2026 Public Tours
Much of the garden slopes towards the Hudson River, which provides beautiful views along our tour paths, but requires walking uphill to return to the garden entrance. Be sure that you are wearing appropriate shoes and clothing for climbing stairs and walking along uneven gravel or chip pathways.
- Tours cover uneven ground (except the Easy Walking Tour) so wear sturdy shoes.
- We recommend that you bring water and wear a hat and sunscreen.
- Purchase your tickets in advance to ensure a spot and to be notified of any changes. Click on the image or link to go to the ticket page.
- Tours will meet at the Welcome tent near the Cola Community Center.
- Your guide will have a check-in list of people for your tour, there is no need to print a copy of your receipt.
- THANK YOU for registering for our tours. Guided tours are an important way we raise money to restore the gardens.
Garden Tours: Most Sundays at 11:00 a.m., April 19 through October
Garden Tours are offered most Sundays and occasional Saturdays at 11:00 AM with a rotating theme: President's Tour, History, and Seasonal Highlights. Specialty Tours are offered occasionally and can be found below the Public Tours on this page.
UNTERMYER GARDENS HISTORY TOUR
CHOOSE FROM THESE 2026 TOUR DATES: April 19, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, August 30, September 20, October 25
11:00am - 12pm; $15 per person
Learn the history of this magnificent estate as you explore the gardens on this 60-minute tour. Welcome to the Untermyer Gardens history tour, a guided tour led by one of our expert volunteer docents. This tour covers the Walled Garden, its Lower Terrace, and additional garden areas such as the Temple of Love, and the top of the Vista. The route may vary according to the interests and abilities of the group. For an easier route, please register for one of our Easy Walking Tours.
Throughout the tour, you will learn about the rich history of Untermyer Gardens, beginning with its origin in 1862. The tour will take you through the estate's three owners, emphasizing its world-famous heyday during the Untermyer years, its decline after 1940, and the remarkable restoration efforts that have been ongoing since 2011 to the present day. The tour will also highlight the remarkable architecture of the gardens, with an emphasis on Samuel Untermyer and his wife Minnie, and their place in early 20th century history. You will learn about their contributions to the gardens, which are regarded as some of the most beautiful and intricate in the world. Our knowledgeable docents will take you on a journey through time, where you will gain insight into the cultural and historical significance of the Untermyer Park and Gardens. So, come join us for an educational and engaging tour that is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for this magnificent estate.
Please wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
CHOOSE FROM THESE 2026 TOUR DATES: April 19, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, August 30, September 20, October 25
11:00am - 12pm; $15 per person
Learn the history of this magnificent estate as you explore the gardens on this 60-minute tour. Welcome to the Untermyer Gardens history tour, a guided tour led by one of our expert volunteer docents. This tour covers the Walled Garden, its Lower Terrace, and additional garden areas such as the Temple of Love, and the top of the Vista. The route may vary according to the interests and abilities of the group. For an easier route, please register for one of our Easy Walking Tours.
Throughout the tour, you will learn about the rich history of Untermyer Gardens, beginning with its origin in 1862. The tour will take you through the estate's three owners, emphasizing its world-famous heyday during the Untermyer years, its decline after 1940, and the remarkable restoration efforts that have been ongoing since 2011 to the present day. The tour will also highlight the remarkable architecture of the gardens, with an emphasis on Samuel Untermyer and his wife Minnie, and their place in early 20th century history. You will learn about their contributions to the gardens, which are regarded as some of the most beautiful and intricate in the world. Our knowledgeable docents will take you on a journey through time, where you will gain insight into the cultural and historical significance of the Untermyer Park and Gardens. So, come join us for an educational and engaging tour that is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for this magnificent estate.
Please wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS GARDEN TOUR
CHOOSE FROM THESE 2026 TOUR DATES: Sundays: April 26, May 10, June 21, July 19, August 9, September 27, October 11 and Saturday, October 31
11:00am - 12:00pm; $15 per person
Come and see what's in bloom at Untermyer Gardens on this one hour walking tour throughout the gardens!
Experience the breathtaking beauty of our lavish plantings on this 60-minute tour which will take you to the most stunning flowers and gorgeous plants in the gardens.
Our expert volunteer tour guides will highlight the seasonal beauty of the garden: discussing the monumental architecture, elements of garden design in general and of Untermyer Gardens in particular, plants in bloom, and stunning plant combinations. You will witness the magnificence of the garden as it transforms through the seasons. In the spring, you will be enchanted by the vibrant colors of the profuse flowers, while in the summer, lush foliage will transport you to a world of tranquility. In the fall, the garden will be painted with warm hues, framing the picturesque views of the Hudson River.
During the tour, you will walk up and down stairs and along uneven paths, so we recommend wearing sturdy shoes and bringing water, sunscreen, and a hat. Please note that strollers are not advised for this walking tour.
