Bayard Cutting Arboretum

Description

Checklist

Attraction Type:  park
Number of accessible spaces:  entire area close to visitor center
Location of accessible spaces:  close to visitor center
Surface of lot:  paved
Distance to venue:  less than 1/10th of mile to Manor House
Transportation to venue offered:  na
Terrain:  relatively flat, but somewhat uneven
Places to rest:  many benches throughout
Paths and walkways:  paved to mansion, and down to the riverwalk, riverwalk is gravel
Location of accessible entrance:  main entrance
Doors:  double doors to manor house
Number of floors:  2 in manor house
Elevators:  0
Ramps:  short ramp to outdoor dining deck
Steps and staircases:  staircase to second floor of manor house
Width of aisles:  wide on first floor
Places to sit:  many benches along the river, benches in other locations as well
Location of restrooms:  main floor in mansion. also in visitor center
Type of restroom:  multi-stall, accessible in mansion; single-occupancy, accessible in visitor center
Ease of entry and exit:  easy for ladies' room, tight in men's room
Available food services:  cafe in mansion
Friendliness of staff:  friendly and very helpful
Notes:  *Mansion has a second floor that can only be seen on a tour. It is not accessible.
Baby changing station:  no

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Bayard Cutting Arboretum is a beautiful, tranquil place. An arboretum is not a park. It is a kind of “museum of trees.” 691 acres, with 14 different gardens, a 65 room mansion that is open for tours, and a river walk. It was donated to the Long Island State Park Region by Mrs. Cutting and her daughter, “to provide an oasis of beauty and quiet for the please, rest and refreshment of those who delight in outdoor beauty…” It is a “passive park; no biking, picnicking, sports, bathing, pets or games.” (website) 

 The new visitor center is a wonderful addition. The 1,600 square foot glass pavilion was designed to be accessible to all ages and abilities. It certainly is. With exhibits, a gift shop, information desk, and accessible restrooms it is a welcome addition.

There is an entire area for accessible parking close to the visitor center, which is about 1/10 of a mile to the Manor House and Hidden Oak Cafe ( see separate listing). It is an easy walk on paved ground.

There are several paved paths around the Arboretum. The rest are gravel. The path along the river itself is gravel. The gravel does not seem to deter families with strollers. We also saw one wheelchair, several walkers, and some with canes. I must confess that when my “better half” was in a wheelchair several years ago, I did not have an easy time pushing him. There are many benches along the river, which allow for resting, with a beautiful view of the river. The path along the river is a little more than a mile.  If you follow the path completely around the arboretum (going past the chickens), it is about two miles in total. If you can manage steps, there is a lovely gazebo in which to sit and take in the view.

After our stroll, we made our way to the mansion, where the Hidden Oak Cafe is located. There is a ramp, or three steps, to enter. It is a lovely spot, Besides the inside area, you can take a seat on the accessible porch, look out over the great lawn and down to the river. This is a wonderful venue, with great food and pleasant service. The first floor of the mansion is accessible, the second floor is not. Tours are given ( check out days and times on their website).  Take note that there are accessible restrooms in the mansion, in the hallway at the opposite end from the Cafe.

Bayard Cutting Arboretum is a wonderful venue that we visit often. No matter that time of year it is, it is always beautiful!

As always, we at Destination Accessible advise you to visit a venue’s website, www.bayardcuttingarboretum.com, to learn more about the venue.

Location

Nearby