BLUF: Beautiful, timeless garden; use restrooms elsewhere. Innisfree Garden is open to the public between late April and mid-November every year. We visited in late October last year, and more than ten years ago before that. The garden has a timeless beauty, and many of the details looked identical or nearly the same as in our prior visit. The visit experience is essentially a counter-clockwise loop around Tyrrel Lake that can be slowly walked in about 60 to 90 minutes. Per Innisfree Garden's website, the garden is divided into miniature "cup gardens" -- sets of different features / "focal points" that all connect to the lake and the path around it. For both for our visits, I think we were most attentive for about the first 60% of the path, as "feature fatigue" started to set in just past the bridge over the lake. We quickly walked through / past the wood cabin during of our visits. Logistics: The Garden is about 90 minutes from New York City by car. Do consider bathroom breaks before or after visiting the Garden, as the restrooms here consist only of porta-potties. Cellular coverage at the Garden is weak, so it may be difficult to retrieve digital tickets from your phone if you haven't already downloaded them. Fortunately, one workaround is to tell them your name, if you are the person who booked the tickets in advance. Bring your own food and water as necessary, as these are not sold in the Garden. Wear sturdy shoes with grip and ankle support, as there are some steep angles along the initial part of the path and by some features. read more

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185 acre park which encompasses a 40 acre lake (Tyrrel Lake). The garden park borrows from Chinese, Japanese, Modern, and ecological principles. I think the majority of reviews have hit the nail on the head. This place is a not so hidden gem of the Hudson Valley. It's so beautiful, it's a challenge to take a bad image because it is so picturesque. There are undulating scenes which can be framed in your mind's eye and pops of interesting subjects (a sculpture, rock formation, hills, etc.) to see. It's a splendor visually and changes with the seasons. It's not as manicured as a Japanese garden...it's more expansive. I think the beauty of this place can haunt you. General admission is $10. Membership also starts at $50/season. read more

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Absolutely painful experience. Gravel driveway. Signs showing you where you cannot climb and which bridges are closed, but no signs telling you where you are or where you are going, including the way up to the terraces. I never found my way up there and just basically meandered around green spaces that flanked the lake. The photocopy map I was provided showed areas like a lawn and some rock formations but when you were traversing these areas, you didn't know where you were vis-à-vis the map. The sole exception was the misting sculpture, which is self-explanatory. There are others here who left reviews of this place giving it two and three stars because of the same concerns. At one point I was walking along some kind of road, which I thought was taking me to the parking area, only to find I was several hundred yards away -- on a different road from the one I thought I was walking on. What was most disappointing was that I didn't see the areas I went there to see. It seems to me, they could partner with a local artist, of which there must be many, to create some harmonic, but informative signs to help people navigate an area with which the volunteers are intimately familiar with (to the point they are blinded to what it is like to be a first time visitor there). I do not recommend this place for anyone with a disability of any kind or anyone in a wheelchair or on a walker or cane. But that is my opinion. read more

Great staff beautiful gardens. Very nice trail. Very relaxing local and nearby Millbrook is lovely

Innisfree Garden was absolutely beautiful. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon. Walkways flowers and sculptures were breath taking. Go and have a lovely afternoon! read more

It was my first time here. I would come back every few years or so. We bought our tickets 2 or 3 days before our arrival and you're given a 2 hour time frame to enjoy the garden. Parking is in the garden and there are three porta potties. We started the walk around the lake which I believe is about 1.2 miles , which is a one way only walk. We walked up the hill which is essentially stoned steps and walked another route to get to the garden. Walking around the lake was really nice seeing all the lily pads in the lake. And surprisingly not much insects or at least we didn't pay attention to them. We walked extended trails throughout the garden. We could have walked more but the heat beat us to it. Note that there was no service in the garden which was fine by me. All in all, it was a relaxing time and especially needed now since we're mostly indoors. It was also great because there wasn't a lot of people and everyone kept their distance by like a lot. read more

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PROS: - scenic and idyllic - tranquil - beautiful backdrop for any photo - lots of great photo options and spots - quiet - may see small animals - clean/landscaped - great for dates and small groups - plenty of diff trees and plant species CONS: - small-ish parking lot (but sufficient) - narrow road inside driving area - no bathrooms, only port-a-potties Oh, it's so lovely here! My husband and I took a drive up here on a fall day to enjoy the fall foliage around the Hudson valley and in this park. It's really lovely and worth a visit. Pictures are great, but they don't do it justice. We came during Covid in 2021, and you have to buy tickets and reservations online (I think they were $11/person). Reservations are timed so you have to arrive within your paid time slot (timed 2-3 hr slot). If you want to see most things and get the most bang for your buck, it takes about a good 90min to walk around the park at a leisurely pace. When we arrived we were greeted by a park attendant (Gail) who gives you a brief overview of the park and paths you can take and they will also give you a map. The park is nicely laid out and all paths kind of meander around the main points of the park/lawn, so you don't miss much no matter what path/trail you take. There are some really lovely spots and so many beautiful trees in almost every color of the rainbow. We loved it so much that we are putting Innisfree on our annual spring & fall trips. read more

