Tucked away in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx lies a 28-acre estate named Wave Hill, consisting of public gardens, a cultural center and expansive views of the Hudson River.
Over a century ago, the property was developed by William Lewis Morris, who named the estate Wave Hill. The land was occupied over the years by famous figures such as Mark Twain and Theodore Roosevelt. It was designated a city landmark in 1966 and was intended to be enjoyed as a public garden for all New Yorkers. In 2013, they completed a $9.8 million renovation to restore the estate.
Riverdale is a residential neighborhood of the Bronx, best known for its green space and quiet, secluded nature. Wave Hill is located by the water, about a 10-minute drive from downtown Riverdale. The best way for Fordham Rose Hill students to travel here would be by driving (about 15 minutes), bus (40 minutes) or you could take the Metro North to Harlem and transfer to the Hudson line.
I decided to call an Uber, which took about 15 minutes, for my visit on this warm, sunny October day. Admission costs $6 for students or you can go on Thursdays for free, as I decided to do.
Upon entry into the gardens, I was in awe of the beautiful setting and picturesque views of New York. I observed the peaceful nature of people as I wandered into the gardens, and I could not believe I was in the Bronx; it felt like I had been transported to a peaceful oasis in Europe. I took in a stunning view of the Hudson River and New Jersey Palisades along an ivy and plant-filled terrace.
The grounds are filled with different historical buildings, each having its own unique architectural design. My favorite building was Glyndor Gallery, which was home to the art from the exhibit “Light from Water” by Heidi Howard and Esteban Cabeza de Baca along with Liz Phillips. The work was inspired by the water and vegetation of Wave Hill. All of these artists currently reside in New York and collaborated on portraits, self-portraits and installations.
I suggest exploring all of the grounds and taking in all of the elements of the garden. If you are hungry, I recommend checking out their beautiful cafe and terrace, featuring locally sourced cuisine and freshly baked goods. They also have an array of chairs and tables overlooking the river, perfect for an afternoon study session or just spending time with friends.
As someone who loves to explore different parks and gardens, Wave Hill offers not only a stunning green space but also captivating arts and historical centers. It’s unique to other gardens in New York City with its historical, environmental and artistic significance. Over the next few weeks, with the fall leaves changing color, I imagine the garden will become even more vibrant. Explore the quiet charm of Wave Hill as a destination for your next fall outdoor excursion.
