Directions: The Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park is located in Oakdale, New York, within Suffolk County on the west bank of the Connetquot River, Long Island, New York. It is nearby East Islip in the hamlet of Great River. Grand Central Parkway to Northern Parkway, or the Long Island Expressway to Sagtikos State Parkway, south to Southern State Pkwy, east to Heckscher State Parkway, south to Montauk Highway (Rte 27A, exit 45E) to the Arboretum. From Eastern Long Island; Sunrise Highway (Route 27) west to Southern State Parkway, south to exit 45E (Route 27A), east on Route 27A to Arboretum.
Contact Information: Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park, P.O. Box 466, Oakdale, NY 11769. Phone: (631) 581-1002
Overview: Enjoy a 690 acre park of open meadows, lawns, marshy refuge, and wildflower garden. The extensive plantings of dwarf evergreens, rhododendron, azaleas, hollies and oaks, wildflowers, and daffodils are all found in Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park.
With the park’s ponds and stream-lets, these plantings provide food and homes for land and aquatic birds, fox, raccoon, and other wildlife. Many paths are on site to explore, as well as a horticultural center containing a vast plant, and shrub collection, a lovely gift shop, and numerous recreation programs.
History: In 1887, the extensive landscape garden was laid out in memory of William Bayard Cutting by Frederick Law Olmstead, the designer of Central Park, and given to the people of Long Island by his widow and daughter “to provide an oasis of beauty and quiet for the pleasure, rest, and refreshment of those who delight in outdoor beauty; and to bring about a greater appreciation and understanding of the value and importance of informal planting.”
The site was originally wooded and many of the large oaks now seen were retained during the clearing of the land. With the cooperation of Charles Sprague Sergeant, the director of Boston’s Arnold Arboretum, advised in developing the extensive conifer collection north of the carriage house.
Facilities: Bayard Cutting Arboretum is an oasis of beauty and quiet and refreshment of outdoor beauty. It is to bring about a greater appreciation and understanding of the value and significance of informal planting. The current collection of fir, spruce, pine, cypress, hemlock and other conifers is probably the most extensive to be found on Long Island.
Seasons/Hours: April – October: Tuesday through Sunday, Entry from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, doors close at 6:30 PM; November – March: Entry from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, doors close at 5:30 PM.
Pets: Strictly, no pets allowed.
Attractions:
- Empire Passport Accepted
- Gift Shop
- Recreation Programs
- Outdoor Seating
- Food
- Nature Trail
Wedding Pictures: A permit is required to take wedding photos at Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park. It must be obtained prior to the event and a fee may be required. Please contact the park for further information.