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Big discover of ours a couple of years back. I recommend using Google map GPS on your phone or printing out a map if it's your first time. There's a long driveway almost a mile which eventually leads into a parking lot with plenty of spaces to park. Going in there is a big lake called Tyrrel Lake with a path that borders around it with various scenic views with little waterfalls, sprinklers (use it on hot and humid days), and flowers to enjoy on the journey. There are certain points where you'll get a decent view of the park and the lake at high elevations. In some areas, you'll encounter steepness while going up and down hills, keeping in mind people who have physical issues. In the end, you'll be back at the starting point, hench completing the loop then leading to the parking lot. There are benches along the way to get some rest. Worth the trip anywhere in the Hudson Valley! read more

My group and I really enjoyed Innisfree Garden. athere were a lot of great views and the air just felt fresher somehow. There's quite a lot of things to see here and the "hike" was quite easy. Sucks that the signal isn't so good here and the day we went started to rain as we were leaving. Pay the fee and come check Innisfree Garden out, it's worth it. read more

Wow, this place is amazing! Beautiful Japanese and Chinese influenced garden. Great view! Very nice place to take a walk, enjoying a beautiful warm sunny day. It is very peaceful and quiet inside. We love this place. The entrance fee is $10. It is definitely worth it. read more

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This is a wonderful garden with many lovely spots to sit quietly while taking a healthy walk around the lake. I visited on a weekday with very few visitors about. The only drawback is that there are no signage or trail markings, so a very good sense of direction is necessary. I wandered off the lakeside trail on one occasion and was not sure where I was. Though they provided a map with numbers on it...there were no numbers anywhere in the garden to help place where you were. read more

OK... so the garden is lovely, the vistas are magnificent and the silence is blissful. But if you're not an active, fully mobile walker and hiker, BEWARE. There's a lot of walking involved... 1.3 miles around the big lake. And the paths are NOT marked. Sometimes you're walking down a steep sloping lawn, other times climbing up and down steep, uneven stone steps. If you're not a greater walker, you're out of luck. Rustic doesn't mean accessible. Also disappointing... there are no markers explaining what you're seeing, plants or trees. The map / brochure you get on entering is lovely as a souvenir but the map is woefully lacking in information. Several times on our walk / hike / climb we had real trouble figuring out where we were and how to get back. The map has no scale and few landmarks. On the plus side... the COVID-19 precautions are excellent. Online reservations are easy. Check in efficient. Mask compliance on the trails were pretty good but social distancing in this magnificent space was super easy. read more

Innisfree Garden is an interesting botanical garden that surrounds and includes a small lake. It's beautiful and worth a visit. When I visited, it was a rainy autumn day. There weren't very many people there. I don't know if that was due to the rainy day or not. I could rate this 5 stars because the staff at the parking lot where you pay were not very friendly nor very helpful. read more

This secret garden located in Millbrook was definitely off the beaten path. I found it on a Hudson Valley posting big and researched and learned it was Martha Stewart's favorite place to take guests. They only accept reservations. Book ahead. Also wear good walking shoes as they are lots of exposed root systems. The walk around the cup style Asian gardens is about a mile and a half. They have time slots with your reservation to space people out. It's a magnificent garden. A very special place! read more

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I want to give this place 10 stars! I don't want this place to become a tourist attraction because it's the most beautiful garden I have ever been. What make this place very special is because the inspiration from scroll paintings of the 8th-century Chinese poet and painter Wang Wei. It's a beautiful view from all angels. This is very different from the European garden landscape. Look into classical Chinese culture, especially by Wang Wei (王維) (698-761) who created scroll paintings and poems about gardens in the Wang-ch'uan cycle. I spent more than 3 hours in this breath taking place on a summer summer day. I wonder how it looks in the fall and winter. read more

