Van Cortlandt Park
Park with a museum, playgrounds, sports facilities, dog runs, BBQ areas, trails & more.
Van Cortlandt Park is rated 4.6 / 5 from 9,149 Google reviews and sits about 1.3 km (16 min walk) from Van Cortlandt Park–242 St station.
General overview
About Van Cortlandt Park
Van Cortlandt Park is a 1,146-acre public park in the northwest Bronx and one of New York City’s largest parks. It combines woodland and wetland trails, playing fields, a lake, historic sites, playgrounds, running routes, horseback-riding paths, and two public golf courses. General admission to the park is free.
- Extensive hiking and nature trails through forests, wetlands, and the Northwest Woods
- Van Cortlandt Lake and the Putnam Trail greenway
- Historic cross-country running course and Parade Ground
- Van Cortlandt House Museum, the Bronx’s oldest surviving house
- Van Cortlandt Golf Course, commonly described as the oldest public golf course in the United States
- Easy subway access from the 1 train at Van Cortlandt Park–242nd Street
Things to do here
Hiking and nature walks
Explore routes such as the John Muir Trail, Cass Gallagher Nature Trail, Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, and paths through the Northwest Woods. Trail conditions may become muddy after rain.
Putnam Greenway
A paved shared-use route following the former Putnam railroad corridor through the park, popular for walking, running, and cycling.
Van Cortlandt Lake
A scenic freshwater lake with surrounding paths, birdlife, and seasonal shoreline recreation. Fishing is generally subject to New York State and NYC Parks rules.
Cross-country running
Run the park’s famous cross-country course, which has hosted school, collegiate, and club competitions for generations.
Van Cortlandt House Museum
Visit an 18th-century historic house with period rooms and exhibits concerning the Van Cortlandt family and the people who lived and worked on the estate. It operates independently from the open park and has separate hours and admission.
Golf
Play Van Cortlandt Golf Course or Mosholu Golf Course. Tee times, greens fees, equipment rental, and operating schedules are handled separately by the course operators.
Birdwatching
Woodland, wetland, meadow, and lake habitats support resident and migratory birds.
Sports and recreation
Facilities include playing fields, cricket and baseball areas, basketball and handball courts, playgrounds, and other recreation spaces; availability varies by location and permits may be required for organized use.
The 1 subway train to Van Cortlandt Park–242nd Street is the most convenient option for the southwest side, Parade Ground, museum area, and many trailheads. The 4 train at Woodlawn serves the eastern side, though a walk or bus connection may be needed. The park is very large, so choose an entrance based on the activity you plan to do.
No reservation is normally needed to enter the park. Reserve golf tee times and check registration requirements for guided walks, organized programs, athletic events, group activities, or permitted field use. Verify Van Cortlandt House Museum hours before making a special trip.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Watch first
Video
Inside the Bronx's RICHEST Neighborhood · Jon Barr (YouTube)
Most asked
How to reach
Van Cortlandt Park is about 1.3 km (~16 min walk) from Van Cortlandt Park–242 St station on the New York City Subway.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center
Restaurants · 18 min walk
★ 4.8
LIV Hotel Bronx - Newly Built
Hotels · 32 min walk
★ 4.0
Edgar Allan Poe Cottage
Hotels · 34 min walk
★ 4.5
Rory Dolan's Restaurant & Bar
Restaurants · 38 min walk
★ 4.6
Inwood Bar & Grill
Restaurants · 40 min walk
★ 4.8
Kingston Tropical Bakery
Restaurants · 40 min walk
★ 4.7
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Van Cortlandt Park from Van Cortlandt Park–242 St station?
Van Cortlandt Park is about 1317 m (roughly 16 min walk) from Van Cortlandt Park–242 St station on the New York City Subway. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Van Cortlandt Park rated?
Van Cortlandt Park has a Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 9,149 reviews.
What's near Van Cortlandt Park?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center, LIV Hotel Bronx - Newly Built, Edgar Allan Poe Cottage.
Is Van Cortlandt Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Van Cortlandt Park: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom.
Is there parking near Van Cortlandt Park?
Google lists these parking options near Van Cortlandt Park: free parking lot, free street parking.
Is Van Cortlandt Park good for children?
Yes — Google lists Van Cortlandt Park as good for children.
Are dogs allowed at Van Cortlandt Park?
Yes — Google lists Van Cortlandt Park as dog-friendly.
Is Van Cortlandt Park free?
Yes. General access to the public park is normally free. Golf, museum admission, paid programs, permits, rentals, and special events may have separate fees.
Do I need a reservation?
Not for an ordinary park visit. Tee times, museum visits, group programs, athletic events, and permitted activities may require advance arrangements.
How do I get there by subway?
Take the 1 train to Van Cortlandt Park–242nd Street for the Broadway side and many popular attractions. The 4 train to Woodlawn can be useful for the park’s eastern side.
Is the park safe to visit alone?
Busy recreation areas are commonly used throughout the day, but the park includes extensive and sometimes isolated woodland. Visit remote trails in daylight, remain aware of your surroundings, carry a charged phone, and let someone know your route.
Can I ride a bicycle in the park?
Cycling is appropriate on designated shared-use and paved routes such as the Putnam Greenway. Obey signs, yield to pedestrians, and do not ride on paths where bicycles are prohibited.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed in many areas subject to leash, cleanup, designated-area, and posted restrictions. Check current NYC Parks dog rules before allowing a dog off leash.
Can I picnic or barbecue?
Casual picnicking is generally permitted in appropriate areas. Barbecuing is limited to designated locations and applicable seasonal or fire-safety rules; large groups may need permits.
Can I swim in Van Cortlandt Lake?
No. The lake is not a designated swimming area.
Are the trails suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?
The paved Putnam Greenway and major paved areas are generally the best options. Natural woodland trails can be uneven, steep, muddy, and unsuitable for many wheelchairs or standard strollers.
Are restrooms always open?
No. Restrooms are limited to selected facilities and may have seasonal or daily operating schedules. Plan ahead, particularly when visiting remote sections.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 11, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.