About
Wave Hill's Hudson-view gardens open to everyone for nothing on the holiday, with a walking tour on Lenape women leaders called Saunksquas.
Wave Hill's 28 acres of gardens and lawns look straight across the Hudson to the Palisades, and on the holiday Monday admission is free to everyone. The garden frames its Indigenous Peoples' Weekend around the role of plants, food and female Lenape Saunksquas, with a walking tour led by Oleana Whispering Dove. If you have never made the trip up to Riverdale, a free fall day with this view is the one to pick.
What to expect
Expect a relaxed garden day: wander the flower garden, conservatory and wild garden, then settle on the lawn with a Hudson view. Galleries in Glyndor House show current exhibitions, the café sells lunch, and the Saunksquas walking tour follows mixed-material paths at a slow to moderate pace.
Good to know
- Take Metro-North to Riverdale and walk uphill, or the Bx7/Bx10 bus to 252nd Street; Wave Hill runs a free shuttle from nearby stops on some days, so check befor
- Paths vary in elevation and surface; accessible routes are available on request.
- Not every activity runs all weekend, so check the day's schedule on arrival.
- Bring a layer; the riverside lawns are breezy in fall.
- The on-site café sells lunch and snacks.
Common questions
Is Wave Hill free on Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Yes, Wave Hill is open for the holiday on Monday, October 12, and admission is free for every visitor.
What special program takes place on Monday?
Oleana Whispering Dove leads a walking tour about Indigenous Saunksquas and their regional legacy from 1–2pm.
Do I need an advance admission reservation?
General admission reservations are not required, but the separate walking-tour page offers registration for that program.
How demanding is the walking tour?
The route uses mixed-material paths with varying elevations, moves at a slow-to-moderate pace, and has a limited supply of walking sticks.
How should I travel to Wave Hill on the holiday Monday?
The complimentary shuttle operates only Thursday through Sunday, so use Metro-North followed by a 15-minute uphill walk or the Bx7 or Bx10 followed by a six-minute walk.