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Things to do

Tours: Ranger-led tours of the island's military forts and historic buildings are offered Wednesday-Thursday at 10am and 1pm, and Friday-Sunday at 11:25am, 1:25pm and 3:25pm.

Activities: Bring your bike—or rent one when you get to the island—and enjoy the car-free paths and scenic views. Have a picnic and take your photo with the Statue of Liberty. View the island's many art installations.

Visitor information

Governors Island (NPS)
National Park Service
212-825-3045

Governors Island (GIPEC)
GIPEC
212-440-2202

HOURS

The island is open on Fridays-Sundays from June 5th to October 10th.

Special tours are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10am and 1pm.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Governors Island ferry and all paths are wheelchair accessible.

LOCATION

Harbor island.

Map

Nearby attractions

Castle Clinton
Ellis Island
Statue of Liberty

National Park Service arrowhead

Governors Island

A 172-acre island -- and former military base -- nestled between Manhattan and Brooklyn

Governors Island is the oldest European settlement in New York. Formerly serving as a U.S. Army military base and U.S. Coast Guard station, 92 acres in the historic district of Governors Island are open to the public during spring and summer months. A seven-minute FREE ferry ride from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan will get you there to picnic, bike ride, and enjoy the gorgeous views and other cultural activities.

Governors Island is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC). NPS manages a 22 acre national monument within a larger National Historic Landmark District. The national monument showcases two forts from the early 19th century.

The two forts, Fort Jay and Castle Williams, were a key part of the Inner Harbor defense network that was constructed in the early 19th century to protect New York City from naval attack. Colonel Jonathan Williams, the chief engineer of the Army Corps of Engineers, designed the castle that would bear his name, and oversaw the construction of the other fortifications on Governors Island. He was also in charge of Castle Clinton at Battery Park, Fort Wood (which is now the base of the Statue of Liberty) and Fort Gibson on Ellis Island.

Castle Williams was built between 1807 and 1811. The fort imprisoned Confederate soldiers during the Civil War and then continued as a low security military prison until 1965. Fort Jay is a star-shaped fort, with a rare dry moat. The open courtyard in the interior is surrounded by former Army and Coast Guard barracks dating from the 1830s. The design of these attractive buildings is more reminiscent of townhouses than military quarters.

Today, a trip to Governors Island transports visitors to a historic military village just a few minutes from Manhattan. Wander through the forts and military homes or settle in for a picnic on the parade ground; no matter what the trip entails visitors will be treated to some of the best views in the city.


Colonel's Row

Colonel's Row on Governors Island is made up of stately homes and spectacular views of the city and harbor.

Governors Island

Castle Williams, built in the early 1800s, was originally designed to protect the city from threatening ships. While the fort never saw war in New York, it did serve as a military prison until the 1960s.