Arboretum & historic estate

Planting Fields Arboretum

About 4.3 mi from the railroad museum

A 409-acre public Gold Coast estate combining an Olmsted Brothers landscape, 65-room Tudor Revival Main House, gardens, greenhouses, trails, art, and programs.

The place

About Planting Fields Arboretum

Planting Fields preserves one of Long Island's rare Gold Coast estates with its original acreage and buildings intact. William Robertson and Mai Rogers Coe began shaping the property in 1913; the Olmsted Brothers developed the larger landscape, while Walker & Gillette designed the Tudor Revival Main House. The grounds now include more than 20 gardens, five miles of woodland trails, greenhouses, art, and a 65-room house.

The attraction is not governed by one universal ticket or schedule. The park is normally open daily, parking fees apply during published seasonal windows, the Main House Visitor Center is open Friday–Sunday, greenhouses operate six days a week, and house tours use their own inventory and admission. Visitors should decide whether the goal is an outdoor grounds visit, a house tour, or both before leaving Oyster Bay's waterfront.

Planting Fields publishes detailed access guidance: parking areas, the Main House ground floor, Sensory Garden, Camellia House, Hay Barn, Conference Center, and restrooms near the Main Greenhouse are accessible. Ramp access to the Main House should be arranged in advance, and requested hearing interpretation requires at least two weeks' notice.

What stands out

Olmsted Brothers landscape

Explore formal gardens, pastoral lawns, woodland paths, views, and one of the firm's largest surviving residential commissions.

Main House

Tour a 65-room Tudor Revival mansion with commissioned ironwork, murals, and layered Gold Coast history.

Greenhouses and plant collections

Use the Main and Camellia houses as a weather-resistant complement to the outdoor gardens, subject to their separate schedule.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in an Oyster Bay Railroad Museum trip

Planting Fields is the longest and least rail-specific stop in this compact ecosystem, but it materially improves a full-day Oyster Bay itinerary. Its gardens and estate architecture provide a change of pace after the station, rolling stock, turntable, and museums.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Park hoursDaily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed December 25.
  • Parking fee$8 per car and $35 per bus during the official seasonal collection windows; self-service pay stations accept card or exact cash.
  • Main HouseVisitor Center Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. House tours and admission use separate current inventory; reservations are recommended.
  • GreenhousesMain Greenhouse and Camellia House, 10 a.m.–3:45 p.m., six days a week; closed Tuesdays for maintenance.
  • AccessibilityPaved roads and some gravel paths serve the grounds. Arrange Main House ramp access in advance; only specified spaces are represented as wheelchair accessible.

Closer downtown history

Add Raynham Hall Museum

Choose Raynham Hall when time is short; it is much closer to the railroad museum and offers a focused Revolutionary-history visit.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is Planting Fields free?

The site does not publish one universal admission. Seasonal parking fees apply, and Main House tours or events can have separate tickets. Check the current official page for the exact plan.

Are the greenhouses open every day?

No. The Main Greenhouse and Camellia House are currently listed from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. six days a week and closed Tuesdays for maintenance.

How long should I allow?

Allow at least 90 minutes for a focused grounds or house visit and longer if combining gardens, trails, greenhouses, and a tour. This is planning guidance, not an official timed visit.

Is the Main House wheelchair accessible?

The ground floor is accessible, but the venue asks visitors to call 516-922-9226 or email in advance to arrange ramp access.

Can I pair Planting Fields with the railroad museum?

Yes, but both are substantial. Start with the railroad museum's limited weekend hours and Saturday turntable ride, then use the park or a reserved house tour as the larger second stop.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-14. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.