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| History: Long
Island's most famous landmark, the Big Duck is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places in Washington, D.C. It was built
in 1931 by Riverhead duck farmer Martin Maurer, as a store to sell his
Peking Ducks to passing motorists. It is one of the most famous examples
of roadside architecture. Now open to the public as a gift shop and East
End tourist information center. The Big Duck Quackoff and Holiday
Lighting events take place every year. For
more information about its history, click here. |
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| Annual Events: The Suffolk County Department
of Parks, Recreation & Conservation hosts two special events at the
Big Duck each year: The Annual Big Duck Quack-Off (usually in June) and
the Annual Holiday Lighting of the Big Duck (1st Wednesday after
Thanksgiving). |
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Directions: From
the L.I.E., exit 71, take Route 24 south through the
Riverhead traffic circle. Cross Route 105 and continue 2 miles on Route
24. From Sunrise Highway, take
exit 65N, Riverhead, Left at The Fork - Route104. Merge Right on
Route 105, Make Right on Route 24 South. About 2 miles. The Duck Is on
the left. |
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| Visitor Center & Store: The Big Duck is
managed by the Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation &
Conservation P.O. Box 144 / Montauk Hwy., West Sayville, NY 11796
(631)854-4949 FAX(631) 854-4978. Inside the store, visitors can purchase
duck memorabilia, and obtain travel and tourism information. The
store is open seven days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day,
10:00 am - 5:00 pm. For more information, call
(631) 852-8292 or visit the parks website at: www.co.suffolk.ny.us/exec/parks/
(and click on historic sites). |
