Today, I will guide you about the best national parks in New York state. New York is packed with stunning scenery and picturesque parks to appeal to most explorers, but some of the parks in the region are actually National Parks or Heritage Areas.
You will find more than 25 national park service sites in New York State as of 2021. New York State discusses two of these national park sites. This comprehensive collection of national parks in New York state shares the highlights of each site, including monuments, memorials, exercise areas, hiking, jogging tracks, historical, and even a national seashore. Continue reading about New York State’s national park, a complete description of what makes it unique, and extra tips for anyone visiting.
New York State’s national parks include splendid natural spots like the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, African Burial Ground National Monument, Federal Hall National Memorial, and Gateway National Recreation Area, in addition to famous historical monuments. One trendy natural area is the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Across the state, an estimated 19,709,836 were drawn to federal national parks, historic sites, and heritage areas in 2021. The New York National Parks Service department estimates that the parks have been responsible for $750,000,000 in economic benefit in 2021. These national parks represent New York’s diverse landscape. Read below for photos and an introduction to each national park in New York!
List of the Best National Parks in New York State
- Fire Island National Seashore
- Castle Clinton National Monument
- African Burial Ground National Monument
- Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
- Federal Hall National Memorial
- Fort Stanwix National Monument
- Gateway National Recreation Area
- Hamilton Grange National Memorial
- General Grant National Memorial
- Governors Island National Monument
- Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
- Women’s Rights National Historical Park
- Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
- Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site
- Stonewall National Monument
- Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
- Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
- Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site
- Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
- Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
- Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
- Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
- Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site
- Saratoga National Historical Park
- Statue of Liberty National Monument
- Saratoga National Historical Park
1. Fire Island National Seashore
Fire Island, only 1 hour east of New York City, has been a special place for diverse plants, animals, and people. Far from the sounds and pressures of neighboring big city life, Fire Island National Seashore’s lively barrier island shores provide solitude and camaraderie, and spiritual renewal to civilization weary men and women. Fire Island National Seashore is one of the Best National Parks in New York State.
Fire Island offers visitors many types of educational and relaxation opportunities. Pristine ocean shores, an ancient maritime forest, legacies of lighthouse keepers, and the historic estate of William Floyd are only a couple of the recreational, natural, and cultural resources of Fire Island National Seashore. Fire Island is a barrier island protecting Great South Bay and some of Long Island to the north.
- Things to Do in Fire Island: Long Island Aquarium, Robert Moses State Park, Fire Island Lighthouse, The Sunken Forest, Sailors Haven, Ocean Beach, Kismet Beach, Davis Park Marina, Fire Island Parasail, CJ’s, Surfs Out, Kismet, The Harbor Store, Red Wagon
- Location of Fire Island: 120 Laurel St, Patchogue, NY 11772-3596
- Contact of Fire Island: +1 631-687-4750
2. Castle Clinton National Monument
Eight million immigrants passed through Castle Clinton between 1855 and 1890 to the United States. The so-called castle was built to defend Manhattan from the British in the lead-up to the War of 1812, one of many former military encampments on or near New York Harbor.
It reopened as a theatre, then became the above immigrant processing channel in 1855, then changed again, in 1896, in the town’s aquarium. Castle Clinton appears much as it did when initially assembled, a hardy, somewhat imposing edifice. It’s among the nation’s most visited national parks since it encompasses the ticketing booth and passing point for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
It’s a circular sandstone fort that has been best remembered as the first immigration station in America. About 8 million people arrived in the US during the mid-to-late-19th century, and this fort served an essential role in the time frame in history. Before it was named a national monument, this fort was also used As an exhibition hall, beer garden, public aquarium, and theater.
- Things to Do in Castle Clinton: Exhibition hall, Beer Garden, Public Aquarium, Theater
- Location of Castle Clinton: 26 Wall St Battery Park, New York City, NY 10005-1996
- Contact of Castle Clinton: +1 (212) 344-7220
3. African Burial Ground National Monument
When visiting New York City, there are very few historical monuments and museums to encounter, intriguing, interactive, and eye-opening. The African Burial Ground National Monument is one of them.
