Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Old Bethpage Village Preserve is located in Nassau County on Long Island, New York. The preserve covers over 200 acres and features a reconstructed 19th-century village composed of more than 50 historic structures, including homes, barns, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop and a trolley barn. The site represents rural Long Island farmland and village life from the early to late 1800s. The landscape includes open fields, farmland, woodlands, and ponds, supporting a diversity of local wildlife and plant species. Visitors can walk or hike on several easy trails that wind through the preserve's natural and historical features, making it a great spot for family outings, nature walks, birdwatching, and history buffs. The preserve hosts seasonal events such as historical reenactments, blacksmithing demonstrations, hayrides, and a winter festival, creating interactive learning experiences for all ages. It also contains a nature trail and a managed native plant garden. The preserve operates as a state and county collaboration managed by the Town of Oyster Bay, designed to protect the region’s agricultural heritage and environmental resources. Its peaceful rural setting offers a quiet retreat from urban areas nearby, while providing educational opportunities that connect visitors to Long Island’s past and natural environment.
