Know Before You Go...
More Info
Prohibited Activities
Please note that as a nature preserve, bicycling, picnicking and pets are not permitted.
Winter Nature Programs Nassau County
Winter Nature Programs Suffolk County
Spring Calendar
To receive the Nature Program Schedule directly to your email, sign up for our electronic mailing list here!
Connetquot River State Park Preserve maintains 3,473 acres of land and water for the protection and propagation of game birds, fish and animals. Deer and waterfowl are numerous, rare nesting birds, including the osprey, are present and there are numerous rare plants, and other interesting flora, such as trailing arbutus and pink lady's slipper in their natural habitats. The preserve also has 50 miles of hiking, bridle, cross-country ski and nature trails, as well as freshwater fly fishing (by permit only) on the Connetquot River.
The Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center is home to the Regional Environmental Education Team of environmental educators. Schools, youth organizations and special interest groups can make arrangements for interpretive programs and hikes at any of the State Parks on Long Island by calling this office. In addition to group hikes there are Fun for Kids Activities, Family Adventure Programs and Adult Ed-ventures for the general public run at several State Parks.
Designated as the first "State Park Preserve" in New York, Connetquot River encourages the long-term protection of our ecological, cultural and historic resources. Passive activities include: hiking, birding and nature study.
Prohibited Activities: Please note that as a nature preserve, bicycling, picnicking and pets are not permitted.
Hours of Operation
2022 Hours of Operation:
Open Tuesdays - Sundays, Closed Mondays1/1/22 - 5/29/22 8am - 4pm
Memorial Day - Columbus Day 8am - 6pm
10/15/22 - 12/31/22 8am - 4pm
VUF $8.00
4/2/22 - 5/29/22 Weekends only (8am - 4pm)
Memorial Day 5/30/22 - Columbus Day 10/10/22 (8am - 6pm)
10/15/22 - 11/20/22 Weekends only (8am - 4pm)
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- Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center: Programs conducted year-round, Wednesdays through Sundays.
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Fly Fishing Season: Open Year Round (Session Times: 8am - 12 pm, 12pm - 4 pm, additional session 4pm-sunset April-September, Tuesdays through Sundays)
Trout Fishing: valid NYS freshwater fishing license required.
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- Fly Fishing Group Outing Program: Upon request only.
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- Horse Trailer Parking: Available all year. 8 am - 4 pm.
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- Cross Country Skiing: Available in the winter season when conditions permit.
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- South Side Sportsmen's Club Historic House Tours:
Step back in time as you tour the Main House of the South
Side Sportsmen's Club. A docent will discuss the history of the tavern and the
high society Sportsmen's Club which shaped Connetquot River State Park Preserve
into what it is today.
First and Third Sunday of each month, September-June.
Each tour is about 45 minutes long and run continuously from
1:00 - 3:00 pm.
Reservations are required. Click here to register!
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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
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Cars $8
Fee Collected:
4/2/22 to 5/29/22 Weekends Only
Memorial day 5/30 to Columbus Day (10/10/22): Daily, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
10/15/22 to 11/20/22: Weekends Only, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Bus Vehicle Entrance Fee:
Non-Profit Buses (By permit only) $35
Commercial Buses (By permit only) $75
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- Environmental Interpretive Programs
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- $4 per adult
$4 per child (3-17 yrs.)
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- Fly Fishing
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- $25 per 4 hour session
Fly Fishing: Group Outing Program:
$25 per person (4hr session) -
- Horseback Riding
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- $50 yearly permit & $10 day riding permit
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- House Tours
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- $4 per adult
$4 per child -
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Mystical Creatures
Saturday, April 1, 2023 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
When the sun goes down, all of Connetquot's mysterious
creatures come out to play. Woodland pixies, unicorns, and even bigfoot roam
around the preserve for a night of adventure on April Fool's Day! Come learn
all about these mystical creatures on this unique night hike! We'll be looking
for traces of them with a fun scavenger hunt for all to enjoy! Bring a
flashlight and your imagination! Reservations
Are Required:
Eventbrite.com and search
#NatureEdventure.
Registration: Required
Clubhouse Tours
Sunday, April 2, 2023 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
A docent will
discuss the history of the tavern and the high society Club which shaped
Connetquot River State Park Preserve into what it is today. Tours of the
historic Nicoll Grist Mill are included and will be offered after your house
tour. Recommended for children 8+. House tours are
about an hour long and run consecutively every half hour. There will be a short
talk outside before viewing the inside. Held on the 1
st and 3
rd
Sunday of each month from 1:00-3:00pm. Reservations
Are Required:
Eventbrite.com and search
#NatureEdventure.
Registration: Required
TROUT UNLIMITED FLY-CASTING CLINICS
Saturday, April 8, 2023 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Annual Fly-Casting
Clinics where participants learn the art of fly-casting as well as fly-tying,
safety techniques and conservation. The clinic also offers participants, who
must be 16 years and older, tips on equipment and tackle needs. Reservations
are required to participate. Please contact the park directly to register.
Spring Awakening Night Hike
Friday, April 14, 2023 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Join us for a spring night hike through the preserve. As
the seasons change, signs of spring are all around us. From the sound of spring
peepers to the sight of skunk cabbage, let's discover the signs of spring the
preserve has to offer after hours. Reservations
Are Required:
Eventbrite.com and search
#NatureEdventure.
Registration: Required