New York state has over 240 labyrinths and I have selected 11 of the best publicly accessible from around the state that I think you would enjoy visiting. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder.
Before we get to my recommendations for New York I want to tell you about some statistics about labyrinths in the USA from some research I did. If you are interested in knowing things like what the largest labyrinth is in the US, where the Northernmost, Southernmost labyrinths are in the US, and similar questions, it is worth a read: Questions about US Labyrinths Answered. All of these New York answers and statistics were part of that research. We start with a chart summarizing the data from New York:
Here is how New York compares to the USA. New York has the 4th most labyrinths, the 14th most percentage of indoor labyrinths and the 10th highest average size.
What is the largest labyrinth in New York ? The largest labyrinth in New York is the Shepherd’s Ring West, a 10 circuit medieval labyrinth from Fredonia, New York that has a 272 foot diameter. It is cut into a field and is on private property. It may no longer be maintained. If it is, this is the second largest labyrinth in the USA.
What city has the most labyrinths in New York ? The city with the most labyrinths in New York is NYC with 14, Rochester is next with 8 labyrinths.
Are there any record setting labyrinths in New York ? Yes. Sacred Heart Church in Bayside, New York has an 11 circuit Chartres replica style labyrinth on canvas that is tied for the largest indoor labyrinth in the US with a 50 foot diameter.
3 states contain 8 large sized labyrinths (100+ foot diameter): Minnesota, New York and Ohio.
Why visit a Labyrinth ?
Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…
11 Labyrinths to Visit in New York
1. Battery Park - The Labyrinth for Contemplation
This 7 circuit labyrinth that is 60 feet in diameter is located in the grass of Battery Park. The best way to find this is by searching for The Battery Labyrinth on Google Maps. It also has it’s own Facebook page !
Location: New York City, New York
Address:
Battery Park
New York City, New York 10004
2. Maria Hernandez Park Labyrinth
Maria Hernandez Park Labyrinth — flickr Matt Green
This 9 circuit Roman labyrinth is located in the center of the park, and in the center of the labyrinth is a mosaic of a parrot. The closest train stop is the Jefferson street L station.
Location: Brooklyn, New York (Bushwick)
Address:
Knickerbocker Ave.
Brooklyn, New York 11237
3. Castleton Hill Moravian Church Labyrinth
An 8 circuit labyrinth with a “Vision Quest” design that is located in the church courtyard (slightly NE from center in the map above). The labyrinth has it’s own page on the church website which notes that there is a preschool playground nearby to be aware of.
Location: Staten Island, New York
Address:
1657 Victory Blvd.
Staten Island, New York 10314
4. Suffolk County Community College, Michael J. Grant Campus Labyrinth
This 11 circuit medieval labyrinth on Long Island is made from bricks/pavers and is easy to locate with this map pin. If you visit, park in Parking Field #2. The labyrinth is surrounded by 14 benches !
Location: Brentwood, New York
Address:
1001 Crooked Hill Road
Brentwood, New York 11717
5. Labyrinth by the Sea at Rockaway Beach
A 7 circuit Chartres style labyrinth located between the parkway and the boardwalk in a project completed in 2023. Not shown on Google Maps as I write this (it is new) but it is there ! You can learn more about the labyrinth on the NYC website about the project.
Location: Rockaway Beach, New York
Address:
Shore Front Pkwy & 93rd St
Rockaway Beach, New York 11693
6. Trinity Episcopal Church Labyrinth
This 7 circuit Chartres style labyrinth is brick lined with grass pathways. It can be found north of the parking lot and includes benches in the center. Thank you to Linda Bohrer for posting such a nice photo of it online.
Location: Rochester, New York
Address:
3450 Ridge Road West
Rochester, New York 14626
7. Hofstra University Labyrinth
Labyrinth flyover starts at 0:54
An 11 circuit Chartres replica labyrinth that is located on the campus of Hofstra University.
Location: Hempstead, New York
Address:
149 California Ave.
Hempstead, New York 11549
8. Garrison Institute Labyrinth
I like this 7 circuit classical labyrinth because it is made with small box hedges that have grown over the years and really made a great labyrinth. This article from 2010 speaks about the dedication and you can see the small plantings. The institute is used for retreats and events.
Location: Garrison, New York
Address:
14 Mary's Way
Garrison, New York 10524
9. The Path at Sunset Hill Labyrinth
Labyrinth content starts at 1:10 in the video below:
This 7 circuit concentric labyrinth, located next to the cemetery is open from dawn til dusk. It is made form stone pathways in the grass. It looks great in satellite view !
Location: Clinton, New York
Address:
Grant Road
Clinton, New York 13323
10. Vassar College Farm and Ecological Preserve - Willow Grove Labyrinth
Willow Grove Labyrinth @ Vassar College - courtesy of the school
11. Vassar College Labyrinth
A 7 circuit Cretan Labyrinth made of brick and stone dust is located at the Vassar College Farm called the Willow Grove Labyrinth. It can easily be found using this pinpoint on Maps. Enter through a trellis and find a bench waiting for you in the center. There is also a new 7 circuit labyrinth in front of the Pratt House on main campus.
Location: Poughkeepsie, New York
Addresses:
Vassar Farm Ln.
Poughkeepsie, New York 12603
15 Pratt Loop
Poughkeepsie, New York 12604
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
I am a maze artist and I have made of few mazes from New York:
Here are some mazes of famous buildings from other locations:
