Yonkers brings together historic sites, science on the Hudson River and landscaped green spaces. If you are considering Yonkers as a place to stay, it’s best to choose your base according to the visits that matter to you: Philipse Manor Hall and the Old Croton Aqueduct offer a glimpse of history, while the museum and the Science Barge cover different scientific topics. Untermyer Park and Gardens and other parks add their own landscape appeal.
History between rivers and aqueduct
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site dates to the 1680s. The hall is near the confluence of the Nepperhan River, also called the Saw Mill River, and the Hudson River. A Munsee-Lunaape village stood at this confluence. The site brings together the history of the house and the history of the river landscape.
You can visit Philipse Manor Hall on a self-guided tour. Guided 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. Since times may change, check the current schedule if you plan to take a tour.
Another historic feature is Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park. Its route runs from Van Cortlandt Park, on the border between Bronx County and the City of Yonkers, to Croton Dam in Cortlandt. The Old Croton Aqueduct was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992. The information about its route and designation makes clear that it is an extensive historic structure, not just a single site in Yonkers.
Planetarium and Science Barge
The Hudson River Museum is located on the banks of the Hudson River in Yonkers. It offers planetarium shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. If a show determines your plans for the day, check the current schedule, as showtimes may change.
The Science Barge has been permanently moored on the Hudson River in Downtown Yonkers since 2008. It operates with off-grid solar and wind systems as well as hydroponic and aquaponic growing systems, and offers tours for visitors of all ages. Unlike the planetarium shows, which run at set times, the growing systems and off-grid energy supply are its defining themes. This lets you choose between a planetarium visit and a tour focused on growing and energy systems.
Gardens and park landscapes
Untermyer Park and Gardens is a historic park covering 43 acres. Its gardens are inspired by ancient Persian designs; the landscape features terraced lawns, fountains and views of the Hudson River. Visitors can explore the Walled Garden, the Temple of Love and the Color Gardens. These named areas offer a clear guide to the different parts of the gardens.
Van der Donck Park in Downtown Yonkers presents a different urban landscape: it is part of the Saw Mill River daylighting project. Tibbetts Brook Park, in turn, spans more than 160 acres and offers walking paths, sports fields and picnic areas. Its water complex includes a large swimming pool, water slides and a lazy river. The operation of these seasonal facilities may change, so check current conditions if the water complex is important to your visit.
Water activities and the waterfront
At JFK Marina, canoes, kayaks, jet skis and motorized boats can be launched from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Permits are issued from March through October. Since launch availability and permit requirements may change, check them before making plans. The marina appeals to different interests than the historic sites, gardens and educational offerings.
The Beczak Center offers events and educational programs on the Yonkers waterfront. Along with the planetarium shows and tours on the Science Barge, it adds to the options for visitors interested in events or education. If you have a particular event in mind, check its dates before planning your visit around it.
Explore more destinations: Yorktown Heights, New Rochelle, Tarrytown, Ardsley, Elmsford, Peekskill, Mt Kisco, Rye Brook
For the regional travel overview: Westchester.
