Bethpage State Park

Imagine endless green expanses where hilly terrain meets dense forests, creating the perfect landscape for relaxation. Bethpage State Park is not just a recreational area, but a true symbol of New York State, located in the cozy town of Farmingdale. Covering an impressive area of about 600 hectares, this site in the USA is rightfully considered one of the most significant public parks in the region.

The main pride of Bethpage is its five world-class championship golf courses. Among them, the legendary Black Course stands out, having repeatedly hosted major international tournaments, including the U.S. Open. For its accessibility and high quality of service, the park earned the honorary nickname "The People's Country Club," becoming a place where professional sports meet a democratic atmosphere.

Beyond sporting achievements, the park attracts nature lovers and history buffs. It features over 50 miles of scenic trails for hiking and biking, as well as a unique open-air museum that includes more than fifty historical buildings. This destination is perfect for both serious athletes and families seeking peace in the heart of nature away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

If you need to clarify details before your visit or book a tee time for golf, you can use the park's official contact information.

Bethpage State Park provides all necessary information through its administration and the official New York State website.

For fans of the world's number one sport, the focus here is certainly on golf. You can test your skills on one of the five 18-hole courses. The ultimate test is the famous Black Course — it is walking-only, and a warning sign at the entrance highlights its extreme difficulty. An interesting park tradition involves "camping out" in cars to queue for the first tee time reservations on this course — a true ritual for dedicated fans.

If you prefer less extreme sports, tennis courts (both clay and hard-surface), polo fields, and playfields are at your service. Active enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive network of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. In winter, these same trails transform into excellent cross-country skiing routes, allowing the park to remain a center of attraction year-round.

For family outings, there are spacious picnic areas, modern playgrounds, and a refreshing swimming pool. Be sure to stop by the open-air museum, where you can see a historic schoolhouse and a working farm to literally touch Long Island's past. You can round off a busy day at the local restaurant or bar, sharing impressions of your game or walk against the backdrop of stunning sunsets over the park's valleys.

The most convenient way to reach the park, located at 99 Quaker Meeting House Rd, is by car. If you are driving from New York City, the journey takes about 40 minutes via the I-495 (Long Island Expressway). You will need to take exit 43S for Route 24 West toward Farmingdale, and then turn onto the scenic Bethpage State Parkway South. Ample free parking is provided for visitors on-site.

For those who prefer public transportation, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is an ideal option. Take the Babylon Branch train to the Farmingdale station. From the station, the park entrance is only about 3 kilometers away, which can be quickly reached by taxi or Uber/Lyft in 5–10 minutes.

Travelers arriving on private flights can take advantage of the proximity to Republic Airport (FRG), which is located practically next door. Thanks to its location, the park is an excellent choice for a day trip from the metropolis, allowing you to quickly trade urban landscapes for a natural idyll.

The history of this place began in 1912, when railroad tycoon Benjamin Franklin Yoakum acquired vast lands in Old Bethpage. Originally, it was home to the private Lenox Hills Country Club with a golf course that opened in 1923. After the owner's death, the State of New York purchased the territory, and in May 1934, Bethpage State Park was officially established.

The park's true flourish as a golf mecca is linked to the name of legendary designer A.W. Tillinghast. In the mid-1930s, he designed three new courses — the Blue, the Red, and the famous Black Course. The latter was ceremoniously opened on May 30, 1936, and over time earned a reputation as one of the most difficult and prestigious in the world.

A landmark event in the park's history occurred in 2002, when the Black Course made history as the first municipal (public) course in the U.S. to host the prestigious U.S. Open. The victory that year was claimed by the famous Tiger Woods. Since then, the park has regularly become the arena for major world championships, including the PGA Championship and the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup.

Interestingly, the name "Bethpage" has biblical roots and was suggested by historian Jesse Merritt, based on the name of the lands that Thomas Powell purchased from local Native American tribes back in 1695. Today, the park harmoniously combines sporting greatness with the carefully preserved cultural heritage of the past century.

When planning a visit to Bethpage State Park, you should consider how exactly you want to spend your time. For a general overview of the grounds, a walk along the trails, and a light picnic, 2–3 hours will be sufficient. This time is enough to enjoy the scenery and feel the scale of this green oasis.

If your main goal is golf, you should budget at least 4–5 hours for the game itself, excluding preparation time. For visitors wishing to combine sports, a visit to the open-air history museum, and hiking, we recommend setting aside a full day (6 to 8 hours) to avoid rushing and fully experience the atmosphere of "The People's Country Club."

The park warmly opens its doors to visitors daily. During the peak season, from May to September, the grounds are accessible from 5:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Golf courses and main hiking trails typically operate on a "dawn to dusk" principle, allowing for maximum use of daylight hours.

Please take into account that during the winter period or depending on weather conditions, the operating hours of specific facilities (such as the pool or tennis courts) may change. It is highly recommended to check the official park website before your trip to confirm the current schedule and availability of specific activities.

The area surrounding the park offers many interesting locations to help make your trip to Farmingdale even more fulfilling. You can find everything from historical markers to great places to relax after an active day in nature.

Exploring local attractions will allow you to better understand the history of the region and enjoy the hospitable atmosphere of this corner of New York State.