Discover Riverhead: River, Culture and History

Riverhead combines a setting shaped by its river and urban landscape with cultural and historical experiences that appeal to a range of interests. The Peconic River provides the scenic backdrop for downtown and its Town Park; it also contributes to outdoor events at these locations. The river is therefore part of the character of the town center, while theater, railroad history and agriculture reveal other sides of the area.

Explore Riverhead on Foot and Digitally

The Downtown Riverhead Historic Trail can be explored on foot or virtually on a computer or smartphone. This offers two different ways to engage with the historic trail: you can explore it on foot in person or learn about it digitally. When planning your trip, this gives you a useful choice between an outdoor visit and an on-screen exploration. The trail adds a distinct way to discover Riverhead’s history to the area’s cultural offerings.

Theater and Railroad History

The restored Suffolk Theater is located in the heart of East Main Street. Its Art Deco design gives the venue a distinctive architectural profile. It first opened in 1933 and reopened in 2013 as a venue for major concerts and cabaret shows. These milestones connect the theater’s history with its later role as a performing arts venue. Visitors interested in architecture, concerts or cabaret will find a different focus here than on the historic trail.

The Railroad Museum of Long Island is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the Long Island Railroad. Its mission also includes educating the public about the railroad’s importance and development on Long Island. The museum has two locations: one in Riverhead and one in Greenport. Railroad history is the focus here, rather than the Suffolk Theater’s performing arts. Together, these attractions offer different ways to explore the region’s history.

Agriculture and Exhibitions

Hallockville Museum Farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Town of Riverhead landmark. Visitors can experience hands-on farming in the fields and see cows, sheep and chickens. A visit therefore offers a firsthand look at agricultural activities and animals. For families who enjoy adding engaging experiences to their stay, the farm offers a different thematic focus from the theater and railroad museum.

The Long Island Science Center is located in the Riverhead Tanger Outlet Center. Its pop-up area and exhibitions are open by appointment to student groups, birthday parties and special events. The experiences described include an augmented reality sandbox and a virtual reality zone. In the sandbox, users can dig, build up and explore their own topographic landscape, complete with tunnels. The VR zone lets visitors swim with manatees, experience dinosaurs and travel through space and time. These interactive themes offer a clear contrast with Riverhead’s historical attractions.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Stay

If Riverhead fits your travel plans, you can search here for a vacation rental or vacation home.

Discover More Places

You can also explore Mattituck, Shelter Island, Greenport, Port Jefferson Station, Amagansett, Cutchogue, St. James and Hauppauge as other destinations.

For the broader travel overview: Suffolk.