Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in central Nassau County on Long Island, Bethpage State Park is one of New York's premier state parks, spanning over 1,400 acres. The park is most famous for its five public golf courses, including the acclaimed Black Course, which has hosted multiple U.S. Open tournaments and PGA Championships. Beyond golf, visitors can explore miles of paved and unpaved trails for walking, jogging, and mountain biking through forested areas and open fields. Large picnic areas, playgrounds, and tennis courts add to the park's recreational appeal. The park’s varied woodlands and wetlands provide habitat for local wildlife such as white-tailed deer, red-tailed hawks, and numerous songbird species. Established in 1932, the park was developed initially as a Works Progress Administration project, contributing to the area's public access to open green space. Bethpage’s combination of recreational facilities and natural beauty attracts nearly two million visitors annually. Its central location on Long Island makes it a popular destination for residents and tourists seeking outdoor sports, nature experiences, and family outings. The park’s balance of manicured landscapes and natural areas offers opportunities to enjoy both vigorous activity and quiet relaxation. Visitors appreciate the scenic variety within a relatively compact area, with well-maintained amenities supporting year-round outdoor enjoyment.