From its 20 minute movie that will place the scene, thanks to its numerous audio ventures, there’s not any doubt the African Burial Ground National Monument will leave you amazed in the truth of the History you never knew and questioning each detail of NYC.
There’s also a huge factor of interest in understanding that you’re standing on the Burial Grounds itself by learning all details of the museum. And that’s an element that leaves you to encounter this museum unlike any other.
African Burial Ground is the oldest and most significant known excavated Burial Ground in North America for free and enslaved Africans. It protects the historical role slavery played in the construction of New York.
- Things to Do in African Burial Ground: The Visitor’s Center, The Park Movie, The Outdoor Memorial, Junior Ranger, Art at 290 Broadway
- Location of African Burial Ground: Duane and Elk Streets, next to 290 Broadway, New York City, NY
- Contact of African Burial Ground: +1 212-238-4367
4. Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
Visit the home of Eleanor Roosevelt. Entertained friends, state people, the press, along with their partners at the tranquil and relaxed setting of Val-Kill. Research the Roosevelt saga from the houses of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, the displays at the nation’s first Presidential Library, and over a thousand acres of gardens and trails.
This 181-acre historical site is among the national park service sites in New York. It was created to preserve the House of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, a cabin at Val-Kill. The surrounding regions of the Property were also included in the maintained site. This home marked the Only home that Eleanor Roosevelt possessed, and this is where she spent Her time following the 1945 death of her husband, former US President. Before the US NPS handled the site, it was sold to developers and turned into a rental unit.
- Things to Do in Eleanor Roosevelt: Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Top Cottage – Home Of Franklin D Roosevelt, The Culinary Institute of America, Big Bear Ziplines, Surviving Sisters’ Boutique, Dutchess Scuba Diving
- Location of Eleanor Roosevelt: 106 Valkill Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538-2349
- Contact of Eleanor Roosevelt: 845-229-9115 Ext. 2010
5. Federal Hall National Memorial
Built in the 18th century, the Federal Hall in New York was the initial Capitol building in the USA. This is where the first US President, George Washington, was inaugurated. On the other hand, the building was demolished in 1812. Three years later, the new Federal Hall National Memorial was built, which is currently the site of the US Customs House. The management of the essential and historical building has been handed over to the National Park Service to preserve their construction and commemorate the historical events that transpired here.
- Things to Do in Federal Hall: Ellis Island, Castle Clinton, The First Inaugural Bible, The Rotunda View, The Inauguration Balcony Slab, The View of Wall Street, The New York Harbor Visitor Center, The Bank Vault, Complete the Junior Ranger Program, The Portrait Gallery, The Museum Store
- Location of Federal Hall: 26 Wall St, New York City, NY 10005-1996
- Contact of Federal Hall: +1 (212) 825-6990
6. Fort Stanwix National Monument
Fort Stanwix National Monument is one of the best national parks in New York state. This Monument is of historical significance because of its powerful defense of American troops in a 1777 siege. It was the British who built this fort due to the strategic location of their fort. But, it had been captured by the American troops during the American Revolutionary War, which caused the British army to abandon it. Aside from the fort itself, the property also includes three short railings that encircle the fort.
Traveling by water from the sea to the fantastic Lakes. When Europeans Arrived, states fought for control of the carry, the homelands of this Six Nations Confederacy, along with the rich resources of North America. In This struggle, Fort Stanwix could play an essential function.
- Things to Do in Fort Stanwix: Taste of India, Little Caesars, Best Chinese Food Pizza And Pasta, Rome Historical Society & Museum
- Location of Fort Stanwix: 112 E Park St, Rome, NY 13440-5816
- Contact of Fort Stanwix: +1 315-336-2090
7. Gateway National Recreation Area
This national recreation area measures over 26,000 acres in the property area. It’s located close to the port of New York City and New Jersey. The site is currently managed by the National Park Service and features various recreational opportunities such as swimming, boating, hiking, camping, and bird watching.
There are three units within the Gateway National Recreation Area: Jamaica Bay Unit, Staten Island Unit, and Sandy Hook Unit. Each of those units includes a specific appeal of its own.
