Governors Island

Governors Island is a 172-acre park on an island in New York Harbor, about half a mile south of Lower Manhattan. The site combines meadows, man-made hills, bike paths, and waterfront promenades offering views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

The Lenape used the island for fishing and nut gathering before Dutch settlers took over in the 17th century. Starting in 1775, it became a military base with the construction of Fort Jay, which remained operational for over two centuries.

Visitors come here to see art installations in old military buildings or attend open-air music events during summer. The name goes back to Dutch colonial times when the island was reserved for the governor.

The island is open only from May to October and often fills with families and cyclists on weekends. Regular ferries depart from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, with the crossing taking about 10 minutes.

The hill area was created starting in 2014 using construction debris and soil from city tunnel projects. From there, a slide over 57 feet (17 m) long winds down through the man-made landscape.

Location: Manhattan

Location: New York County

Operator: National Park Service

Website: https://nps.gov/gois

GPS coordinates: 40.68899,-74.01903

Latest update: December 12, 2025 20:51