Cedarmere Park — Attraction in Town of North Hempstead

Cedarmere is a charming historic park that offers a delightful mix of natural beauty and historical significance. The park boasts a variety of attractions, including an ornate Gothic Revival mill built in 1862, a green house, boathouse, a large pond, and a scenic walking trail. The pond provides a peaceful spot to unwind and take in the surroundings, while the walking trail offers a leisurely way to explore the park’s picturesque views at your own pace. One of the highlights of Cedarmere Park is the Cedarmere Estate, originally built in 1787, which was once the residence of American poet William Cullen Bryant. Bryant, also known for his role as editor-in-chief of the New York Evening Post, purchased the 40-acre property in 1843 and named it Cedarmere after the cedar trees that surrounded the pond. Over the years, Bryant expanded the main house and added additional land to the estate. While the grounds of Cedarmere Park are open to the public, the estate itself may not always be accessible. During my visit, the house was closed, so it’s advisable to check in advance if you’re interested in touring the estate. Despite this, the park’s historical significance and beautiful scenery make it a worthwhile destination. Situated on a hillside overlooking Hempstead Harbor, the park offers stunning views of Long Island Sound, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day out with friends or alone. The park’s well-maintained grounds and beautiful gardens add to its appeal, and the fact that dogs are welcome is an added bonus for pet owners. One suggestion for improvement would be the addition of handrails along the walking paths to provide extra support and safety, especially on the steeper sections. Overall, Cedarmere Park is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply seeking a tranquil outdoor setting, Cedarmere Park is well...

Cedarmere park is open to the public, and is a great place to picnic or to walk your dog. The view of the water is truly mesmerizing, and you can see William Cullen Bryant's (famous historical owner of the estate, the person Bryant Park is named after) love for nature expressed through the various trees that he planted. The landscape is romantic, definitely fit for the poetic genius that he was. Since I visited in the winter when it was cold and cloudy, I decided it would be a great opportunity to tour inside of the home and to learn more about the history of the estate.

The tour was very intimate, and our guide, Kevin, who is also a board member of the Friends of Cedarmere, did an absolutely wonderful job re-telling the story and significant contributions that Bryant made in Nassau County and in New York City. You only see the first floor of the home, the gem being Bryant's study which includes all of his original books and his desk where he used to write. The historical space itself is limited since the first floor is the only floor conducive for tours, however, I was able to ask a lot of questions, and it was nice to draw connections between Bryant and Thomas Cole, whose historic house I have also visited upstate.

Overall, I will definitely be coming back to Cedarmere during the warmer months and I am so glad that I got to tour this historic house! If you're a lover of NY history, then it's definitely worth checking out. It also helps to support the Friends of Cedarmere's mission, and the beautiful estate. Tours are available every Thursday and Saturday, and tickets can be purchased on their website. I received updates about my tour via email and phone which was really...

Imagine stepping into a serene pocket of nature, where time seems to have slowed just for you. It’s an invitation to pause, sit down, and let your thoughts wander as you watch the dappled sunlight play on the leaves, and listen to the gentle hum of the world around you. This is not merely a location, but a sanctuary where nature and human history meet, where the past whispers in the trees, and where each moment invites reflection and wonder. If there ever was a place to truly disconnect and rediscover a sense of...