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It was so wonderful to come back to Innisfree this past weekend, the special place where we got engaged a few years ago. With Covid still lurking in our midst, you must now secure tickets to Innisfree online and pick a time slot on when you want to visit. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children (ages 5-15). The garden is open rain or shine and tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. With your $10 ticket purchase, you get an unforgettable 3 1/4 hours in the most beautiful gardens I've ever been to. Innisfree is recognized as one of the "world's ten best gardens." If you're visiting Hyde Park, Innisfree is a mere 25 minute drive from there and it's worth the trip. Also if you do plan on going, wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is not always even. If you're a plant lover like myself, they sometimes have some of their potted plants for sale at the little check in booth. read more

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If I could use only one word to describe this place, it would be "heavenly". We went there yesterday and we loved every minute of our visit; it's incredibly beautiful, serene and peaceful. Allow yourself a leisurely amount of time (about 1 1/2-2 hours), as there are even large chairs at various points overlooking the water. I should point out that there aren't a lot of flowers, in case that's your biggest interest - but the beauty of this place is still quite stunning. Note that there's an admission charge (although it's quite reasonable). Also note that the terrain on one side of the lake is very uneven, with huge tree roots for quite a distance. Lastly, the man in the parking lot (to whom we paid the admission charge) was very friendly. read more

Now would be the perfect time to visit Innisfree Garden before they close in early November for the winter season. Only 1.5 hour drive from the city, this is a serene, heavenly place to wander and relax. We discovered this garden driving back from a weekend in Pine Plains and was curious to explore it because of its Chinese and Japanese influences. Was enchanted reading the description on their website: "Western gardens are usually designed to embrace a view of the whole. Little is hidden. The garden, like a stage set, is there in its entirety, its overall design revealed in a glance. The traditional Chinese garden is usually designed so that a view of the whole is impossible. [It] requires a stroll over serpentine, seemingly aimless arteries. The observer walks into a series of episodes, like Alice through the looking glass." - Lester Collins, Innisfree: An American Garden (1994). This description perfectly describes Innisfree Garden. We brought a cooler bag with picnic food expecting to just sit at the top and eat. But then we noticed there was a trail around the lake. It takes about an hour or two (depending on how many stops you take to admire the natural beauty) to circumference the lake. Wear your dirtiest sneakers because some areas of around the garden can be muddy or water-soaked. You don't need to be a triathlete, but small children and wobbly grandparents might find some areas challenging to navigate around. After strolling leisurely around the lake for 2 hours, we returned to the picnic area to eat our lunch and watch an older couple forage for mushrooms. A perfect place to leave the hustle bustle of the city behind. *This city girl however did not want use the smelly mosquito-ridden portapotty. Afterwards we drove to a TJMaxx to use the bathroom. read more

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The Chinese have a proverb: "One who plants a garden plants happiness." That is the best way to characterize this place. My wife and I went here on a warm Sunday afternoon and spent a pleasant 2.5 hours wandering through the gardens. To anyone who hasn't been here before, I would say that it is really two activities in one. There is a walking trail through the woods next to the pond with the usual things to see in the forest (ferns, mushrooms, trees, etc) and there is an extensive Asian inspired garden with fountains, bridges, sculpted trees, flowers, and rockwork. Scattered among the area is what I can only consider to be "ruins" (as the British would call them), buildings from a previous time that have nature growing around and, in places, through them. They provide an pamphlet with a history of the place and a useful map, which is helpful if you really want to see everything. If you plan to stop and take pictures, the 90 minute suggested time is woefully inaccurate. If you rush through it you can do it, but what would be the point of that? My advice if you are short on time would be to skip the left portion of the trail through the woods (you can find wooded trails anywhere) and just focus on the Asian gardens to the right. There was absolutely no trash or litter to speak of (because you aren't supposed to bring food in), and the place was studded with comfortable benches and seats to rest. There is a bit of walking and hiking, and plenty of stopping and resting. This is a really beautiful place. read more

My family and I visited the garden today. We have a 2 year old kid. The garden is very beautiful and we enjoyed it. However we are extremely disappointed at their staff's attitude especially the old woman at the gazebo (check in spot). Our reservation was made for 12:30-2:30pm. We checked in at around 1pm due to traffic. When I checked in at the gazebo the women at the gazebo gave me a map and explained the map. She told me that the walk would take 1-1.5 hours. At around 2:30pm a staff came to the middle of the garden and told us to leave because the next group would have to come in. We then walked back to the exit towards the parking lot which took us 30 mins because we have a kid and she walks slow. When we got to the exit (there was only a couple of cars at the parking lot, and we don't see many people because it rains today!), the old woman at the gazebo ask my husband who was having a stroller, "you guys were late for half an hour". My husband says "I am sorry, because we have a kid." , the old lady says, "So? I don't care." We understand we were late and We apologize as well. But What kind of attitude is that? I am sure she may not have kids or grandchildren because She was being very inconsiderate and unkind to their customers. Terrible attitude. The garden is extremely empty with very little guests and I don't see the point why she had to talk to my husband like that. We will never come back to this park Although this is a beautiful place. read more

