Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park

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Address
440 Montauk Highway
Great River, NY 11739
Latitude 40.739454
Longitude -73.163039

In late 1936 as she was contemplating the transfer of what was then called "Westbrook" to the Long Island State Park Commission, Olivia James wrote of the two purposes she and her mother envisioned for what is today, Bayard Cutting Arboretum, named for her father William Bayard Cutting.

"These purposes are:

(1) That Westbrook shall be an oasis of beauty and of quiet, and that it shall be a source of pleasure, rest and refreshment to those who delight in outdoor beauty.

(2) That it shall serve to bring about a greater appreciation and understanding, on the part of both the general public and of those professionally concerned with landscape design of the value and importance of informal planting, and shall thus be an influence in preserving the amenities of our native landscape."

With 691 acres situated on the picturesque Connetquot River, Bayard Cutting Arboretum fulfills Ms. James' wishes in fine style. Visitors can learn about the value and appearance of planned, but informal plantings on a country estate. Or they can merely enjoy the serenity of a walk among the trees of the pinetum or among the rhododendrons. Most trees are labeled so that visitors can learn how they might appear in their landscape at home. The Bayard Cutting Horticultural Club offers programs that add to the educational value of the place. http://www.bcahortsociety.org/ 

The estate mansion is maintained in its original style with furnishings typical of the estate era. Guided tours of the mansion are available seasonally. A café on the first floor offers light luncheon with a stunning view over the great lawn of the Connetquot River. Formal teas are offered and can be arranged by reservation. Historical retrospective photo exhibits in the mansion show that Westbrook was once a well known dairy farm producing glass-bottled milk for sale in local markets. One of the original barns remains in the farm area of the arboretum.

It's a wonderful place to relax, read a book, and experience the peace and serenity of estate living in the 1920s and '30s. 

Please note: A permit is required for all posed photography at Bayard Cutting Arboretum. This includes wedding photography, family photos, engagement photos and all other posed photography. The fee is $200 for an hour and a half session during open park hours. The permit must be obtained prior to the event date. Please contact the park for further information regarding photography permits at (631) 581-1002.

For information on educational opportunities & programs in Long Island State Parks, please visit Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center.

Pet Policy: No Pets Allowed

Hours of Operation

  • Park Open:
    4/1 - 10/31/23
    9 am - 5 pm, Tuesday - Sunday
    11/1 - 3/31/24
    9 am - 4 pm Tuesday - Sunday 
    Closed Monday (except summer holidays)
  • Hidden Oak Cafe:
    Tuesday - Sunday from 11 am - 4 pm (April through October)
    Tuesday - Sunday from 11 am - 3 pm (November through March)

  • Manor House & Office:
    Tuesday - Sunday from 9am-5pm (4/1 - 10/31/23)
    Tuesday - Sunday from 9am-4pm (11/1 - 3/31/24)

    Closed Monday (except summer holidays)

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.

  • Vehicle Entrance Fee
  • Cars $8
    4/6 - 5/1/24 Weekends & Holidays
    5/1 - 9/3/24 Daily
    9/4 - 11/17/24 Weekends & Holidays
    Collected via automated pay station daily
    9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tues-Sun (Closed Mondays)

  • Manor House & Garden Tours
  • $10 per adult
    $5 for children under 12 years of age

    Advanced registration is recommended by calling the park at 631-581-1002. Registration is accepted the day of the tour, on a first come basis, and is limited to 15 people.

Maps

Digital Maps

New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Food (Accessible)
  • Gift Shop
  • Tours