Points of Interest
Select a number on the map, then click on the name to learn more
1. Castle Williams
Scale model of Castle Williams
Castle Williams is a circular fortification of red sandstone on the northwest point of Governors Island. It is part of a system of forts designed and constructed in the early 19th century to protect New York City from naval attack and one of the best-preserved 19th-century fortifications in the nation. It is a prominent landmark in New York Harbor. Castle Williams was transformed from a fort to a temporary prison to a public space. Together with Fort Jay, it is managed by the National Park Service as part of Governors Island National Monument.
2. Colonels Row
"Balancing Act" by David Judelson at Colonels Row
Colonels Row is a seasonal event space on a beautiful triangular green. Colonels Row is lined with London Plane trees, which provide shade in the summer, and historic brick homes that were built in the 1870s. There are a seven historic homes ranging in size that provide opportunities for indoor exhibitions, dance performances, workshops and art installations. Colonels Row is ideal for performances and festivals for audiences that range in size from several hundred up to 4,000 people and is also available for private events. Colonels Row is also the location of the Island's bike concession.
3. Gov'nors Beach Club
Volleyball nets set up at Gov'nors Beach Club
Gov'nors Beach Club is NYC's most versatile waterfront concert venue and event space. The venue has a grassy courtyard, a tented area and a man-made beach all with great views of the Harbor and downtown Manhattan. Enjoy craft beers and delicious food in this 20,000 sq ft. space. Gov'nors Beach Club has an onsite catering facility. Parts of this venue can be used during the day and evening hours during the Public Access season for concerts, weddings, corporate events and birthdays.
4. Soissons Landing
Soissons Landing
Soissons Landing (pronounced "Swanson") is the dock for the Manhattan ferry. Visitors to the Island are greeted by two red gantries with the words "Governors Island" across the top. Nearby is the information stand, bathrooms and map guides. Visit the ferry schedule page for departure times.
5. Fort Jay
Fort Jay drawbridge entrance
Fort Jay is a star-shaped fort on the Island. Surrounding the fort is a dry moat and a stone pathway that replaced the wooden drawbridge. Inside, soldiers ran drill, stood in formation and had ammunition checks. Fort Jay was also home to high ranking enemy prisoners. Today, the National Park Service manages the affairs of Fort Jay together with Castle Williams as the Governors Island National Monument. Visitors can see muskeet loading and firing demonstrations, informational tours or explore the fort on their own.
6. Nolan Park
The Commanding Officers House in Nolan Park
Nolan Park has brick walking paths and 14 historic, yellow houses built as far back as 1810. In the past several years these houses have been used for indoor exhibits, backdrops to site-specific performances, boutique stores and other programs. The open space is generally used for picnics and other leisure activities. Constructed back in 1850, the Commanding Officers House in Nolan Park is the largest house on the Island. This 12,000 foot home is open to lectures, talks and readings. The largest room can accommodate approximately 50 people sitting lecture style.
7. Parade Ground
A Touch of Modern's "Achilles" (giraffe sculpture) at Parade Ground
The Parade Ground is a 10 acre space that is perfect for large scale concerts and events for up to 10,000 people. The Parade Ground is also a great location for recreational events, kite flying, and much more. This large, open space has incredible views of Lower Manhattan. There are picnic tables and chairs on the Parade Ground. When attending concerts and programs on the Parade Ground, visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs and blankets.
8. South Battery
In 1812, the South Battery was built to protect against an attack from Brooklyn.
9. Yankee Pier
Yankee Pier Sign
Yankee Pier is the dock for the Brooklyn ferry. It is also home to one of the two new public drinking fountains on the Island. Visit the schedule page for ferry departure times.
10. Liggett Terrace
The Liggett Hall Arch near the Liggett Terrace Food Court
Liggett Terrace is a sunny, six acre plaza that features moveable seating, public art, water features and seasonal plantings. It also has a food court with vegan/vegetarian, kosher and gluten-free options as well as one of the two new public drinking fountains on the Island. Liggett Hall is the former barracks built in 1929. Is is also the second largest building built by the US Army. The first is the Pentagon.
11. Hammock Grove
The hammocks at Hammock Grove
The Hammock Grove area has 10 acres with 1,500 new trees and 50 red hammocks. You can walk along the path of Brown-eye Susans, laze on one of the many red hammocks or simply gaze at the various artwork around the area.
12. Play Lawn
The baseball field at Play Lawn
14 acres of lush, green lawn and two natural turf ball fields sized for adult softball and Little League baseball games. Each baseball/softball field contains a clay infield with full back stops and bleacher seating for 84. Fields are available for morning (beginning at 10 AM) and afternoon (beginning at 2PM) games.
13. Urban Farm
Earth Works Urban Farm
The Urban Farm is home to Earth Matter. Earth Matter NY, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art, science, and application of composting in and around NYC. Earth Matter helps Governors Island maintain its mission of "No Waste Wasted" by using food scraps around the Island in their composting. They offers guided, informational group tours as well as volunteering opportunities for school classes, camps, youth groups, corporate responsibility, etc. Visit the Compost Learning Center on Saturdays or Sundays to meet the animals, including the newly named goats, Cocoa and Butter.
14. Renovations
Section of Governors Island currently under construction
Areas of Governors Island are under construction and not open to the public. Read more about the renovation projects going on at Governors Island.
