Yonkers on the Hudson River: History, Gardens and Discoveries

Yonkers brings together culture, technology, history and green spaces along the Hudson River. The Hudson River Museum is on the riverfront, and the Science Barge is permanently moored in the Hudson River in Downtown Yonkers. Historic sites, gardens and parks add to these varied experiences. For your trip, you can decide whether to focus on museums and history, gardens, parkland or experiences on the water.

Museum, Planetarium and Science Barge

The Hudson River Museum offers planetarium shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. These set times give your visit a concrete reference point if you want to include a show in your day’s plans. On weekends, you can choose from three showtimes.

The Science Barge offers a different connection between water and knowledge. It has been permanently anchored in the Hudson River in Downtown Yonkers since 2008. Its features include off-grid solar and wind systems, as well as hydroponic and aquaponic growing systems. During tours for visitors of all ages, you can learn about these systems and growing methods. This makes the Barge a distinct focus alongside the museum visit and planetarium shows.

History Along the River and Historic Trails

The Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site dates to the 1680s. It is near the confluence of the Nepperhan River, also known as the Saw Mill River, and the Hudson River. A Munsee-Lunaape village was located at this confluence. The location connects the history of the historic site with the history of this riverside settlement.

You can explore Philipse Manor Hall on your own or join a guided tour. Tours are offered daily at 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Group sizes are limited, and reservations are recommended; tours are included with regular admission. If you prefer to explore the historic site independently, that option is also available.

The Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park runs from Van Cortlandt Park on the border between Bronx County and the city of Yonkers to the Croton Dam in Cortlandt. The Old Croton Aqueduct was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992. Its far-reaching route and historic status give the Aqueduct a distinct place among Yonkers’ historic attractions.

Gardens, Parks and Water Activities

Untermyer Park and Gardens is a historic park covering 43 acres in Yonkers. Its gardens are inspired by ancient Persian designs; other described features include terraced lawns, fountains and views of the Hudson River. Visitors can explore the Walled Garden, the Temple of Love and the Color Gardens. The named garden areas offer specific destinations during your visit, while the terraces, fountains and river views provide other ways to experience the grounds.

Van der Donck Park is part of the Saw Mill River daylighting project in Downtown Yonkers. Tibbetts Brook Park offers a different mix of open space and activities: The park covers more than 160 acres and includes walking trails, sports fields and picnic areas. Its water complex features a large swimming pool, water slides and a lazy river. This makes it easy to distinguish walking, sports and picnicking from a visit to the water complex within the same park.

The JFK Marina may also be of interest for a water-focused trip. Canoes, kayaks, jet skis and motorized boats can be launched there seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. Permits are issued from March through October. At the Yonkers Waterfront, the Beczak Center offers events and educational programs, adding more ways to take part in activities and learning by the water.

When looking for a vacation rental, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on: Should your trip be mainly about museums and history, gardens and parkland, or activities on the water? Then compare the locations of possible accommodations with the destinations that matter for your trip.

More Local Pages

More local pages: Mt Kisco, Elmsford, Mount Vernon, Rye Brook, Tarrytown, White Plains, Ardsley and Yorktown Heights.

For the broader travel overview: Westchester.