Hidden Gems & Odd Finds

LaTourette Park: The Staten Island Woodland Escape Hidden Behind Golf-Course Expectations

Discover LaTourette Park’s serene woodlands and historic estate, a local Staten Island gem blending nature trails and golf course heritage.

When most people think of Staten Island parks, sprawling green spaces like the Greenbelt or the Staten Island Greenbelt Nature Center often come to mind. Yet tucked away in the borough’s geographic heart lies LaTourette Park, a lesser-known but richly rewarding destination that offers a peaceful wooded detour from the usual urban park experience.

LaTourette Park and Golf Course, spanning over 760 acres, is more than just a public golf course. It is a living synthesis of Staten Island’s natural ecology, colonial history, and recreational opportunities. Visitors seeking a quiet woodland escape will find winding trails through diverse forest habitats, historic architecture, and wetlands that create a unique urban refuge.

A Local Woodland Sanctuary in the Heart of Staten Island

LaTourette Park is nestled within Staten Island’s Greenbelt, one of New York City’s largest remaining forest preserves. Unlike the more famous parks that attract large crowds, LaTourette offers a quieter, more intimate experience. Its terrain undulates with glacial contours, featuring dense oak and tulip tree canopies, freshwater streams, and open meadows that invite reflection and exploration.

The park’s forest communities include rare serpentine forests—ecosystems supported by unique greenish serpentine rocks that foster uncommon plant species. This ecological diversity makes LaTourette a vital green lung for Staten Island, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature’s rhythms just minutes from urban neighborhoods.

Beyond the Fairways: Historic LaTourette House and Estate

At the heart of the park stands the LaTourette House, an 1830s stone farmhouse that now serves as the clubhouse for the public golf course. This historic building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and anchors the park’s identity as a preserved colonial-era farm estate.

The house and surrounding grounds reflect Staten Island’s agrarian past, commemorating the LaTourette family’s agricultural heritage. Visitors can appreciate the blend of pastoral history and modern recreation, where the charm of a 19th-century farmhouse meets the green expanses of a public golf course.

Trails for Every Pace: Hiking Through History and Nature

LaTourette Park features a network of trails that weave through its woodlands and meadows, including the popular Red, Yellow, and Blue trails. These paths offer a peaceful hiking experience, often away from crowds, where walkers can spot diverse bird species and rare plants thriving in the park’s varied habitats.

One notable route is the LaTourette Loop Plus, which combines several trails for a longer hike that passes wetlands and forested ravines. The trails connect to neighboring parks like Willowbrook Park and High Rock Park, allowing for extended exploration of Staten Island’s interior wilderness.

A Greenbelt Gateway: Conservation and Education

Managed collaboratively by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and the Greenbelt Conservancy, LaTourette Park plays a key role in Staten Island’s environmental stewardship. Restoration projects have enhanced trail connectivity and preserved the park’s ecological integrity.

The Greenbelt Nature Center, located nearby, offers educational programs that introduce visitors to the park’s flora, fauna, and history. These initiatives reinforce LaTourette’s role as both a recreational destination and a living classroom for environmental awareness.

Golfing with a View: Recreation Meets Heritage

While many know LaTourette as a golf course, it is a public facility open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, welcoming players of all levels. The course’s pastoral setting, framed by the historic LaTourette House, offers a serene backdrop for a round of golf.

The golf club provides wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances, restroom facilities, and a pro shop, ensuring a comfortable visit. The combination of sport and nature makes LaTourette a unique Staten Island destination where leisure and history intertwine.

A Quiet Alternative to Staten Island’s Larger Parks

Unlike the more heavily trafficked parks on Staten Island, LaTourette Park offers a local, wooded detour that feels removed from the city’s hustle. Its blend of forest, wetlands, and historic architecture creates a human-scaled environment that invites slower, more mindful visits.

For residents and visitors seeking a secret hike or a peaceful afternoon walk, LaTourette provides a refreshing alternative to the borough’s larger, more commercialized green spaces. It is a place where the natural and cultural heritage of Staten Island quietly coexist.

Practical notes

Access: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (hours verified as of July 28, 2026).
Location: 1001 Richmond Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10306, in the geographic center of Staten Island’s Greenbelt.
Admission: Free access to park trails; golf course fees apply separately.
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances available at the golf course.
Transit: Accessible by local Staten Island bus routes; car parking available onsite.
Official Info: Visitors should check the NYC Parks website or LaTourette Golf Club site for current updates before visiting.

Tags: #secret_hikes #NYC #secret_NYC #local_knowledge #LaTourette_Park #hidden_gems #things_to_do_in_NYC #New_York_City #LaTourette_Park_Staten_Island #Staten_Island_woodland_trails #LaTourette_Golf_Course #Staten_Island_Greenbelt_hiking #historic_parks_Staten_Island #urban_forest_preserves_NYC #secret_hikes_Staten_Island

Sources

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.