Explore Yonkers’ Hidden Gem, Untermyer Gardens

Have you ever visited a place that gives you a forgotten fairy tale vibe? That is what it is like at Untermyer Gardens. This stunning 43-acre park is located in Yonkers, New York. Whether you want ancient ruins, blooming flowers, or amazing views of the Hudson River, Untermyer Gardens got you covered. It is owned by the city and lovingly cared for by the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy. Let’s explore the most favorite garden of families, photographers, and history buffs around the world in this article.

Untermyer Gardens is A Garden Born from Ambition and Legacy

Untermyer Garden’s story is just as amazing as the gardens themselves. The estate started as Greystone, the dream of Samuel Untermyer (1858–1940). Untermyer is famous for his legal battles against monopolies and his leadership in the Non-Sectarian Anti-Nazi League. But he wasn’t just a prominent lawyer and philanthropist. He was a gardening expert. So, when Untermyer bought the property in 1899, he had big plans to create a world-class garden that could compete with Europe’s finest. So, he slowly put his plan into action. In 1916, Untermyer brought in William Welles Bosworth, the designer of the MIT campus and Rockefeller’s Kykuit estate. Together, they created a Persian-inspired paradise with grand staircases, reflecting pools, and exotic plants from around the world. By the 1920s, people called it “America’s Most Spectacular Garden.”

Rise and fall of America’s most spectacular garden

At its peak, the gardens were absolutely massive in scale. Sixty gardeners worked here full-time, and 60 greenhouses produced incredible displays of flowers year-round. Untermyer opened his estate to the public every Sunday. During the 1930s, 30,000 people would come to see what he had created in a single day. After Untermyer died in 1940, things started to change. The City of Yonkers got 16 acres of property in 1946, and later acquired more land to create the current 43-acre public park. But without proper funding, the gardens started falling apart.

Restoration of legacy

Then everything changed in 2011 when the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy stepped in. This group started an amazing restoration project and brought the gardens back to life. By today, the Walled Garden and Temple of Love have revived thanks to their work. They have also created new spaces like the Stumpery. Their work is continuing to restore the historic Color Gardens. The specialty of this restoration is how it involved the community. The conservancy runs youth internships and public tours while keeping the gardens free for everyone.

Exploring the grounds

There are so many different things to see at Untermyer Park and Gardens. No matter where you look, you will find something new everywhere. Across 43 acres, formal gardens, woodlands, and impressive architecture will surprise you nonstop.

The star attraction

The Indo-Persian Walled Garden gets everyone’s attention here. Visitors can explore mosaic-tiled pools, fountains, and flowers bursting with seasonal colors in this sunken garden. The garden is located between 2,000-year-old ancient Roman columns at the Vista Overlook. Do not forget to capture its symmetrical beauty reflected in the water.

Grand views and garden walks

You must see the grand staircase cascading down from the Vista Overlook to the lower terraces. This impressive feature was inspired by Italian Renaissance designs. You can get amazing views of the Palisades cliffs across the Hudson River here. Yes, it’s a bit of work going up and down, but you can rest on the benches along the way while enjoying the incredible scenery. Want to take it easy? Visit the Rock and Stream Garden and enjoy the waterfalls.

Planning a family trip? You can enjoy an Untermyer Gardens picnic, but only in the special area outside the Walled Garden, at the tables outside the Walled Garden, between the entrance and the parking lot. Looking for an Untermyer Park and Gardens map? Get one from the conservancy’s website or at the entrance. Do not worry about getting lost. You can get around the garden easily. Many Untermyer Park and Gardens reviews mention how peaceful the park is, and always talk about how peaceful and serene it is. Many visitors call it “a hidden gem and urban oasis” with “magnificent architecture, lush gardens, and Hudson River views that feel like stepping into a grand European estate.” These Untermyer Park and Gardens reviews really say it all about the experience you will have there.

Fun events and community spirit

The events at Untermyer Park and Gardens are what truly bring the place to life. This year, the Minnie Untermyer Concert Series is in its fifth year and runs from June 7 to September 27. You can get tickets for $35–$38 for performances like jazz, folk, and classical music in the Walled Garden amphitheater. Yonkers youth and adult caregivers could claim 100 free tickets for specific events thanks to the Asbjorn Lunde Foundation. Meanwhile, the Untermyer Performing Arts Council celebrated its 50th year of free Great Lawn concerts, starting July 5 at 6:30 PM and officially launching with Connecticut Ballet’s Ballet Under the Stars. It was followed by Back to the Garden 1969 on July 12 and the Library Jazz Band on July 19, among other performances through the summer.

The Sunset Soirée 2025, an elegant garden fundraiser, took place earlier in the summer. In the fall, be sure to check out the Mehregan festival, with its cultural programming and history tours. And in the winter, Grand Holiday Illumination, the garden’s festive winter tradition, is expected to return in December 2025.

Plan your visit to Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers

You can find Untermyer Park and Gardens at 945 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. There’s free parking for about 75 cars right on-site, and you can also find street parking on North Broadway. If you are using public transportation, you can:

Take the Metro-North Hudson Line to Greystone Station and walk (uphill) for about 27 minutes.
Take the Metro-North to Yonkers Station and connect to the Bee Line bus 6.

The gardens open daily at 9:00 a.m., but the closing time changes with the seasons:

7:00 p.m. – May 1 to September 15
6:00 p.m. – September 16 to November 2
4:30 p.m. – November 3 to March 9

Just be sure to get there at least 30 minutes before closing time. The Untermyer Park and Gardens tickets price is 0. Yes, admission is always free, but donations are appreciated and help support the gardens.

FAQs Section

Is the Untermyer Garden free?

Yes, admission is free every day. Just a heads-up, some special events or guided tours might have a separate fee.

How long does it take to walk Untermyer Gardens?

Most visitors spend about 1–2 hours seeing the main highlights like the Walled Garden and the Vista stairs. If you want to take a full loop, stop for Untermyer Park and Gardens photos, and have a Untermyer Gardens picnic, you should plan for 3–4 hours.

What is the history of the Untermyer Garden?

The Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers were originally built in 1916 by a lawyer named Samuel Untermyer on his estate. It was designed by William Welles Bosworth in a unique Indo-Persian style. The gardens were very famous in the 1920s, but it started to decline after Untermyer passed away in 1940. Thankfully, the City of Yonkers and the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy (founded in 2011) have worked to bring it back to life.

Conclusion

Untermyer Gardens is a great, free place to visit in Yonkers. It got many beautiful areas to explore and tons of fun community events to enjoy. You can stroll down the Untermyer Gardens stairs, have a peaceful picnic, or just take in the beautiful garden views. With ongoing restoration work and events like the Minnie Untermyer Concert Series, there’s never been a better time to visit. So, grab your camera, check out the Untermyer Park and Gardens map, and head to Yonkers.