Fort TildenAn arts center and former army base in the Rockaways
THINGS TO DO
Walking tours and lectures about the natural and historical resources at Fort Tilden are given throughout the year. Fort Tilden -- part of Gateway National Recreation Area -- is the last in a long line of fortifications that stood on the Rockaway peninsula ready to defend the United States from attack from the sea and air. Established in 1917, the site housed some of the most technologically advanced weaponry of the period including smooth-bore cannons, sixteen inch naval rifles, and Nike Ajax and Hercules air defense missiles. Its weaponry became obsolete in 1967. The fort was ultimately transferred to the National Park Service. Today, Fort Tilden serves as a center for the arts and is comprised of a mosaic of reclaimed natural areas and assorted military structures. A narrow, one-mile long beach with dunes stretches along the fort complex. The Back Fort, located on the west side of the complex, includes a successional maritime forest, a freshwater pond, and an observatory deck on top of Battery Harris West, a historic military battery and an excellent spot for viewing hawks during their fall migration. All sites are accessible along established trails. |
 visitor informationGateway Nat'l Recreation Area nearby attractionsdirectionsBUS: Connect with the Q35 Green Bus Lines on Flatbush Avenue at the corner of Nostrand, Kings Highway, Fillmore Avenue or Avenue U ( Kings Plaza). After the bridge, ask the driver to let you off at Fort Tilden. SUBWAY AND BUS: 2 (also 5 at rush hour) to Flatbush Avenue. Transfer to Rockaway Park-bound Q-35 bus. Alternate: Take IND A subway to Rockaway Park, then transfer to Q-35 or Q-22 bus. CAR: Take the Belt Parkway to Exit 11S, then Flatbush Avenue south across the Marine Parkway Bridge. Follow signs to Fort Tilden. Alternate: Take Woodhaven Boulevard to Cross Bay Boulevard, then go west on Beach Channel Drive. |