Picture it: 1933, the depths of the Great Depression, and millions of young Americans are out of work.
So President Franklin D. Roosevelt comes up with a plan to put them to work outdoors, planting forests, building trails and fixing up parks across the country.
It became the Civilian Conservation Corps, and it was a monster success.
Over nine years, the CCC planted more than three billion trees and built trails and shelters in more than 800 parks nationwide.
The work was so tree-heavy that the crews earned a nickname: Roosevelt’s Tree Army.
One of those crews set up camp in the woods of Yorktown Heights, just north of the city.
Fast forward 93 years, and that same park now carries FDR’s name.
And right now, its trails are glowing with more than 4,000 lights, with over 20 life-sized magical creatures hiding between the trees.
That’s because Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience is officially back in Westchester, after four years away.
24 October 2026 20:45 + more dates
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park
Here are all the details on booking a stroll through the magical experience!
When FDR’s “Tree Army” came to Westchester
The park opened in 1922 as Mohansic Park, but its glow-up really kicked off during the Depression.
From 1935 to 1942, a CCC camp operated right inside the park. Crews landscaped the grounds and planted 900 trees and shrubs in their first year alone.
Then World War II hit. The CCC wrapped up, and in 1942 the US Army took over the park.
Over the following decades the woods kept growing, and in 1982 the park was officially renamed Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in honor of the man who sent the Tree Army in the first place.
You’ll literally arrive via FDR’s road
Here’s a fun twist. To get to the Forbidden Forest, you have to enter through the park’s Taconic State Parkway entrance.
That’s the scenic road FDR himself championed back in 1925, when he chaired the Taconic State Park Commission.
He later even called it his “invention.”
So yes, you’ll be driving FDR’s parkway to an FDR park to walk through a wizard’s forest. Very on brand.
What the Forbidden Forest looks like now
Once the sun goes down, Roosevelt’s woods become pure Hogwarts.
The 2026 return comes with an all-new, six-chapter storyline that walks you through iconic moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
You’ll brave Harry and Draco’s tense detention in the woods, meet Hagrid’s giant half-brother Grawp, push through a chilling Dementor mist, step onto the Triwizard Walkway and snap photos outside Hagrid’s hut.
Along the way, life-sized creatures peek out from the trees, including unicorns, centaurs, a majestic Hippogriff, tiny bowtruckles and a few very mischievous Nifflers.
And you’re not just watching!
You’ll grab a wand for six interactive spell-casting moments, then conjure your very own Patronus in one of the trail’s most breathtaking scenes.
With more than 15 moments recreated from the films, your camera roll is about to be very full.
Know before you go
- Where: FDR State Park, 2957 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights. Entry is through the Taconic State Parkway entrance only, so double-check your GPS isn’t sending you to the Route 202/Crompond Road gate, which is closed.
- How long: About 60 to 90 minutes total, with 45 to 75 minutes on the trail.
- Tickets: Adults start at $18, kids start at $15, and seniors, students and military discounts apply. Family bundles are available too, and Monday tickets are currently 50% off.
- Getting there without a car: Take Metro-North’s Hudson Line from Grand Central to Peekskill or Croton-Harmon, then a quick cab or rideshare. Plan on 75 to 90 minutes door to door.
- Accessibility: It’s a woodland walk, so most of the path isn’t a hard surface. Motorized scooters are available to rent for adults.
- Who can go: All ages are welcome.
Don’t miss out! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and now on WhatsApp, too!