Brooklyn Grange

The Basics

There are a number of ways to visit Brooklyn Grange sites. Weekend open days offer visitors the chance to explore the farm, meet the chickens, see the bee hives, and purchase homegrown farm produce. Farm tours led by volunteers offer a behind-the-scenes look at the farms and insight into the unique urban farming practices. Or, get hands-on in the gardens at a series of workshops with subjects on beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, and urban agriculture.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The only way to visit is on an open day or by reserving in advance.

• Farm tours typically last 45 minutes and take place in groups of up to four people.

• The Grange hosts special events, such as yoga evenings, farm dinners, and farming workshops.

• The Long Island City site is wheelchair accessible; wheelchair users can be accommodated at other sites by prior reservation.

How to Get There

There are three Brooklyn Grange sites. To reach the Long Island City branch by subway, take the M, R to 36th Street. To reach the Sunset Park site in Brooklyn, take the D, R, N, W to 25th Street. Multiple bus lines stop near the Brooklyn Navy Yard site, or take the G to Clinton-Washington and walk for about one miles (20 minutes).

When to Get There

The farms are typically open to the public from May to October, but opening times vary, so it's best to schedule in advance. Typically, Sunset Park in Brooklyn is open to visitors on Sunday, while the Long Island City Farm is open on Saturday. Outside of these hours, or to visit the Brooklyn Navy Yard, you need to book a tour or sign up for a regular event.

Sustainable Farming at Brooklyn Grange

Brooklyn Grange farms grow a range of seasonal vegetables and herbs and operate 40 bee hives around NYC, which produce their own organic honey. The Grange also has its own line of hot sauces. The focus is on using organic, sustainable farming practices and innovative green roof technology and on not using synthetic or chemical fertilizers. Produce is sold on-site and at farmer’s markets and includes tomatoes, peppers, greens, ground cherries, pac choi, and beans.

Ways to explore

The main way to visit the Brooklyn Grange is on a guided tour. Book a tour at the Brooklyn Navy Yard site for a behind-the-scenes look at the farm’s operations and learn about the site’s organic growing practices—plus, admire the Manhattan skyline. To visit the Sunset Park location, you must book a private tour with a group of four or more.

Another fun way to visit the Brooklyn Grange is to book one of their special events, such as a rooftop yoga class or a beekeeping workshop. The Brooklyn Grange is also included on some tours of the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Accessibility

The Sunset Park location is wheelchair accessible with elevator access. Non-motorized wheelchairs are preferred for navigating uneven terrain. The Navy Yard location is not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None; free entrance for children 7 and under

What to pack

Sunscreen, water bottle, sunglasses

What to wear

Comfortable clothes for the weather, walking shoes, a hat

Not allowed

While there’s no official list, behaviors such as smoking, vaping, and consuming alcohol are generally not permitted.

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi

Address

Brooklyn Grange has two locations: Sunset Park and Brooklyn Navy Yard. Most tours take place at the Navy Yard location. Each location is easily accessible by public transit or on foot.

Driving

To reach the Navy Yard location, take the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to Tillary Street. To get to Sunset Park, take I-478 to exit 26. Give yourself at least 10 minutes to find street parking.

Public transportation

To get to Sunset Park, take the subway to 36th Street (D, N, R) or catch the B37 bus. The closest subway stations to the Brooklyn Navy Yard are York Street (F) and High Street – Brooklyn Bridge Station (A, C), both roughly a 20-minute walk. You can also take the NYC Ferry Astoria Route directly to the Yard from Wall Street.

Best times to visit

Public tours typically take place at 5pm, after the midday heat has subsided. Plan to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled tour time.

Best days to visit

Most public tours take place on Tuesdays, while private tours are offered Monday through Friday.

Best months to visit

The farm is open seasonally from May through October. Visit in August to enjoy the peak of summer produce, such as heirloom tomatoes.

Special events

In August and September, the farm hosts special dinners celebrating the season’s bounty with themed menus such as Veggiepalooza and Tomato Dinner.