Sweetbriar Nature Center is situated on 54 acres of varied garden, woodland, field and wetland habitats on the Nissequogue River. Hundreds of species of plants and animals make homes here.
There is no cost to visit the grounds, but donations are greatly appreciated. During special events, the house or grounds may be closed to visitors without tickets. Carry in, carry out park.
We apologize, but dogs are not permitted on our property or town property.
Any groups over 10 people without a program booked should call ahead of time; group and special event photography isn’t permitted on the grounds.
We are located at 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown NY 11787
631-979-6344
Nature Center Open 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Daily
Nature Preserve Open 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Daily
Hiking trails on the ECSS nature Preserve
Walk along the lower river trail, bird watch in the fields, see the natural spring or do all the loops. See the trail maps below. Remember no dogs are permitted and carry in and carry out.
Rainforest room and Woodland turtle area
Visit our mock rainforest room and temperate forest turtle area upstairs at the center. There are tropical parrots, a mini waterfall, an arachnid outcove, animal sounds, lush rainforest greenery, a bridge, a turtle tunnel, and more to see.
$2 per person
Reptile Room
Located inside the center. This room is filled with scaly, slimy and even small crawly friends.
the museum in the main house
Wild specimens, observation beehive, live animals, and more in the museum.
Butterfly Vivarium
Open to the public from June 8th- mid- Sept. Filled with Butterfly friendly plants and butterflies.
Cost: $10 for adults and $5 for Seniors and Children under 12 years
Weather Permitting - Rain, lightning, or excessive heat we’ll be closed.
Discovery Area
Open year round, this play area includes a sandbox, a hobbit house, see-saw, slide, and other activities where children can paint and make music.
outdoor enclosures
Many animals call Sweetbriar their home. Some of our ambassador animals are housed behind the main house.
Gardens
A beautiful stained glass window shaped garden fills with color during the Spring, Summer and Fall.
art Center
Check our events for art center classes.