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Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead, NY
Sports & OutdoorsFamily FavoriteLocal Gem

Hempstead Lake State Park

Fish, bike, ride horses and picnic around the largest freshwater lake in Nassau County, then take a spin on a hand-carved wooden carousel.

Southern State Parkway, Exit 18, West Hempstead, NY 11552 · West Hempstead, NY

About Hempstead Lake State Park

Hempstead Lake State Park covers 737 acres in West Hempstead, with a quick entrance at Exit 18 of the Southern State Parkway. Its 167-acre lake began in the 1870s as a reservoir for Brooklyn and is the largest freshwater lake in Nassau County. The park has hiking and biking paths, a bridle trail, 20 tennis courts, playgrounds, shaded picnic areas and a historic hand-carved wooden carousel. Anglers fish the lake and its ponds for bass and trout with a state license, and an education center opened in 2021 covers the park's nature and history.

  • #state park
  • #fishing
  • #carousel
  • #bike trails
  • #horseback riding

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