Bethpage State Park on Long Island has been known as “The People’s Country Club” for generations. Now hosting the Ryder Cup this September at the park’s famed Black course, fans from around the world will tune in for the biggest event in golf with all eyes on Bethpage.
What does it take to put on a tournament of that magnitude? Bethpage’s current and former park directors, greens specialist, course supervisors and more share their behind-the-scenes preparation ahead of the big week.
A statue of abolitionist and writer Solomon Northup, whose story was told in his memoir and the Academy Award-winning film Twelve Years a Slave, has provided a space for reflection at Saratoga Spa State Park this summer. The 13-foot bronze “Hope Out of Darkness” sculpture was unveiled during a July 10 ceremony attended by Northup descendants, area officials and community members on the lawn in front of the Lincoln Bathhouse.
Northup, a free-born Black American born in Minerva, NY, lived in Saratoga Springs with his wife and children for about seven years when he was tricked into joining a traveling circus. This sinister ploy led to Northup being kidnapped in Washington, D.C. in April 1841 and sold into slavery.
Continue reading Returning Home: Solomon Northup at Saratoga Spa State ParkHumans aren’t the only species of animals that enjoy state parks. Park staff will occasionally find clues of what animals may live there, such as scat, a chewed branch, or a feather. But we don’t always get to watch out for wildlife to stroll on by, especially in remote parts of parks. The best tool for this job is a game camera. Park staff use these camera traps to ‘capture’ these animals in a safe, respectful way.
Park educators from across New York have put together a snapshot of what we’ve discovered. Now, you too can witness and enjoy some of our favorite remarkable wildlife encounters taking place here at our parks when humans are not present.
Continue reading Move Over, Candid Camera: New York Wildlife Caught on Trail VideoOur system of parks and historic sites was founded on the principle that everyone deserves affordable access to the outdoors. A century later, New York State Parks and Historic Sites is still helping New Yorkers reap the physical and mental benefits of connecting with nature and history. While our low fees for camping, park day-use, historic site admission, and golf are within the reach of most of our guests, there are always ways to save even more in every season. Read on to check out some pro tips!
Continue reading How to Save Money All Year at State Parks and Historic SitesA day spent at the beach or by the pool in the summer is a core Long Island experience. There’s nothing better than a dip in the water to cool off from the heat, and a trip to Jones Beach State Park has it all: sun, sand and, soon, a new safe place to have fun in the water!
In summer of 2026, the iconic 1930 Jones Beach East Bathhouse will be reimagined for a new generation to enjoy. As part of Governor Hochul’s NY SWIMS Initiative to expand access to safe swimming in New York, a $100 million investment was secured for the revitalization. State Parks is overseeing the project in collaboration with the Office of General Services, and construction is currently underway.
New York State Parks and Historic Sites Blog 