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook from New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is equally the Gateway in the sea into New York Harbor and the Gateway to the National Park Service Visitors every year. Gateway offers green spaces and beaches alongside. Gateway is spacious For you to explore, envision, and love every day!
- Things to Do in Gateway National Recreation Area: Twin Lights Historic Site, Gunnison Beach, First Avenue Playhouse Dessert Theatre, Christines Italian, Kunya Siam
- Location of Gateway National Recreation Area: Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook, NJ
- Contact of Gateway National Recreation Area: +1 732-872-5970
8. Hamilton Grange National Memorial
Alexander Hamilton created the tools for the achievement of the United States. Visit Hamilton Grange and discover more about this controversial creator and the state residence he built on his Harlem estate.
The Grange, or Grange Mansion, as this federal memorial is often referred to, is situated in St. Nicholas Park in Manhattan. It is one of The national park service sites from New York and plans to preserve the Relocated home of Alexander Hamilton. The mansion features re-creations Of the inside rooms to provide people with a notion of what the house looked Enjoy by the time the US Founding Father Alexander Hamilton lived in that Same house. This is only one of many interactive displays available Within this national memorial site.
- Things to Do in Hamilton Grange: Convent Avenue Baptist Church, St. Nicholas Park, Strivers’ Row, The Grange Bar & Eatery, The Edge Harlem
- Location of Hamilton Grange: 414 W 141st St At the intersection of Hamilton Terrace, New York City, NY 10031-9138
- Contact of Hamilton Grange: +1 646-548-2310
9. General Grant National Memorial
The General Grant Memorial is more broadly referred to as Grant’s Tomb. That serves as the last resting place for former US President Ulysses Grant, to which the memorial is built in honor for. Besides the former president, this site also bears the final resting place of the former president’s wife, Julia Dent Grant, who died in 1902.
It wasn’t until 1958 when the museum had been passed over to the Management of the National Park Service. The national monument was established to honor the memory of the previous president and after great soldier.
Despite the tight property in narrow Riverside Park, it does hold the Nation’s largest mausoleum, both the marble and granite tribute to Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War Union general and two-time U.S. President.
The final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia, is the largest mausoleum in North America. People’s appreciation for the man who ended the bloodiest battle in American history as Commanding General of the Union Army and then, as President of the United States, strove to heal a nation after a civil war and make rights for all citizens a reality.
- Things to Do in General Grant: Pisticci, Bettolona, Jin Ramen, Riverside Park, Riverside Church, Corpus Christi Church
- Location of General Grant: 122nd St And Riverside Dr Riverside Park, New York City, NY 10027
- Contact of General Grant: +1 646-670-7251
10. Governors Island National Monument
As one of the national park service sites in New York, this 22-acre in 1995, the most incredible base of this Coast Guard (in Governor’s Island) was closed as part of the cost-saving measure. Later this season, the Island has been hauled into the state of New York using a plan to create it for people’s benefit. Before this, the Island served an essential role in New York City’s history because it served as an outpost that prevented any sea attack. There are several fortifications inside the Island built for their tactical defensive positions. Today, both the Island and the monument are available to tourists on a seasonal basis. Throughout the summertime, the monument receives an annual amount of visits of around 400,000.
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army on Governors Island was part of this social, political, and financial tapestry of NYC. Now, the Island is a brilliant summer seasonal venue of culture, art, and performance against the backdrop of two centuries of military heritage and the skyline of one of the excellent cities of the planet. The Island is open to the public, May 1st thru Oct 31st
- Things to Do in Governors Island: Pisticci, Bettolona, Jin Ramen, Riverside Park, Riverside Church, Corpus Christi Church
- Location of Governors Island: 122nd St And Riverside Dr Riverside Park, New York City, NY 10027
- Contact of Governors Island: +1 646-670-7251
CONCLUSION
If you enjoyed the Best National Parks in New York State, I will be very thankful if you would help it spread by emailing to your friends or sharing on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Thank you!
Did you travel to New York? Which place are you visiting—and how is it similar to one of these? Tell us in the comment box!