Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
581 West Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787
- Phone: (631) 265-1054
Summer Nature Programs
Summer Nature Program Descriptions
Nestled in the heart of Smithtown, Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is one of four state nature preserves on Long Island. Within its 543 acres are a variety of habitats offering guests picturesque views that change with the seasons. Caleb Smith is a passive use park. This not only helps protect the local plant and wildlife populations but also allows visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the quiet serenity that can only be found in nature.
- The Nature Museum has been recently renovated and showcases natural history exhibits including a Great Blue Heron, Red Fox, Flying Squirrel and a River Otter.
- Take a gander as you meander along the hiking trails for some of our rare plants like Pink Lady Slipper, Trailing Arbutus, and Indian Pipe.
- Nature programs are offered, for all ages, year round. Tiny Tot programs are geared for 3-5 year olds and occur on a bi-weekly basis. Programs for children are suited for those ages 5 and up. Family programs are designed for ages 5 and up but younger siblings are always welcome. Adult programs are offered to those who are 18 and older. Reservations are required for all programs.
- Bird watchers will delight in the variety of feathered friends found in the preserve, such as Prothonotary Warblers, Virginia Rails and Osprey to name a few.
- During winter months the snowy landscape is crisscrossed not only with animal tracks but also with cross country ski and snowshoe tracks.
- Fly fishing on the Nissequogue River is available from April 1st to October 15th (NYS freshwater fishing license and reservations required).
- Children, 15 and under, are invited to fish on Willow Pond from April 1st to October 31st.
- Meeting space available for environmental use at reasonable rate, call for details.
Find more about park permit information
For information on educational opportunities & programs in Long Island State Parks, please visit Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center.
Please Note: Pets, Bikes and Picnics are not permitted.
P.O. Box 963 Smithtown, NY 11787
Hours of Operation
Nature museum hours of operation: 8am-4pm Wednesday through Sunday; year round
Park hours of operation: 8am- 4pm, Wednesday through Sunday; year round except holidays.
- Cross Country Skiing: Winter, as weather permits.
- Environmental Interpretive Programs and Self Guided Trails, open all year.
Envrion. Programs conducted Wednesday - Sunday only. - Fly Fishing: 4/1 - 10/15.
Wed-Sunday two sessions, 7:00AM - 11:00AM and 11:30AM - 3:30 PM
Permit issued & fishing fee collected at beginning of each session.For reservations, call 631-265-1054.
- Junior Angling: 4/1 - 10/31.
Fees & Rates
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.
The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
- Environmental Interpretive Programs
- Adults 18 & Over: $4
Children 3-17: $4
Children 2 & under: Free - Fly Fishing
- $25 per 4 hour session (Vehicle entry included)
- Vehicle Entrance Fee
- Cars $8
Non-Profit Buses (By permit only) $35
Commercial Buses $75
Collected 4/1 - 10/31, 8 AM - 4 PM. Collected via automated pay station.
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Sunday, July 22, 2018 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
This program is based on the ‘Adventure Smart' program which teaches you how not to become lost in the woods and what to do if you should become lost. Short walk, includes how to make a temporary shelter.
Thursday, July 26, 2018 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
The "Let's Discover Nature" Hour is a special time for both parent and child to discover the wonders of their natural world together. Each program's theme will use nature explorations and hands-on activities as a springboard for learning.
Ages 3-5
Saturday, July 28, 2018 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
What lives in the pond besides fish? Observation pools will be set up so observation will be easy and safe. We suggest you wear a hat, sunscreen and clothes for getting wet and dirty.
Sunday, August 5, 2018 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Conduct several experiments using household items. You never know what we might create, split in half, sink and even blow up! Who knows what crazy things will be happening in the laboratory!
Thursday, August 9, 2018 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
The "Let's Discover Nature" Hour is a special time for both parent and child to discover the wonders of their natural world together. Each program's theme will use nature explorations and hands-on activities as a springboard for learning.
Ages 3-5
Amenities, Activities & Information
- Amenities
- Gift Shop (Accessible)
- Museum/Visitors Center (Accessible)
- Nature Trails
- Activities
- Fishing * Freshwater
- Fly Fishing * Nissequogue River Fly Fishing School
- Fly Fishing
- Hiking
- Recreation Programs * Environmental Education
- Snowshoeing Trails
- X-Country Skiing