When you imagine a traditional Persian paradise with walled canals, mosaics, and waterfalls, you probably think of Iran or India. You certainly don’t think of a public park in Westchester County. But Untermyer Park and Gardens Yonkers is exactly that—a stunning, slightly mysterious relic of the Gilded Age that feels like a portal to another continent.
Once the estate of Samuel Untermyer, this site was designed in 1916 to be the “finest garden in the world.” Today, it remains one of the best-kept secrets in New York. If you are visiting Untermyer Park and Gardens Yonkers in 2026, here is your guide to the hidden ruins, the Temple of Love, and the breathtaking river views.
The Walled Garden: An Indo-Persian Masterpiece
Untermyer Park Walled Garden Canals
The crown jewel of Untermyer Park and Gardens Yonkers is the Walled Garden. This space follows the Indo-Persian “Charbagh” style. The layout draws from the biblical description of Eden. English and French garden traditions typical of the region do not shape the design.
- The Design: The garden is divided into four quadrants by waterways representing the four rivers of paradise. It is surrounded by crenellated walls and octagonal towers that give it the feel of an ancient fortress.
- The Sphinxes: Look for the two marble sphinxes guarding the amphitheater. They were sculpted by Paul Manship, the same artist who created the famous Prometheus statue at Rockefeller Center.
- Why it’s unique: It is arguably the finest Persian garden in the Western Hemisphere, yet admission is completely free.
The Temple of Love and Waterfalls
Temple of Love Waterfalls Yonkers
If the Walled Garden is about order, the Temple of Love is about wild romance. The structure stands on a rocky outcrop above the Hudson River. The design imitates a ruin from the moment of construction.
After a massive restoration, the water features are flowing again. Climb the winding stone stairs to the top of the filigree gazebo. Five cascading waterfalls surround the structure. The Palisades stretch across the horizon. This location is the most popular proposal spot in Untermyer Park and Gardens, Yonkers. Expect to witness a “Yes!” moment during a visit.
The Vista and The Ruin Garden
Untermyer Park The Vista Steps
While the restored sections are beautiful, part of the charm of Untermyer Park and Gardens Yonkers lies in its decay.
- The Vista: This long, dramatic staircase descends towards the Hudson River, lined by ancient Japanese Cedar trees. At the bottom, two Roman columns frame the view of the water—a scene that looks like a painting from 18th-century Italy.
- The Ruins: Wander towards the old Gatehouse and the Color Gardens. Here, you will find graffiti-covered stone walls and overgrown pathways that feel like a “secret garden” in the truest sense. It creates a haunting, atmospheric contrast to the manicured flower beds of the upper levels.
Visitor Logistics (2026)
- Address: 945 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701.
- Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM until shortly before sunset .
- Admission: Entry is Free.
- Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (Late April): To see the tulips in the Walled Garden.
- Winter (December): For the Grand Holiday Illumination,
Conclusion
Whether you are an architecture nerd or just looking for the perfect Instagram backdrop, Untermyer Park and Gardens Yonkers delivers an experience you can’t find anywhere else in the tri-state area. It is a place where Gilded Age ambition meets ancient Persian design, all sitting quietly on a hill in Yonkers.
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