Plan Your Visit

Why visit? "... Americans have, to a considerable extent, lost touch with their land and with their political history. JHC is a perfect place for them to rediscover man's traditional relationship to nature and to relearn the principles of American democracy."-- Morrison Heckscher, Curator, American Decorative Arts, Metropolitan Museum of Art

NY Path Through History & African American Heritage Trail Site

2025 Visiting Hours & Tours

1838 Jay Mansion

CLOSED FOR 2025 for Restoration.  Add your name to our e-newsletter list for additional updates. CLICK HERE.

Jay Meadow & Estate Grounds

Grounds open dawn to dusk all year round (excluding fenced in areas). Download the FREE Bloomberg Connects app to learn more. PLUS, there are QR signs around the property outside. Follow the mown grass path behind the Jay Mansion, to the neighboring park at Marshlands Conservancy and down to the water – see two parks in one day!

Explore More at Whitby Castle

Our neighbors at Rye Golf Club offer public dining at the historic 1854 Whitby Castle which is walking distance from the Jay Estate. Enjoy lunch, brunch or dinner Tuesday to Sunday 12 – 7:30pm. Neat casual attire.

 

Jay Estate Gardens

REOPENING APRIL 27, 2025. Our award-winning gardens reimagined by Nelson Byrd Woltz will be open every Sunday from 10am to 5pm and every Thursday from 10am to 2pm for self-guided tours except on major holidays through November 3, 2025. (Closed Mother’s Day, Memorial Day Weekend, Father’s Day, Fourth of July Weekend, and Labor Day Weekend). Please be aware that in extreme heat or severe weather, the gardens will be closed for the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers.

Do you love to garden? Sign up to volunteer with our Horticulture Director Lucia Maestro at hortdirector.jhc@gmail.com.

Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III Exhibit and Performance Center

The Wachenheim Center will be undergoing exciting rehabilitation work beginning December 2024.

Park Regulations

Welcome! Our non-profit, the Jay Heritage Center (JHC), maintains and operates the 23-acre Jay Estate for the enjoyment of the public. As JHC receives no annual tax dollars or public government funding, we rely heavily on volunteers to assist us. But with growing community support and donations we are looking to expand our staff and our hours! In the interim, we ask that you observe the following simple rules as a courtesy to our staff, volunteers and fellow park visitors.

  • Daily parking is free. No overnight parking allowed.
  • Enjoy the rockers on the piazza! First come, first serve.
  • We are a take-in, take-out park – please take any litter you bring in with you and please take it out when you leave.
  • Plein-air painting, leaf peeping and birdwatching are encouraged! Record your bird sightings on eBird and tag the Jay Estate.
  • Dogs on leash are permitted on the grounds – with the exception of the gardens – but please clean up after your pet or we may need to suspend this privilege for everyone.
  • No smoking ANYTHING at any time.
  • No consumption of alcohol at any time other than sanctioned JHC events.
  • All natural, cultural and archaeological resources are protected and may not be removed or disturbed. Possession and use of a metal detector at the Jay Estate is strictly prohibited.
  • No biking on trails or paths.
  • Please use headphones for enjoying music.
  • We may take photos of visitors from time to use in our marketing and online publications. Feel free to share your own photos with us and we may post with attribution on our website or social media! Tag us #jayheritagecenter, #jayestaterye, or #jayestategardens.
  • No drones.

Photography Policy

  • Personal photography and filming only. Professional photography or filming (weddings, family/holiday portraits,  corporate work etc.) must be approved and a permit obtained/approved/paid for in advance.  Permits are granted at the discretion of management. Read more here.
  • Please be aware that if you appear to be taking photographs or filming for commercial use, you may be approached by a member of our staff to confirm prior approval. Email us for more info.

 

Map by Nate Padavik

Directions & Travel

The Jay Estate

210 Boston Post Road, Rye,  NY 10580

The Boston Post Road Historic District in Rye is not currently served by public transportation but is easily accessible via Uber or Lyft. The closest Metro North Train stations are Rye and Harrison (New Haven Line) and are only one mile away. Find Metro North schedule Information

Taxi Phone numbers:

Harrison Taxi: (914) 835-3400

 

Get Directions