New York State is home to some of the country’s most inspiring landscapes, and increasingly, those landscapes are also home to powerful works of public art. From large-scale sculptures tucked into forests to vibrant murals along historic canals, you’ll find creativity woven right into the fabric of our state’s public lands. Here are ten outdoor art experiences worth adding to your next adventure.

1. Artpark at Earl W. Brydges State Park (Lewiston, Western NY)

Perched above the Niagara Gorge, Artpark is part cultural hub, part state park. Its trails and lawns host site-specific installations, outdoor sculpture, performances, and hands-on workshops. With sweeping river views and rotating exhibitions, it’s a must-visit for art and nature lovers alike.

2. Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park (Roosevelt Island, NYC)

Designed by famed architect Louis I. Kahn, this park is both a memorial and a work of art. Its granite forms frame stunning views of the East River and United Nations headquarters, while the carved words of FDR’s iconic “Four Freedoms” speech invite reflection on democracy and human rights.

3. Shirley Chisholm State Park (Brooklyn, NYC)

The largest state park in New York City is named for the trailblazing congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. A bold mural by Danielle Mastrion greets visitors at the entrance, celebrating Chisholm’s legacy of courage and representation. Beyond the art, the park’s 400 acres offer bike paths, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of Jamaica Bay.

4. Erie Canal Mural Mania (Erie Canalway Trail, Upstate NY)

Stretching across canal towns and villages, the Mural Mania project brings history to life in vivid color. From Lyons to Camillus, these murals honor canal workers, local industries, and community spirit. Many are right along the Erie Canalway Trail, making them perfect rest stops for cyclists and walkers.

5. Socrates Sculpture Park (Queens, NYC)

This waterfront park transforms a former landfill into a vibrant public art space. Large-scale installations, temporary exhibitions, and community projects engage visitors directly with the East River waterfront, combining cityscape views with cutting-edge outdoor art.

6. Storm King Art Center (Hudson Valley, Orange County)

One of the world’s leading outdoor sculpture museums, Storm King sprawls across 500 acres of rolling hills and meadows. Works by Calder, Serra, Noguchi, and contemporary artists stand in striking dialogue with the landscape, making every visit feel different depending on light, season, and weather.

7. Stone Quarry Hill Art Park (Cazenovia, Central NY)

On 104 acres of meadows and forests, Stone Quarry Hill Art Park offers trails dotted with outdoor sculptures created by resident and visiting artists. It’s a place where art, conservation, and quiet exploration intersect.

8. Parrish Art Museum Outdoor Sculpture Garden (Southampton, Long Island)

The Parrish Art Museum’s sculpture garden allows visitors to enjoy contemporary works in a natural setting. Located in the Hamptons, it blends open lawns, native plants, and modern art, creating a serene and contemplative experience just steps from the museum itself.

9. Poetry in the Parks

This statewide initiative places poems in parks and historic sites like Clermont State Historic Site, Lake Taghkanic, and Walkway Over the Hudson. These installations turn a hike or stroll into a reflective experience, pairing natural landscapes with the voices of poets past and present.

10. Beacon Point at Long Dock Park (Beacon, Hudson Valley)

George Trakas’ permanent installation transforms Beacon’s waterfront into an immersive artwork. With stairways, decks, and platforms overlooking the Hudson River, Beacon Point connects visitors directly to the water’s edge in a way that’s both sculptural and functional.

11. Opus 40 (Saugerties, Catskills)

This monumental earthwork sculpture by Harvey Fite is carved from bluestone into terraces, ramps, and walls spanning 6.5 acres. It’s both a massive piece of art and a living landscape, ideal for exploring on foot while marveling at human creativity integrated with nature.

12. Art Omi (Ghent, Hudson Valley)

Art Omi is a sprawling sculpture park featuring site-specific contemporary works scattered across meadows, woodlands, and wetlands. Seasonal exhibitions change regularly, giving visitors new experiences with each visit. The park is also home to artist residencies and open studios.

13. Griffis Sculpture Park (Homer, Central NY)

Spanning 450 acres of hills, fields, and woods, Griffis Sculpture Park is the largest sculpture park in New York State. Over 270 works by more than 100 artists are integrated into the landscape, ranging from large-scale abstract sculptures to interactive installations.

Outdoor art in New York State is more than decoration–it’s storytelling, history, and imagination rooted in the places we love. These sites invite you to see the landscape with fresh eyes. Pack your walking shoes, bring your curiosity, and let art lead you into the outdoors.