Enjoying the nature in the Bronx’ Van Cortlandt Park
Last week, I wrote about the picturesque Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale .
This neighborhood also boasts a sizable public park (think Central Park of The Bronx) that’s worth exploring when you’re here.
I’ve always been here on hot summer days, and have witnessed huge lines to enter the free pool, so if you want to visit that public pool, you may want to arrive early. But otherwise, you’ll find plenty of nature to explore on your visit to the park – and it is easy to access with public transport.
The subway line is just on the edge of the park, making it an easy trip if you’re staying in Manhattan.
Van Cortlandt Park is a 1146-acre park – New York City’s third largest.
The Van Cortlandt family home is now a house museum in the park. Originally built in 1748, it is The Bronx’ oldest surviving home. This home and land once served as a grain plantation, and was used by George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette during the Revolutionary War.
In 1888, the family home and land was sold to the City of New York and became a public park.
In the 1970s and 1980s saw the Van Cortlandt Park fall into disrepair. Like with Central Park, things improved in the late 1980s and 1990s and revitalization projects are currently in place – so hoping the park will see further improvement.
The park also boasts a golf course, a track, sports fields and biking and running trails.
I’ve enjoyed visiting this park on warm summer days, but I imagine it would be worth a visit at ay time of year. Combine it with a walk around the Riverdale neighborhood during your visit to this pretty corner of The Bronx.