The park's golf course is the oldest municipal course in the United States.
During the American Revolutionary War, George Washington and his troops used the area as an encampment.
The park contains the Bronx's largest freshwater lake, Van Cortlandt Lake.
The cross-country course is world-renowned and has been used for championships since the early 20th century.
The park preserves the historic Van Cortlandt family plantation site, including the original stone house museum.
The grounds feature an extensive system of 'Forever Wild' forest preserves protected from development.
An equestrian center operates within the park, providing stables and bridle paths.
The park is home to the historic Vault Hill, the burial site of the Van Cortlandt family.
In 1913, the park hosted the Amateur Athletic Union cross-country championship.
Van Cortlandt Park is the third-largest park in New York City, spanning 1,146 acres of forests, wetlands, and recreational facilities. While administratively located in the Bronx, it sits directly adjacent to the Yonkers city line, serving as a major regional green space. The park features the Van Cortlandt House Museum, the oldest surviving building in the Bronx, constructed in 1748. It is widely recognized for its cross-country running course, which hosts high-profile collegiate and high school meets. The park contains the city's first public golf course, which opened in 1895. Diverse terrain includes Tibbetts Brook, varied hiking trails through oak-hickory forests, and several dedicated dog runs. Manicured playing fields are situated near the southern entrance, while the northern sections remain heavily wooded. It functions as a significant ecological corridor connected to the larger Bronx River watershed.
The elevated view of Van Cortlandt Lake from the historic Van Cortlandt House Museum gardens.
Focus on the Putnam Trail for a paved, accessible walk through the forest.
Wear sturdy footwear if you plan to traverse the unpaved cross-country trails or wooded paths.
Check the park's official event calendar to avoid visiting on days when major cross-country meets restrict public trail access.
Do not attempt to traverse the rugged, unpaved forest trails after heavy rainfall, as they become extremely muddy.
The Van Cortlandt House Museum operates on a seasonal schedule and is typically closed during early week days.
Stay on marked trails to protect native vegetation and avoid ticks in wooded areas.
