Attractions and Places To See around Riverhead - Top 7

Riverhead boasts several significant historical landmarks. You can visit The Big Duck, an iconic 20-foot-tall duck-shaped building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The beautifully restored Suffolk Theater, an Art Deco movie house from the 1930s, now hosts live performances. Other historical sites include the 1822 Schoolhouse and the Vail-Leavitt Theatre. For a deeper dive into local history, explore the Downtown Riverhead Historic Trail, which often features QR codes for narrated introductions.

Yes, Riverhead offers several natural areas. The Calverton Ponds Preserve spans 350 acres of oak-pine forest with unique coastal plain ponds and trails offering waterfront views. You can also explore the Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve, a tranquil wetland with hiking trails around Sweezy Pond, perfect for birdwatching. The Peconic Riverfront Park and Riverwalk provide scenic views along the Peconic River, connecting to Milton L. Burns Park with art installations. Additionally, Hallock State Park Preserve offers water views with a beach on the Sound, and Sound Avenue Nature Preserve features looping trails through meadows and wooded paths.

Riverhead is great for families! The Grumman Memorial Park features two retired military planes up close, with benches and informational plaques. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Recreational Trail is a mostly flat, paved trail suitable for family cycling. The Long Island Aquarium is a major attraction with over 100 marine species, interactive touch tanks, and a shark dive. For summer fun, Splish Splash Water Park is a popular destination. The Long Island Science Center, located at Tanger Outlet Riverhead, offers STEM programming, workshops, and activities for kids.

You have several options for walks and hikes. The Calverton Ponds Preserve offers trails with waterfront views through oak-pine forest. For a more extensive experience, the Paumanok Path — Otis Pike meanders through a dense network of trails. Manorville Hills County Park also features a vast network of trails, some with hilly sections and seasonal mountain laurels. You can find more detailed hiking routes and guides at Hiking around Riverhead.

Absolutely! The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Recreational Trail is a 9.5-mile, mostly flat, paved or hard-packed dirt trail perfect for cycling around the Calverton Executive Airpark. For more road cycling options, you can explore various routes, including loops from Wildwood State Park or around Marratooka Lake. Discover more cycling routes and detailed information at Road Cycling Routes around Riverhead.

Riverhead offers a rich cultural experience. Visit Polish Town USA, a neighborhood reflecting the heritage of Polish immigrants. The Hallockville Museum Farm preserves Long Island's agricultural history with restored historic buildings, including the 1765 Hallock Homestead. The Suffolk County Historical Society Museum houses over 20,000 artifacts interpreting Suffolk County's history. East End Arts is a vibrant center for the arts community, and the Railroad Museum of Long Island (Riverhead) explores local railroad history and offers mini-train rides.

Visitors particularly enjoy the diverse range of experiences. Many appreciate the opportunity to see military aircraft up close at Grumman Memorial Park. The peaceful trails and waterfront views at Calverton Ponds Preserve are highly valued for immersing in nature. The mostly flat and accessible Vietnam Veterans Memorial Recreational Trail is popular for biking and walking. The blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and family-friendly activities like the Long Island Aquarium consistently receives positive feedback.

Yes, Riverhead is home to Tanger Outlets, a significant shopping destination featuring numerous brand-name stores offering discounted prices. This provides a great option for visitors looking for retail therapy after exploring other attractions.

Agriculture is a significant part of Long Island's heritage, and Riverhead offers various farm stands where you can find local produce. Goodale Farm provides a glimpse into agricultural life. Additionally, the Peconic Herb Farm is a boutique plant nursery with 14 acres of picturesque land, perfect for strolls and picnics.

Beyond the main attractions, Riverhead has some unique spots. The Grumman Park - F14 Display features an F-14 aircraft, offering walking trails and green space. The area is also conveniently located near Long Island Wine Country, with several vineyards like Roanoke, Jamesport, Paumanok, Palmer, and Sherwood House offering tastings and tours. For adrenaline seekers, Riverhead Raceway provides racing entertainment.

Yes, Riverhead offers several running trails. You can find routes like the Indian Island County Park and Indian Island Beach loop, or more challenging options such as the Paumanok Trail and Manorville Orange Trail loop within Manorville Hills County Park. For a comprehensive list of running trails and their details, visit Running Trails around Riverhead.

The Peconic Riverfront Park and Riverwalk is a bustling area in downtown Riverhead. The park features a pier, ideal for picnics and wildlife viewing. The Riverwalk itself is a planked pathway along the Peconic River, offering scenic views and connecting to Milton L. Burns Park, which showcases various art installations. The Peconic River has historical significance, having been vital for Native American communities.