Sleepy Hollow Guide

Sleepy Hollow, New York combines Hudson River scenery, centuries of history, literary fame, residential neighborhoods, parks, businesses, and an evolving waterfront.

Located in Westchester County along the eastern bank of the Hudson River, Sleepy Hollow sits immediately north of Tarrytown and approximately 25 miles north of Manhattan.

Understanding Sleepy Hollow

Visitors often first encounter Sleepy Hollow through Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

The real village, however, has a much broader story.

Its history includes Indigenous communities, Dutch settlement, the Philipse estate, agricultural life, industrialization, immigration, automobile manufacturing, and the transformation of its waterfront.

The village was incorporated under the name North Tarrytown and officially became Sleepy Hollow in 1996.

The Waterfront

The Hudson River is one of the defining physical features of the community.

Public riverfront places include Horan’s Landing, which provides a grassy waterfront area, small beach, kayak and paddleboard launch, and access to the RiverWalk. Swimming is not permitted from the beach.

Farther north, Kingsland Point Park offers riverfront recreation and access to Sleepy Hollow’s historic lighthouse.

History and Landmarks

Sleepy Hollow contains historic places associated with multiple periods of Hudson Valley history.

Washington Irving’s connection to the area helped make the name Sleepy Hollow internationally recognizable, while the Old Dutch Church, Philipsburg Manor area, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and other historic sites preserve pieces of the community’s much longer story.

Parks and Recreation

Sleepy Hollow maintains a network of parks and recreation spaces throughout the village, including Barnhardt Park, Devries Park, Douglas Park, Horan’s Landing, Kingsland Point Park, Reverend Sykes Park, Margotta Courts, and Patriots Park.

Those spaces make the village as much a place for everyday recreation as for tourism.

A Living Village

Sleepy Hollow should not be understood only through historic attractions or Halloween tourism.

People live, work, attend school, raise families, operate businesses, volunteer, commute, worship, play sports, and participate in community life here throughout the year.

That everyday character is an important part of understanding the village.

Before Visiting

Hours, admission policies, parking requirements, permits, seasonal programs, and event schedules can change.

For official information about Village facilities and municipal events, consult the Village of Sleepy Hollow. Individual historic sites and attractions should also be checked directly before visiting.