Forbidden No Longer: Governors Island
Governors Island is what myths are made of. Located in New York Harbor between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, most New Yorkers have never set foot on the island and most of America has never even heard of the island. The exclusiveness of the island is for good reason: Governors Island was owned by the U.S. government and was used as a Coast Guard facility until 1995, thus prohibiting visits from civilians. On the tourism side, Governors Island isn’t listed in most guidebooks or tourist maps, leading visitors to wonder exactly lies on the unmarked island. The island once shrouded in mystery has had its veil lifted; in 2002 the once forbidden island was sold to New York and is now seasonally open to the public.
As a former military post, Governors Island had roles in the Revolutionary War, and virtually every other major U.S. military engagement including the War of 1812, Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Gulf War. Sixty-four of the island’s 225 buildings have been designated as historic.
Since the sale back to the people of New York, visiting the 172-acre Governors Island has never been easier. Free ferries cross the harbor between Manhattan and Governors Island at least hourly. Once on the island visitors may partake in the scheduled events, biking, or tours. In a bid to become a summertime destination for New Yorkers, Governors Island is hosting weekend events ranging from art exhibits to music. For a full list of scheduled activities, click here.
Though just a few years ago the future of Governors Island seemed uncertain, this year will mark the groundbreaking of a newly redesigned 40-acre park which will feature a 2.2 mile waterfront promenade, and restoration of 33 acres of historic landscape, ultimately creating over 100-acres of public green space.
Getting There: Ferries depart from Manhattan at the Battery Maritime Building located on the corner of South Street and Whitehall Street (map). Click here for a ferry schedule.
Days and Hours: Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am-7pm. Open seasonally May 31st until October 5th.
Cost: Ferry and park are both Free
Photo credit (top to bottom): flickr, flickr;
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