
Weird & Unusual Attractions in Hempstead, United States
1. Grand Army Plaza Carousel
A historic carousel with hand-carved wooden horses and ornate detailing. A time capsule of the early 20th century.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest operating carousels in the United States.
- Hand-Carved Detail: Each horse and chariot is individually handcrafted.
- Community Gathering Place: A popular spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a unique ride.
2. Hempstead House Ghost Tours
Guided tours of the historic Hempstead House claiming paranormal activity. Explore the history and legends of Long Island's oldest house.
- Paranormal Activity: Investigate the reported ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena.
- Historic Architecture: A beautifully preserved mansion built in the late 1800s.
- Local Legend and History: Uncover stories of the house's former inhabitants, including its famous builder, Howard Gilman.
3. Long Island Museum of Modern Art (LIMMA)
A contemporary art museum showcasing works by emerging artists. Discover innovative and thought-provoking pieces.
- Emerging Talent: Provides a platform for up-and-coming artists.
- Rotating Exhibits: New exhibitions are featured regularly.
- Community Engagement: Offers workshops and classes for visitors to learn about contemporary art techniques.
4. Bailey Arboretum's Gnome Forest
A whimsical trail filled with hundreds of hand-crafted gnomes hidden among the trees. A delightful and charming attraction for all ages.
- Unique Landmark: One of the largest collections of gnome statues in North America.
- Hidden Details: Each gnome is uniquely designed with a story or character.
- Nature Trail: Explore the beautiful gardens and forest while searching for gnomes.
5. Hempstead's Little Free Library
A network of small, outdoor book exchange stations. Share your favorite books or discover new ones for free.
- Community Sharing: Encourages the sharing of literature between neighbors.
- Free Books: Offers a chance to discover new books without cost.
- Diverse Selection: Includes books for all ages and reading levels.
6. The Vanderbilt Planetarium
A historic planetarium that provides educational shows about astronomy. Learn about the universe in an immersive environment.
- Educational Experience: Offers a unique opportunity to learn about space and astronomy.
- Historical Significance: Built in the 1930s by Cornelius Vanderbilt II.
- Immersive Environment: Features a star projector that simulates the night sky.
7. Hicksville Tractor Museum
A unique museum dedicated to antique tractors and farming equipment. A must-see for anyone interested in agriculture history.
- Rare Collection: Houses one of the largest collections of antique tractors.
- Interactive Exhibits: Visitors can interact with some of the exhibits, such as a tractor-pulling station.
- Historical Insight: Provides insight into the history and evolution of farming technology.
8. The Long Island Wine Country
A region famous for its wineries producing unique and award-winning wines. Taste a variety of flavors and learn about the wine-making process.
- Wine Variety: Offers tastings of a wide range of wines, from reds to whites.
- Tours and Tastings: Many wineries offer tours and wine-tasting experiences.
- Scenic Beauty: The vineyards provide beautiful landscapes to explore.
9. The Firefighters' Memorial
A touching tribute to firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Pay respects and learn about their heroic stories.
- Honoring Heroes: Dedicated to all firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice.
- Moving Tribute: Features names, photos, and stories of fallen firefighters.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides insights into the history and significance of the fire service.
10. The Cold War Air Museum
A museum dedicated to preserving the history of the Cold War era. Learn about military aviation and Cold War-era aircraft.
- Military History: Provides an in-depth look at the Cold War period.
- Aircraft Collection: Features a collection of aircraft from the Cold War era.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers guided tours and interactive exhibits for visitors.
11. The Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park
A unique wildlife park where visitors can get up close to a variety of animals. An educational and entertaining experience.
- Wildlife Interaction: Allows visitors to interact with various animals, including bears, lions, and reptiles.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational programs about wildlife conservation.
- Family-Friendly Attraction: A fun and exciting experience for families with children.
12. The Tanger Outlets at Deer Park
An outlet mall offering discounted brand-name merchandise. Find great deals on popular clothing and accessories.
- Discounted Prices: Offers products at reduced prices compared to regular retail stores.
- Popular Brands: Features a wide range of well-known brands.
- Shopping Experience: A convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for bargain hunters.
13. The Suffolk Theater
A beautifully restored art deco theater that hosts live performances and events. Enjoy a night out at this historic venue.
- Art Deco Architecture: Features stunning art deco design elements.
- Live Performances: Offers a variety of performances, including music, comedy, and theater productions.
- Historical Significance: A cultural landmark that has been restored to its former glory.
14. The Watermill Center
An interdisciplinary laboratory and artist residency program. Discover innovative art installations and performances.
- Interdisciplinary Art: Offers a blend of various artistic mediums, including performance, architecture, and design.
- Artist Residency Program: Provides a space for artists from around the world to develop new work.
- Unique Experiences: Offers guided tours and special events that showcase the art installations.
15. The Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center
A marine-life attraction featuring thousands of aquatic animals. Experience the wonder and beauty of underwater life.
- Marine Life Variety: Features a diverse array of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and seals.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits for visitors to learn about the marine environment.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs and workshops about marine conservation.