About the Museum
One of the last stops before Queens blurs into suburban Long Island is the "largest remaining tracts of undisturbed farmland" without the boundaries of New York City. The charming Queens County Farm Museum, which can trace its roots back to the 17th-century, preserves a long-lost aspect of early colonial life in New York City: the family farm. Visitors are invited to tour the grounds of the working farm and experience both traditional and modern farming and gardening techniques. Frequent events for all ages are the real draw of the museum.
What You Will See
At the Queens County Farm Museum, the farm itself is the collection. 47-acres of continuously-cultivated agricultural land within the boundaries of New York City is just as rare and worthy of preservation as any piece of art or historical artifact. It is a working farm, with a variety of crops and flowers cultivated each year. Livestock abounds, and antique farm equipment is on display. The historic farmhouse dates to 1750 and is available for free tours on the weekends.
Why You Should Go
There are many ways to explore the history of New York City, even back to Dutch and Colonial times. But the Queens County Farm Museum is by far the best way to actually experience that history. This is as close to what the countryside looked like during the Battle of Brooklyn and the Revolutionary as you will find remaining in the area. Beyond the history, it is one of the few pastoral escapes from the city's energy and a perfect way to spend a summer day.