I feel that I was lucky to visit a place like this. This is a true hidden gem! Being from NYC, I couldn't have possibly known or researched this place on my own. But thankfully, my dad randomly saw this garden mentioned in a newspaper somewhere and decided that we should go on our day off. When we arrived early on a Wednesday, the parking lot was fairly empty. My parents and I paid a small entrance fee to go inside and started walking around the lake. We discovered so much that was picturesque. There is a large long pond in the middle with tons of lily pads. This is what you see when you first enter. But there's much more to this place. As you walked along and towards the outer parts of the garden, you discover several small waterfalls, rock formations, sculptures and tall water sprinklers (great for a hot day) along the path. Theres even a small bridge that connects one side to the other. There is much greenery everywhere and it's quite a serene place to be. When I went there, we spent a decent 2hrs there. After our visit, we were glad to have spent our day in such a beautiful place. Definitely recommended! read more

A fantastic hidden gem in the Hudson Valley. Beautiful gardens, interesting structure and easy trails. Highly recommended.

Perfect garden with water falls, Japanese pottery, small ponds, rivers, bloom of flowers, shrubs, paths, stone ruins, stairs, boardwalks and wildlife! No food. No vending. Bring sandwiches. Great for couples and older adults. Rebel review: 5 read more

This is a lovely park to spend some time in. It's very peaceful and landscaped, yet natural. There is an admission fee except for certain days of the year. We never go there because we have dogs and dogs are not allowed there. The thing is that there are so many nearby parks and hiking trails where dog s are allowed, that it doesn't make sense for us to go to Innisfree. read more

So beautiful. Spent a lovely day with friends at Innisfree Garden. Absolutely worth the visit you will not be disappointed

Beautiful Gardens ,flowers .old ruins .lake that you can walk across .Lilly pads I haven't been in the morning But sunrise is fabulous . read more

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This place is absolutely beautiful! There is a small charge to enter, $7 per person and free parking. Great location for engagement or wedding photos! The maintain the grounds beautifully with flowers, lake, bridges, waterfalls, air spring, lotus, and more. It is so beautiful and peaceful. There are some areas that are carefully manicured while others are more natural garden paths. There are plenty of places to sit, either a rock formation or actual seats, to enjoy the view. It is a decent size and can probably be covered in less than 2 hours at a normal walking pace. Beware, saw snakes! Only negative. But also saw lots of turtles and ducks. You can have a picnic here but only in a designated area right at the entrance of the gardens. This is understandable as there was little, if any, debris and litter around the gardens as a result. read more

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This garden is serene and so beautiful. I never realized that we have such a beautiful place so close to home. I live about 1 hour away. Its tough to get around the lake if you have mobility issues. I twisted my ankle on the exposed roots. Nevertheless, I will be back with better shoes and awareness. Don't forget to protect against ticks. Also, a restaurant very close by, Puerta Azul (Mexican restaurant) was not only delicious, but they offer great hospitality. Overall, this was an excellent day trip. read more

Wow! Simply gorgeous and tranquil. It is a unique botanical experience that can send your senses in relax mode. There are many different paths to take or you can just follow the pond all the way around which is a good trail to takes the first time you venture out in this park. There are beautiful waterfalls, artistic sculptures, winding trails, a rustic footbridge that stretches out over tons of water lilies and lily pads, manicured trees and shrubs, even a special place for bats, and gorgeous views from any angle. Next time I may bring my lunch and relax in the picnic area. They have a porta potty if needed. This is a must for any nature lover, natural photography, or anyone who wants to have a little peace for an hour. Thoroughly enjoyable! read more

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This place is gorgeous. My husband and I went a few years ago in the middle of summer, and it was a great way to spend the afternoon. We brought a picnic and spent a few hours walking the grounds. The gardens were in full bloom, and the landscaping is stunning. The flowers, shrubs, and rock decorations all flowed from section to section, and it was definitely a well thought out arrangement. I can't wait to go back this year. It's definitely a great way to spend a few hours walking around the grounds to see the flowers, plants, and scenery. read more

