Bridge over dry moat leading into a gated fort.

Governors Island National Monument

National Monument ยท New York

NPS photo / Michael B. Shaver

๐Ÿ“ StateNew York
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Monument
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ EntryFree
๐Ÿƒ Activities10
Official NPS Website โ†’
Governors Island National Monument

National monument in Manhattan, New York

Governors Island National Monument is a unit of the United States national park system in New York City. It is located on 22 acres (89,000ย m2) of Governors Island, a 172-acre (0.70ย km2) island located off the southern tip of Manhattan Island, at the confluence of the Hudson and East rivers in New York Harbor.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Governors Island National Monument

From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. Coast Guard from 1966 to 1996, continuing its legacy of national service. Today, Governors Island has transformed into a destination for art, culture, and public programs.

Park Photos

Bridge over dry moat leading into a gated fort.
Front of sandstone brick fort with arched entrance way.
A park ranger talking to a group of visitors inside a large stone room in a fort.
Manhattan Skyline stands behind the barracks of Fort Jay
Canon and Manhattan Skyline from top of castle

Activities

Operating Hours

Fort Jay Winter

Fort Jay will be closed for the winter. It will re-open in April

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ClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedClosed

Fort Jay

The Fort Jay court yard displays, magazine, and ravelin, are open in Summer, Wednesday through Sunday 10am until 5pm

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ClosedClosed10:00AM - 5:00PM10:00AM - 5:00PM10:00AM - 5:00PM10:00AM - 5:00PM10:00AM - 5:00PM

Castle Williams winter

Castle Williams will be closed this winter and will re-open in the spring

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ClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedClosed

Castle Williams

Castle Williams summer hours

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ClosedClosed10:00AM - 5:00PM10:00AM - 5:00PM10:00AM - 5:00PM10:00AM - 5:00PM10:00AM - 5:00PM

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Governors Island National Monument?

Governors Island National Monument is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Governors Island National Monument?

Popular activities at Governors Island National Monument include: Biking, Road Biking, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits, Shopping.

What is the weather like at Governors Island National Monument?

During the summer public access season from May to September, the weather is typical of the mid-Atlantic region. Thunderstorms can come quickly with short downpours. There may be extended periods of heat or humidity that might last a week or more. The island is generally a few degrees cooler than the city due to the fairly constant breeze.

How do I get to Governors Island National Monument?

Governors Island is located in New York Harbor, 1/2 mile from the southern tip of Lower Manhattan and 400 yards west of the end of Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue and Red Hook waterfront. It is accessible only via ferry. Ferry service from Manhattan is the main way to access the island. The ferry departs from Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street, at South and Whitehall Streets (next to the Staten Island ferry terminal). Check www.govisland.com for ferry schedules.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

During the summer public access season from May to September, the weather is typical of the mid-Atlantic region. Thunderstorms can come quickly with short downpours. There may be extended periods of heat or humidity that might last a week or more. The island is generally a few degrees cooler than the city due to the fairly constant breeze.

Directions

Governors Island is located in New York Harbor, 1/2 mile from the southern tip of Lower Manhattan and 400 yards west of the end of Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue and Red Hook waterfront. It is accessible only via ferry. Ferry service from Manhattan is the main way to access the island. The ferry departs from Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street, at South and Whitehall Streets (next to the Staten Island ferry terminal). Check www.govisland.com for ferry schedules.

๐Ÿ“ View on Google Maps โ†’

Location

Coordinates40.6916, -74.0167

Official Resources

NPS Official Website