Weird & Unusual Attractions in Hempstead, United States

Hempstead, United States, Hempstead, Unique & Fun, Weird & Unusual Attractions

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.