Nissequogue River State Park

Nissequogue River State Park is a 521-acre nature preserve along the river of the same name, featuring tidal wetlands, hardwood forests, and elevated bluffs overlooking Long Island Sound. The grounds also contain a marina, boat launches, and marked hiking trails suitable for different fitness levels.

The park was established in 2000 on the waterfront portion of the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center, which operated until its closure in 1996. The conversion from a psychiatric institution to public parkland marked a turning point in how this waterfront area is used.

The park contains York Hall, a historic building listed on the National Register that once served as the primary assembly space for the neighboring psychiatric hospital. Visitors can observe this structure and recognize how it reflects the site's former institutional purpose.

The grounds are best visited at low tide when more shoreline is available for exploration. The marina operates seasonally from April through November, so visitors should check the time of year before planning any boating activities.

From July through October, more than 100 egrets gather each evening at dusk around the pond and river to select their roosts for the night. These large white birds create a natural spectacle that is especially common to witness during this seasonal period.

Location: Suffolk County

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/nissequogueriver/details.aspx

GPS coordinates: 40.89770,-73.23150

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:00