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  • Recognized as one of the “world’s ten best gardens,” (1), Innisfree is a powerful work of art and an iconic postwar design. Over sixty years in the making, it is the masterpiece of landscape architect Lester Collins, with early contributions by his clients, artist and teacher Walter Beck, and gardener and heiress Marion Burt Beck. At its core, Innisfree is about the individual’s experience in nature. Inviting exploration and even contemplation, Collins’ sweeping landscape merges the essence of Modernist and Romantic ideas with traditional Chinese and Japanese garden design principles in a form that evolved through subtle handling of the site and slow manipulation of its ecology. The result is a distinctly American stroll garden — a sublime composition of rock, water, wood, and sky achieved with remarkable economy and grace.

  • Innisfree is open Wednesdays through Sundays, and holidays: 10 am – 5 pm. Weekends-only schedule begins after Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

    Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive information about upcoming events and what’s happening in the garden. Tickets may be purchased online or at the garden. Pre-registration is not required but strongly encouraged, especially for our special events, which tend to sell out.

  • Innisfree's Upcoming Events

    • Moon Viewing: Autumnal Equinox
      September 23, 2023, 6:30 PM — 11:30 PM

      The equinox, when day and night are equal, is regarded as a special even sacred time in cultures around the world. In our northern hemisphere, the autumnal equinox is traditionally associated with the abundance of harvest. Celebrate this cosmic event by gathering at Innisfree to view the moon and other celestial bodies. Come with a group or on your own, bring a blanket or folding chair, and gaze up at the heavens and out at this iconic landscape bathed in moonlight.

    • Hudson River Valley Ramble Curator's Tour (SOLD OUT)
      September 30, 2023, 2:00 PM — 3:30 PM

      Join landscape curator, Kate Kerin, for a lively 1.5 hour walking tour exploring this powerful work of art. An iconic postwar design. Innisfree is now recognized as one of the world’s ten best gardens and listed at the highest level—exceptional national significance—on the National Register of Historic Places. In a story akin to the Great American Novel, learn about the people and ideas that shaped this living landmark. Find inspiration for your own garden exploring Innisfree’s timeless design strategies and timely, nature-based maintenance practices that create a memorable landscape experience with a remarkably small staff.

    • Morning Light: Sunrise at Innisfree | COMMUNITY DAY + New York State Path Through History Weekend
      October 9, 2023, 6:00 AM — 10:00 AM

      As part of our fall Community Day festivities, Innisfree will open an hour before sunrise so visitors can experience golden light dramatically flooding the garden, making everything and everyone look even more beautiful. As morning mist clears, fall colors will be doubled in reflections on the lake. BEST. DATE. EVER. Equally great as a solo adventure or one with family and friends. Come early with your camera, easel, or birding binoculars. Bring a picnic breakfast or lunch. Tuck in a novel and stay all day.

    • COMMUNITY DAY | New York State Path Through History Weekend
      October 9, 2023, 10:00 AM — 5:00 PM

      Celebrate the peak of autumn in the Hudson Valley during Innisfree’s fall Community Day. Be sure to check out Innisfree’s other Community Day offerings.

      Innisfree is delighted to suggest this Community Day as an ideal stay-cation on Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day. Thanks to a generous grant from the Northeast Dutchess Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, we can offer FREE garden admission and discounted special programs to residents of these Northeast Dutchess County communities.

    • Curator's Tour | COMMUNITY DAY + New York State Path Through History Weekend
      October 9, 2023, 10:30 AM — 12:00 PM

      Join landscape curator, Kate Kerin, for a lively 1.5 hour walking tour exploring this powerful work of art. An iconic postwar design. Innisfree is now recognized as one of the world’s ten best gardens and listed at the highest level—exceptional national significance—on the National Register of Historic Places. In a story akin to the Great American Novel, learn about the people and ideas that shaped this living landmark. Find inspiration for your own garden exploring Innisfree’s timeless design strategies and timely, nature-based maintenance practices that create a memorable landscape experience with a remarkably small staff.

  • For a full listing of upcoming events at Innisfree, click here.

  • (1) Rory Stuart, What Are Gardens For? Experiencing, Making, and Thinking About Gardens (Frances Lincoln, 2012)

©2023 Innisfree Garden
362 Tyrrel Road
PO Box 970, Millbrook, NY 12545
845 677 8000 | Sign up for our newsletter