Open from late spring to mid fall, Governors Island used to be a little hideaway only 800 yards from lower Manhattan. Over the last few years it’s popularity has grown, but don’t let that deter you from visiting this little gem; it’s definitely worth it.
Governors Island’s purpose has changed over time. From a seasonal fishing location for the Lenape Native Americans to military housing to a base for the Coast Guard, this little island has years of history all around. Governors Island was a former military base originally used to train soldiers before departing for war. Evidence of that can be seen in Fort Jay and Castle Williams. In 1911, the Island was land-filled and an additional 100 acres was added creating the “ice cream cone” shape we see today. In 2003, ownership of the Island was transferred to NYC and NY state making way for its redevelopment for public use. There are still parts of the Island that are under development, and we’ll just have to wait and see what new ideas come next.
Some of the things to do on the Island include viewing artists exhibits, attending the yearly Jazz Age Lawn Party, renting bike to ride around, laying in the hammocks on Hammock Grove and taking a National Parks Service walking tour. There are also family friendly spaces, playgrounds and the Urban Farm which is home to Earth Matter. 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.
There are more activities and events planned for later in the season. One of the newest events is the first overnight camping retreat. The Collective Retreats will transform six acres of the Island into an overnight lodging retreat with views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. They will also provide events and programming during the Island’s open hours. The Island’s reopening is tomorrow, May 1st, and the ferry is free until May 6th! What are you most excited to see?
How to get there: If you’re in Manhattan, take the R line to Whitehall, the 6 line to Bowling Green or the 1 line to the South Ferry stop. Walk northeast past the Staten Island ferry building to the Governors Island ferry.
The Governors Island Brooklyn ferry departs from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, at the foot of Atlantic Avenue. The ferry operates every weekend, Memorial Day and Labor Day. To get to the Brooklyn Ferry, take the 2, 3, 4 or 5 subway line to Borough Hall. You can also take the R to Court Street. Then walk to Pier 6. Or you can take the B63 bus to Brooklyn Bridge Park. There is also an East River ferry located between E. 35th St and 36th St. at FDR Drive. It services Governors Island on weekends only. During the summer months, the Governors Island stop becomes the last southbound stop on the East River ferry (right after the Pier 11/Wall St. stop). Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. This terminal is handicap accessible. The East River Ferry connects to the following buses: the M34 Crosstown, M15, M16 bus service and the MTA 6 at 33rd and Park Ave.
Cost: The ferry’s are free on weekends until noon. After that, it’s only $3 for adults and children 13 and older, and $1 for seniors. Visiting the island is free of charge. There are food trucks at Liggett Terrance and Kings Ave as well as the Island Oyster restaurant and bar near Soissons (pronouced “swa-son”) Landing. Some use Square for payments, but I would suggest bringing cash just in case.
Interesting Fact: The British colonial assembly in New York decreed that the island was to be used for private use by the Royal Governor’s of New York. The island later became known as “The Governor’s Island” eventually losing “The” and the apostrophe.