deteriorate due to improper funding and was unfortunately ignored till the 1970s when a restoration effort was made. Though this effort was unsuccessful, the Open Space Institute was able to successfully restore this site during the mid-90s. They are credited with acquiring the rest of the 43 acres of land that account for the gardens today! The garden’s intricate history adds so much value that transcends the picturesque views of the park. All historical information is sourced from untermyergardens.org.
“A hidden gem in Yonkers. This park transports you to a time of the great gatzby. The gardens and river views are breath taking. From mosaic floors to a tall column gazebo you’ll feel like royalty strolling through the wonders of the estate park. There’s many wonders to explore. Enjoy the stroll.”
—Barbara Ramos-Lipson, Google
Take Amtrak to Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
Experience this gorgeous outdoor experience, just 2.5 miles from Yonkers YNY Amtrak Station in Hudson Valley—Don’t forget to use the New York By Rail 15% discount!
Where to Stay in the Hudson Valley
Looking for a getaway opportunity? Spend the night and experience all the Hudson Valley has to offer. Take a look at these great hotel options—some offering exclusive New York By Rail discounts!