CHOOSE FROM THESE 2026 TOUR DATES: Sundays: April 26, May 10, June 21, July 19, August 9, September 27, October 11 and Saturday, October 31
11:00am - 12:00pm; $15 per person
Come and see what's in bloom at Untermyer Gardens on this one hour walking tour throughout the gardens!
Experience the breathtaking beauty of our lavish plantings on this 60-minute tour which will take you to the most stunning flowers and gorgeous plants in the gardens.
Our expert volunteer tour guides will highlight the seasonal beauty of the garden: discussing the monumental architecture, elements of garden design in general and of Untermyer Gardens in particular, plants in bloom, and stunning plant combinations. You will witness the magnificence of the garden as it transforms through the seasons. In the spring, you will be enchanted by the vibrant colors of the profuse flowers, while in the summer, lush foliage will transport you to a world of tranquility. In the fall, the garden will be painted with warm hues, framing the picturesque views of the Hudson River.
During the tour, you will walk up and down stairs and along uneven paths, so we recommend wearing sturdy shoes and bringing water, sunscreen, and a hat. Please note that strollers are not advised for this walking tour.
PRESIDENT'S TOUR
Sunday, October 18, 2026
11:00am - 12:30pm, $25 per person, plus Eventbrite fees
Are you ready to experience the exquisite beauty of Untermyer Gardens like never before? Then join the President of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, Stephen F. Byrns, on a 90-minute walking tour that will take you on a journey through the gardens as seen through his expert eyes.
As the driving force behind the restoration of Untermyer Gardens, nobody knows the gardens better than Mr. Byrns himself. With his vast knowledge of the history, design, and architecture of the gardens, he will provide you with a unique and captivating perspective that will leave you in awe.
During the tour, you will traverse down the 136 steps of the Vista and make your way up a woodland path to the Temple of Love. As such, we recommend wearing sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven in some areas. Please note that strollers are not advised for this walking tour.
If you're a lover of Yonkers history, architecture, or just appreciate the beauty of a wonderfully restored garden, this tour is a must. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the gardens with the President of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this magnificent treasure.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
11:00am - 12:30pm, $25 per person, plus Eventbrite fees
Are you ready to experience the exquisite beauty of Untermyer Gardens like never before? Then join the President of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, Stephen F. Byrns, on a 90-minute walking tour that will take you on a journey through the gardens as seen through his expert eyes.
As the driving force behind the restoration of Untermyer Gardens, nobody knows the gardens better than Mr. Byrns himself. With his vast knowledge of the history, design, and architecture of the gardens, he will provide you with a unique and captivating perspective that will leave you in awe.
During the tour, you will traverse down the 136 steps of the Vista and make your way up a woodland path to the Temple of Love. As such, we recommend wearing sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven in some areas. Please note that strollers are not advised for this walking tour.
If you're a lover of Yonkers history, architecture, or just appreciate the beauty of a wonderfully restored garden, this tour is a must. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the gardens with the President of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this magnificent treasure.
MAUSOLEUM TOUR AT WOODLAWN CEMETERY
Sunday, November 1, 2026
2:00pm- 3:30pm, $30 per person, plus Eventbrite fees
Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity to visit the Untermyer mausoleum & other architectural highlights at Woodlawn Cemetery with Untermyer Gardens Conservancy President Stephen F. Byrns.
Woodlawn Cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries in New York City and a designated National Historic Landmark. It is the final resting place of many notable people, including members of the Untermyer family. In addition to the Untermyer Mausoleum, we will visit the interior of the Collis Huntington mausoleum plus the Farragut, Van Cortlandt, Osborn, Macy, and Dodge crypts among many others. The spectacular Untermyer mausoleum was built in 1925 when Samuel Untermyer's wife, Minnie, passed away unexpectedly. Featuring sculpture by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and a landscape with echoes of Untermyer's gardens in Yonkers, the mausoleum is one of the most impressive at Woodlawn.
This tour meets at Woodlawn Cemetery and is a 1 -3/4 hour walking tour. Enter Woodlawn at the 233rd Street entrance at Webster Avenue. Meet at the parking lot on the right just after the administration building, on N. Border Ave.
Sunday, November 1, 2026
2:00pm- 3:30pm, $30 per person, plus Eventbrite fees
Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity to visit the Untermyer mausoleum & other architectural highlights at Woodlawn Cemetery with Untermyer Gardens Conservancy President Stephen F. Byrns.
Woodlawn Cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries in New York City and a designated National Historic Landmark. It is the final resting place of many notable people, including members of the Untermyer family. In addition to the Untermyer Mausoleum, we will visit the interior of the Collis Huntington mausoleum plus the Farragut, Van Cortlandt, Osborn, Macy, and Dodge crypts among many others. The spectacular Untermyer mausoleum was built in 1925 when Samuel Untermyer's wife, Minnie, passed away unexpectedly. Featuring sculpture by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and a landscape with echoes of Untermyer's gardens in Yonkers, the mausoleum is one of the most impressive at Woodlawn.
