Garvies Point Museum & Preserve

Finding tranquility was my goal when I ventured forth to Garvies Point, and I achieved my mission. Inside the Garvies Point Museum, I found myself enchanted by natural history through various channels – the visual, the physical, the logical, the other. After exploring the corridors, I ventured outside for a walk through the preserve. The stroll was pleasant, and plenty of grounds call to you for your exploration. While I did not venture down to the beach, the beauty of its gentle shorelines emanated to the lands above, providing both relaxing and photographing opportunities. My only wish is that the locations of the trails and outdoor sites were clearer. Although the area is pristine, I did have some trepidation about wandering too far alone, so I did not make it to each stop I wanted to see.

While approaching Garvies Point yesterday I couldn’t help but observe car after car parked on nearby streets before I had actually reached the preserves parking lot. Only moments later did I discover that the Museum was hosting a Native American festival which resulted in nearly all of Nassau county (and their offspring) to visit.
The event was certainly a crowd pleaser, with face painting, cooking demonstrations, spear throwing and more. A five dollar admission fee brings access to the museum exhibits, including bathrooms.
The museum provides much needed perspective on the comings and goings of earth and climate. You’ll see plenty of maps describing plate tectonics, display cases dedicated to different types of minerals and lots of Long Island specific geological history. For all the hysteria on man-​made climate change, a perspective of millions of years shows a far different picture that is intriguing and humbling at the same time. The earth will change whether humans like it or not thanks to forces beyond any of our control.
The Native American exhibits are also informative, with displays on life before European contact and how to survive the horrors of winter. There’s an abundance of drawings of topless Native American women performing activities like retrieving oysters that fully embraces educational and historic nudity.
Finally, the outdoor nature trails are well worth a walk. You’ll have views of New Rochelle and Sands Point in the distance. What distinguishes this coastal terrain the most is the presence of clay deposits. There is an abundance of shells and bird life rounding out the natural scene. The walk from the museum to the shore line was quick and gentle.
Garvies Point gives you access to a museum and nature trails. It’s a place that can easily capture your attention for hours at a time. Be sure to visit between the hours of 10am-​4pm and learn about Long Island history before the LIE and parkways.

I grew up on LI, but hadn’t visited here until recently. I haven’t been in the museum, but the grounds and shoreline are perfect for exploring. There is a surprising amount of plant and geological diversity here. Just be careful when the tide comes in that you don’t get stranded on the rocks. Mind your manners and leave the beach like you find it (not with added litter or missing artifacts).

was a nice museum when i went there was no power told alot about the indians that lived here was raining so never got to see the beach. great parking. had a museum pass so cant say about money

The museum was closed but we remembered enough to know the history, the geology, and the paths. What a wonderful time capsule; the forest casts a spell, and the shore is spectacular.

This is a treasure hidden in Long Island. Garvies Point is rich with history, and they’ve got a sizeable amount of exhibits, ranging from geology of NY state and Long Island to Indian culture and life to the colonial ages.
There are a few hiking trails with spectacular views of Glen Cove Harbor and Glen Cove.
They’ve got a few kickass canoes on display here too. It’s really sad that there was no one here besides us and the caretaker on a Saturday morning at 10AM. Admission is only $ 3 for adults!
So if you’re in the Nassau County area, you should definitely hit up this museum. You won’t be disapointed.