Sands Point Preserve
95 Middleneck Road
Port Washington, NY 11050
(516) 571-7900/7901
www.sandspointpreserve.org/

Places Nearby:
Garvies Point Preserve
Planting Fields Arboretum & Coe Hall
Sagamore Hill
Muttontown Preserve
Raynham Hall Museum
More in:

Other States:

Formerly the estate of Harry Guggenheim, this 216-acre preserve features natural habitats of woodland, field, freshwater pond, and even a mile-long stretch of beach, providing homes to a wide variety of animals and birds.

With some five Nature Trails the Preserve offers many opportunities for visitors to explore and learn more about our natural world -- from a casual visit to a serious study of, say, marine biology.

Sands Point has become famous for providing Special Exhibitions that people of all ages can enjoy and learn from. The recent Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats, for example, was composed of modular sections which create environmentally lifelike, yet theatrical settings, integrating special effects. A few of the components included an 18th Century Neo-Gothic Portal: examples of bat art, folklore and myth; Upside-Down Myth Gallery: visitors view the world as a bat sees it; Portrait Hall: spectacular bat portrait photography. Many other exhibits, including hands-on, interactive displays add up to a comprehensive, enjoyable presentation that people of all ages will want to see again.

While exhibits change, the above is typical of the quality Sands Point produces every time.

Families can participate in a great number of educational programs, workshops, and special events throughout the year. Some are based on the current exhibition, while others are permanent, covering a variety of nature-related topics.

Two buildings on the property are also open for visitation during the spring and summer season. Falaise, the 1923 summer residence of Captain Harry F. Guggenheim, is a beautifully furnished Normandy-style Gold Coast mansion. The Hempstead House, formerly occupied by Daniel Guggenheim currently features an impressive display of Wedgewood Ceramics from the 18th and 19th centuries.

School Programs: Teachers may take advantage of the Preserve's habitats for self-guided visits.


Hours:
Preserve:
Open daily, year-round: November - March 8am - 5pm. Call for hours during other months. Note: the preserve may be closed during some winter months. Call before going. Call for House Tour, Exhibit Schedules and pricing.
Falaise: Open seasonally, Thursday - Sunday, with tours leaving on the hour from 12 noon - 3pm. Closed during winter. Call or visit the official website for additional information.
Hempstead House: by appointment only.
Admission:
Admission to Trails: $10.00 per car. There may be a small fee for walk-ins. Call for details. Bus entry is $25.00

To Falaise: $10.00 per person + vehicle fee.
To Hempstead House: $5.00 per person + vehicle fee.

Children under the age of 12 not admitted. May be an additional charge for special events.

Groups:
Call for group rates.
Group Reservations: At least 8 weeks in advance.
Lunch: Bagged lunch can be eaten on the Great Lawn.
Handicapped Access: Partial. Call for details.
Directions: I-495 (LIE) East to exit 36, Searingtown Rd. North. North 6 miles straight to Preserve entrance. 45 minutes from the George Washington bridge.

Copyright © 1996-2014 by Patrick Tadeushuk. All Rights Reserved.