This tour meets at Woodlawn Cemetery and is a 1 -3/4 hour walking tour. Enter Woodlawn at the 233rd Street entrance at Webster Avenue. Meet at the parking lot on the right just after the administration building, on N. Border Ave.
Specialty Tours 2026
Occasional Specialty Tours in 2026 will include Bird Walks, Fungi Tours, Plant Walks, and Sunset Tours. They will be listed here by date.
FALL FUNGI WALKS
Saturdays, September 26 and October 10, 10:00am - 11:30am; $20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Walk through the wilder areas of Untermyer Gardens searching for fall fungi.
Our world would not be the same without fungi! There are a vast variety that inhabit our ecosystem and provide us with many things including food, decomposers, and even bioluminescence. They have a profound effect on our landscape. During this fungi walk we will discuss major specimens that can be found in the fall northeastern landscape. Furthermore, we will discuss major tree specimens where foraged fungi can be easily found and harvested, because if you know your trees, you'll know your fungi!
Dress appropriately for the weather. We will be walking on uneven ground, flights of stairs, grass, gravel, and wood chip paths, so WEAR STURDY SHOES. Consider wearing a hat and sunscreen and bringing water with you.
Instructor Vincent Galatolo is the Director of Plant Health of the Horticulture Division at New York Botanical Garden. He started his journey in horticulture at Clemson University and completed a fellowship at Claude Monet’s Garden in Giverny, France and Morris Arboretum in PA. Prior to arriving at NYBG, Vincent worked at Rock Cobble Farm in CT. One of Vincent’s biggest passions aside from plant health is fungi production and foraging. He has spent over a decade cultivating a wide variety of fungi and foraging in the northeast.
Saturdays, September 26 and October 10, 10:00am - 11:30am; $20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Walk through the wilder areas of Untermyer Gardens searching for fall fungi.
Our world would not be the same without fungi! There are a vast variety that inhabit our ecosystem and provide us with many things including food, decomposers, and even bioluminescence. They have a profound effect on our landscape. During this fungi walk we will discuss major specimens that can be found in the fall northeastern landscape. Furthermore, we will discuss major tree specimens where foraged fungi can be easily found and harvested, because if you know your trees, you'll know your fungi!
Dress appropriately for the weather. We will be walking on uneven ground, flights of stairs, grass, gravel, and wood chip paths, so WEAR STURDY SHOES. Consider wearing a hat and sunscreen and bringing water with you.
Instructor Vincent Galatolo is the Director of Plant Health of the Horticulture Division at New York Botanical Garden. He started his journey in horticulture at Clemson University and completed a fellowship at Claude Monet’s Garden in Giverny, France and Morris Arboretum in PA. Prior to arriving at NYBG, Vincent worked at Rock Cobble Farm in CT. One of Vincent’s biggest passions aside from plant health is fungi production and foraging. He has spent over a decade cultivating a wide variety of fungi and foraging in the northeast.
FALL BIRD WALKS
8:30am - 10:00am
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Fall Dates:
Sunday, September 27, 2026, with Arabella Pajoohi
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 8:30am - 10:00am, with Nadav Snir-Zelniker
Sunday, October 11, 2026, 8:30am - 10:00am, with Michael Bochnik
Catch the fall migration! Join one of our expert local bird guides for a morning of birdwatching at Untermyer Gardens.
These 90-minute bird walks begin at 8:30 a.m., before the garden is open to the public, when the birds are likely to be very active. Follow the links below for more information about the walks and your guides.
Bring your own binoculars (8 x 42 are the best for birding but others can work). We may have a few binoculars to share. Dress appropriately for the weather. We will be walking on uneven ground, flights of stairs, grass, gravel, and woodchip paths, so WEAR STURDY SHOES. Consider wearing a hat and sunscreen and bringing water with you.
8:30am - 10:00am
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Fall Dates:
Sunday, September 27, 2026, with Arabella Pajoohi
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 8:30am - 10:00am, with Nadav Snir-Zelniker
Sunday, October 11, 2026, 8:30am - 10:00am, with Michael Bochnik
Catch the fall migration! Join one of our expert local bird guides for a morning of birdwatching at Untermyer Gardens.
These 90-minute bird walks begin at 8:30 a.m., before the garden is open to the public, when the birds are likely to be very active. Follow the links below for more information about the walks and your guides.
Bring your own binoculars (8 x 42 are the best for birding but others can work). We may have a few binoculars to share. Dress appropriately for the weather. We will be walking on uneven ground, flights of stairs, grass, gravel, and woodchip paths, so WEAR STURDY SHOES. Consider wearing a hat and sunscreen and bringing water with you.
Calendar: Click on any date to expand the calendar and see what is happening that day.