Attractions and Places To See around Smithtown - Top 10

Smithtown is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the Avalon Nature Preserve, spanning 216 acres with diverse ecosystems including woodlands and wetlands. Another excellent choice is Blydenburgh County Park, which features lush hills, valleys, and the headwaters of the Nissequogue River. For a unique ecological experience, explore the 400-acre tidal marsh at Sunken Meadow Creek Marsh, a critical habitat for various species. Additionally, Caleb Smith State Park Preserve offers nature trails and fly fishing, while Sweetbriar Nature Center provides varied habitats and rescued animals.

Yes, Smithtown has a rich history. The Smithtown Historical Society Campus is a must-see, preserving Long Island's heritage across 22 acres with historic buildings like the Epenetus Smith Tavern. You can also visit the Seely-Wright House, the oldest surviving structure in Smithtown built in 1720, or the Suffolk County Historical Museum, which showcases the town's past. Within Blydenburgh County Park, you'll find a historic mill district with structures like the 1798 "New Mill".

Many attractions in Smithtown are suitable for families. Avalon Nature Preserve and Blydenburgh County Park both offer easy trails and natural exploration. Sweetbriar Nature Center is excellent for children with rescued animals and educational programs. Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, primarily for residents, also offers nature trails and programs. The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts provides entertainment for all ages with professional shows and community performances.

Smithtown offers numerous hiking opportunities. Arthur Kunz County Park features a trail system that links to the Long Island Greenbelt Trail, offering scenic views of tidal creeks and forests. Avalon Nature Preserve has serene trails through woodlands and wetlands. For more options, explore the trails at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve or the scenic paths within Blydenburgh County Park. You can find detailed hiking routes, including an easy loop at Avalon Nature Preserve and a moderate one at Blydenburgh County Park, on the Hiking around Smithtown guide.

Yes, Smithtown is famously recognized by the massive bronze statue of "Whisper the Bull" located at the intersection of Routes 25 and 25A. This iconic landmark commemorates the local legend of town founder Richard Smith. It's a significant symbol of the town's heritage and has been deemed eligible for the New York State and National Register of Historic Places.

Smithtown's diverse ecosystems support a variety of wildlife. At Sunken Meadow Creek Marsh, you can observe a critical habitat for numerous state-rare plant and animal species, including diverse avian life. Arthur Kunz County Park, with its tidal creeks and mixed deciduous forest, provides important habitats for various wildlife. Sweetbriar Nature Center is home to rescued animals and offers opportunities for bird watching, especially near the Nissequogue River.

Absolutely. Smithtown and its surrounding areas offer great cycling opportunities. Blydenburgh County Park boasts over 8 miles of multi-use trails, ranging from scenic, flat paths to moderate rolling hills, and even a dedicated BMX track. For road cycling, you can find routes like the Mount Sinai Harbor Loop or the Short Beach loop. More detailed routes are available on the Road Cycling Routes around Smithtown guide.

Yes, Smithtown offers several excellent spots for bird watching. The Sunken Meadow Creek Marsh is a critical habitat and nesting ground for a diverse array of avian life. The West Meadow Wetlands Reserve, near the Erwin J. Ernst Marine Conservation Center, is also known for great bird watching opportunities. Additionally, Sweetbriar Nature Center and Nissequogue River State Park provide varied habitats where you can spot local bird species.

Beyond historical sites, Smithtown provides cultural experiences at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, housed in a historic theatre on Main Street, which presents professional shows and community performances. The Smithtown Library, the largest library system on Long Island, offers programs for all ages and a Long Island Room with local archives.

For unique local finds, visit the Smithtown Farmers Market, open on Saturdays from May through October, offering fresh produce and goods. If you're interested in creative activities, AR Workshop provides DIY craft workshops for customized home décor. For a local culinary experience, Maureen's Kitchen is renowned for its hearty breakfasts and unique dishes.

While popular spots are well-known, the Erwin J. Ernst Marine Conservation Center, located near the West Meadow Wetlands Reserve, offers a delightful surprise with clean, clear, fresh spring water and unique natural landscapes, perfect for bird watching and exploring bike paths. The 400-acre tidal marsh at Sunken Meadow Creek Marsh, tucked within Sunken Meadow State Park, is also a significant ecological hidden gem.

Smithtown offers various running trails for different fitness levels. You can find moderate loops like the Blydenburgh County Park Lake – New Millpond loop or the Cordwood Park loop. For a shorter run, there's a running loop from the Town of Smithtown. More challenging options include a longer Blydenburgh County Park loop and the Nissequogue River – Arthur Kunz County Park loop. Discover these and more on the Running Trails around Smithtown guide.