Entry No. 82 — the New York City file — filed under: ruins

Heyerdahl Ruins

Tucked away in the Staten Island Greenbelt, these stone ruins are the remnants of a home built by Thorwald Heyerdahl in 1861. Heyerdahl attempted to establish a grape orchard on the surrounding acres, but the high magnesium content of the underlying serpentine rock doomed the agricultural venture. Today, only the crumbling stone foundations of the house remain, quietly reclaimed by the forest.

The move: Hike the Red Trail in LaTourette Park to locate the historic stone foundations, and enjoy a quiet afternoon photographing the ruins and exploring the peaceful surrounding woods.

📍 Before you go The ruins are located on public parkland within the Staten Island Greenbelt and are legally accessible via a short detour off the marked Red Trail.

📍 Staten Island
💸 Free
⚡ Low-key
🌗 Outdoors

Where: HVM5+CV, Staten Island, NY 10306, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

#ruins #stone-foundations #hiking #forest #historic-site

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: nycgovparks.org · forgotten-ny.com

last checked: 2026-07-20