Plan Your Visit

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.

Guided tours of the 1838 Jay Mansion are suspended for the time being though there are QR signs around the property outside. Hold your phone up to the markers to take a photo and a weblink should pop up on your screen automatically.

The Historic  Jay Gardens, newly reimagined by Nelson Byrd Woltz, are closed for the season but will reopen to the public for tours in April 2022.

Our grounds (excluding fenced off areas) are open during the week and on weekends from dawn until dusk. Please practice Covid-19 safety measures.

• 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 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 or #jayestate

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. 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 Kevin Peraino for more info.