Queens County Farm Museum is the largest tract of undisturbed farmland remaining in New York City. With roots back to 1697, this 47-acre parcel is the longest continuously farmed place in the State of New York.
It is a tranquil environment with historic farm buildings and animals. Visit a farm without having to leave the city!
Some of the highlights:
- Greenhouse complex
- Orchard
- Farm animals
- Herb garden
- Historic farm buildings
- Planting fields
It is a lovely place. This video is a few years old now, but the lovely atmosphere is the same:
Enjoy a guided tour every Saturday and Sunday when the weather permits. General admission is free provided there is not a special event.
Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is growing food in balance with your environment. Queens County Farm Museum takes the health of the community and environment seriously. New York City receives fresh produce from historic glass greenhouses. The health of the animals and soil is improved with browsing rotations.
The farm believes in the connection between environmental preservation and a healthy community. The vegetable field at Queens County Farm Museum is sustainable due to:
- Crop rotation
- Companion planting
- Catch crops
- Timed planting
- Cover cropping
Buy farm products
You can buy healthy and delicious farm products not available anywhere else. I enjoy the seasonal farm stand. The fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers are exceptional. Visit the gift shop to buy everything from yarn to honey. The Queens County Farm Museum preserves history.
Fresh vegetables
If you visit between the middle of May until early November, you can buy vegetables. I enjoy the changing selection and freshness. I find something new and delicious each season.
The Flowers
The farm offers gorgeous floral arrangements from spring until the fall. You can even make your own bouquet every summer and fall. You will discover all your favorite blooms and colors. I made a gorgeous bouquet with my own two hands.
The Farm Store
You do not want to miss the farm store. There are items for gardening and your home including:
- Toys
- Local Gifts
- Personal accessories
- Books
- Healthy snacks
Eggs and Honey
You can buy fresh eggs from hens living on the farm. There is also honey. My favorite is raw wildflower honey. The beekeeper bottles the honey at the farm. I enjoy taking home a few jars as a fond reminder of my visit. You can also buy yarn from Cotswold sheep and Alpacas.
The Farm Animals
You will discover several breeds of livestock on your visit. The animals are hearty, healthy, and thrive on the farm. There are two types of steers, Jethro and Dexter. This is the first time I had the opportunity to see cattle only 40 inches tall. Dexter cattle are important for sustainable agriculture.
The steers are easy to train and fun to watch. I like spending an afternoon watching the animals. You can also see alpacas and Cotswold sheep. The animals thrive in the pasture. You can buy their fleece at the gift shop. The Cotswold pigs are fantastic, curious and playful.
There are approximately 250 laying hens including:
- Barred Rock
- Araucana
- Rhode Island Red
- Buff Orpington
- Black Australorp
You will see brown, white and blue hens. The flock lays an amazing 10 dozen eggs every day. The variety of goats includes:
- Nubian
- LaMancha
- Toggenburg
- Saanen
I find the Italian honeybees fascinating. The raw wildflower honey is delicious. I talked to the beekeeper once. I learned he is also riveted by the bees.
Queens County Farm Museum Pros and Cons
Pros
- Outdoor fun
- Farm Stand
- Feeding the animals
- Farm store
- Nice animal selection
- Making bouquets
Cons
- Most festivals are expensive
- The subway is not an option
- Visits are affected by the weather
- The museum is a little hard to reach
Things to do near Queens County Farm Museum
- Alley Pond Environmental Center
- Belmont Park Race Track
- Where to stay? Adria Hotel and Conference Center is ten minutes away by car.
More info
Website: www.queensfarm.org
Address: 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11004-1129
Telephone: +1 718 347 3276
Cover photo by Jim.henderson / Public domain