Discover Heckscher Park in Huntington, New York
Heckscher Park is not only a local treasure, referred to as the "Central Park" of Huntington village, but also a national historic district, bounded by Madison Street, Sabbath Day Path, Main Street, and Prime Avenue. The park's roughly triangular layout features a large pond in its northwest corner and has well-designed play areas and beautifully maintained gardens. Despite its central location, this 18-acre park is the perfect city escape just minutes away from downtown Huntington.
Cultural landmarks inside the park, including the Heckscher Museum of Art along with the Chapin Rainbow Theater, enrich the wider cultural fabric of the community. The park’s significance was further recognized when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, cementing its status as a cherished landmark in New York.
The Founders of Heckscher Park
Heckscher Park owes its existence to the generosity of August Heckscher and his wife Nannie A. Heckscher. Born in Germany, in 1848, Heckscher moved to the United States at the age of 19. He built his wealth on coal, zinc, copper, and by participating in Manhattan's Fifth Avenue real estate market. However, he was known for his philanthropy, particularly in social issues and children's causes.
In 1898, Heckscher and his wife purchased a summer retreat in Huntington. They acquired more land in 1906, once owned by Ezra Prime, intending to repurpose it for public use. The site included classrooms for local children and became used by underprivileged city girls through the Fresh Air Fund. The nearby pond became a recreational spot for skaters and swimmers, with Heckscher ensuring ice from the pond was distributed to the town's poor.
Creating Heckscher Park and Heckscher Park Museum
In 1917, Heckscher donated the land to the Heckscher Trust, a non-profit foundation he established to benefit Huntington's residents. His dream was to create an 18.5-acre park and museum that would serve as the community's cultural, recreational, and social hub. Their vision became a reality, with the park officially transferring from the Heckscher Trust to the Town of Huntington in 1954.
To create the Heckscher Museum of Art, Heckscher donated 185 works from his private collection, emphasizing that the gallery was a gift "especially for the children." Julius Franke, from the firm Maynicke and Franke, was commissioned to design the building and on July 10, 1920 it was opened to the public with a grand ceremony featuring a concert, fireworks, and refreshments.
When August Heckscher passed away in 1941, The Long Islander praised him as "perhaps the finest benefactor that Huntington ever had." Heckscher Park and Museum of Art remains a key part of the community, fulfilling Heckscher's dream of making great art accessible for all, especially children.
Things to do at Heckscher Park
Heckscher Museum of Art
The Heckscher Museum of Art remains one of the best things to do in Heckscher park. The museum's founding collection includes works by European Old Masters and American painters like Edward and Thomas Moran. Over the years, the museum has expanded its collection, acquiring works such as George Grosz’s "Eclipse of the Sun" and the Baker/Pisano Collection of American modernist art.
Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions that showcase a variety of artistic styles and themes, making each visit to the museum a different experience. Outside in the park, a sculpture garden complements the museum further. Today, the Heckscher Museum of Art is a not-for-profit educational organization, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and included on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more cultural attractions at Heckscher Park why not visit the 9/11 memorial.
Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Heckscher Park hosts annual events. Some of these celebrations include the Huntington Fall Festival, Spring Tulip Festival, and Summer Arts Festival. These events, along with art festivals, farmers’ markets, concerts, and renaissance fairs, transform the park into a lively gathering place, where the community can come together and have some fun!
Huntington’s Fall Festival
Huntington's Fall Festival is a fun-filled weekend event with vendors, entertainment, music, shows, a carnival, and a food court. The Fall Festival typically runs from October 11th to October 14th, and the hours vary each day.
Huntington Summer Arts Festival
During the summer, the park comes alive with the Huntington Summer Arts Festival. Established in 1966, this free live entertainment event is held at the outdoor amphitheater, Chapin Rainbow Stage, and runs from June 21 to August 24. Performances are scheduled from Wednesday to Sunday, starting at 8:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and at 7:00 PM on Sundays. The festival, presented by the Huntington Arts Council, features a mix of local, national, and international artists, making it one of the best things to do in the summer in Huntington.
Nature and Wildlife
One of the park's most captivating features is its natural beauty. Heckscher is filled with various plant species, including American Holly, Black Cherry, and Weeping Willow, as well as an array of bird species like the American Crow, Belted Kingfisher, and Red-tailed Hawk. Visitors can wander along the park’s well-maintained pathways to the pond, historically known as Crystal Lake, which is bordered by vegetation to discourage Canada Geese. Here, it is possible to spot ducks, swans, muskrats and turtles.
Recreational Activities
Heckscher Park is well-equipped with bocce courts, model sail boating, a playground, lighted playing fields for soccer, baseball, and other grass sports, and four lighted tennis courts. Families can often be seen enjoying a game of frisbee or catch. The park also has a 1/3 mile jogging path loop.
Visiting Heckscher Park and Beyond with CityDays
Today, the park’s well-maintained stamped concrete pathway around the pond is the most heavily used trail in Huntington, ideal for joggers but also fully accessible to those with disabilities. There are also features such as wayfinding signage with tactile graphics and braille, and the Heckscher Park Soundwalk. This self-guided audio tour, available via a QR code on the museum's digital guide, allows visitors to explore the park with audio content available in 40 different languages. Heckscher’s convenient location makes it easily reachable by car and public transport. The park is open year-round, and admission is free, making it an affordable and enjoyable destination for everyone.
If you want to discover more hidden gems in New York City then, why not embark on a CityDays Hunt, and in particular our Southern Tip and Slow Boat to Chinatown Hunts? These ones delve into the history of their respective areas whilst uncovering incredible landmarks along the way, which we think you will enjoy if you have enjoyed this article!
Scavenger Hunt tours are a great way to bring family and friends—or even dates—together for an afternoon of great fun and adventure, solving clues and snapping photos. Clues will lead you to the big sights and those that you'd walk straight past.
For more information about our New York Hunts then click here: NYC Scavenger & Treasure Hunts | CityDays