This place is magical. The design is very original with unusual plants and designs inspired by Asian gardens. It also features lovely local plants and trees. There is a very large lake that is the center of the garden and you walk around it near the borders but can also go upstairs to various lovely areas decorated with rocks, sculptures, and more. There are plentiful chairs allowing for a moment of quiet admiration of the serene landscape. I will say that there are areas where you have to go up and down steps and a section of the walk around the edge of the lake (that leads you to the exit) that are somewhat difficult to navigate if you have knee or balance issues, difficulty seeing, etc., The walk beside the lake was over very uneven tree roots and there was no way to get a flat path. It would be great if there was some signage indicating where the exit was, because the map they give you is hard to follow. I recommend this place, it is quite unique. They are observant of Covid-19 protocols, you have to buy a ticket in advance and there are very few people allowed in. read more

We can start with falsehood in advertising. This is no more a "garden" than is the median strip at your local freeway that has a few flowers. It is a park, with very, very little of any flowers. And it's not the best of parks either. No signage directing you there. A dirt road as soon as you cross the property line. Dirt parking lot. The toilet is a porta-potty. Whatever you pay for admission, figure on needing to add $20, since your car will need a car wash after you're done here. Very restrictive policies. You pay for a 2-hour admission. Even if you can't make it in on time, you have to leave at the end of the scheduled 2-hr period, or they will tow your car. Friendly?? No, I don't think so. The basic feature is a pond, and you can walk around it. But you better not dare go in the opposite direction, since this is prohibited. There is a picnic table, but you are prohibited from picnicking there. What are you supposed to do? Go table dancing? I'm not sure, but probably this is prohibited too. The dishonesty in advertising though just blows me away. "One of the 10 best gardens in the world." They are clearly assuming you are some rube from who-knows-where who has never been to Longwood Gardens, never been to the Bronx botanical garden, the Brooklyn botanical garden, nor even Planting Fields in Long Island, which has much, much more than this little place does. And if you're a Manhattanite, not only does Innisfree not compare to Central Park, but even the Fort Tryon park that surrounds the Cloisters has it beat flat. You can find probably a 100 different types of flowers there; I found 2 in Innisfree. I'm sure I missed a few, but still, this is hardly worth driving 15 minutes for, much less coming from the City. And if you're from Long Island, I can report that the little Clark Botanic Garden in Albertson is quite a bit smaller than Innisfree, but has maybe 100 times more of flower species than Innisfree. Bottom line: Any park is a place which can provide joy to people. But you may not be a happy camper if you've driven from a distance here. If you're living in the neighborhood, though, I'm sure you enjoy it, but even then the very restrictive policies might make you uncomfortable. read more

The garden was stunning. It was so natural looking and so peaceful. The air was fresh, the grounds were clean and they have a beautiful spot with a view of the lake for the picnic area. read more

Quiet serene place for contemplation and slow discovery of leading and layered spacial landscapes and visual interest. I can guess early morning visits would be special. Great spot to picnic, read, paint, take photos, or write! read more

Innisfree Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Millbrook, New York

This hidden gem was a highlight of our fall foliage visit to the Hudson Valley. The paths around the little lake were dotted with Adirondack chairs in the perfect spots for beautiful views. Landscaped In the 20's and kept in all its natural beauty with rocks and water features. Children can run and play all over the gardens. Absolutely fabulous spot. Bring a picnic and spend the day. read more

If you are a fan of gardens, or just a leisurely walk in the woods, do not miss this place! It is a beautiful blend of a natural environment touched by man-made art -- not like any garden we have ever experienced before. Be sure to venture off the path around the lake to explore the treasures hidden in the rolling hills. That was the greatest -- just roaming around and discovering one special place after another. If you don't have the time, or endurance to do the entire trail, take the trail going counter clockwise around the lake so that you will at least hit the main features. Be sure to get a map to help you find the hidden gems. read more

This place is beautiful and easily accessible. A great place to stroll and take in the sights or maybe just that I'm one of the benches and meditate for a few minutes. There is a suggested donation but no one is twisting your arm. Beautifully maintained gardens read more

The women in the parking lot really needs to relax I know she is trying to be helpful but she really is very rude especially when she is telling parents what they should be doing with their kids- this is a beautiful place that I love to go with my kids but she puts me in a bad mood read more

My daughter was married here, it is Beautiful. Great place to meditate or just walk. A bit of everything.

This is everything it's cracked up to be. It's beautiful, yet simple. Could spend over two hours, truly. I like that you are free to wander in a few different directions, yet you can't really get lost. The people who run it are a bit silly and the rules do seem a bit strict, but I understand what they are trying to do, and I think it works very well. read more