governors-island | NY | Find park

Bridge over dry moat leading into a gated fort.

An early spring morning view of Fort Jay. The gate house is the oldest structure on Governors Island dating back to 1794.

Front of sandstone brick fort with arched entrance way.

Castle Williams at Governors Island National Monument was constructed in 1811 and was a pioneering design in American fortifications.

A park ranger talking to a group of visitors inside a large stone room in a fort.

Ranger-led tours of Castle Williams show the pioneering features of fortification architecture that would be used in other masonry forts constructed in the 1800s.

Manhattan Skyline stands behind the barracks of Fort Jay

History frames our understanding of the present

Canon and Manhattan Skyline from top of castle

A civil war era canon sitting upon the top of Castle Williams juxtaposes the new and old, with the glimering shine of Manhattan in the background

Physical Address:

Governors Island

New York Harbor

New York, NY 10004-1921

Mailing Address:

10 South Street

New York, NY 10004-1921

contact-details

Phone Number: 2128253054 Voice

Email Address: Joseph_Korber@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army on Governors Island was part of the social, political, and economic tapestry of New York City. Today, the island is a vibrant summer seasonal venue of art, culture, and performance against the backdrop of two centuries of military heritage and the skyline of one of the great cities of the world. The island is open to the public. Check Alerts

park designation:National Monument

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. During the summer public access season, 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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Governors Island Outdoor Areas

Governors Island is open to the public on a summer seasonal basis. The 2018 public access season extends until October 31, 2018. Hours reflect access to the inside areas of Fort Jay and Castle Williams. Outside access is 1-2 hours after our facilities close. Visit https://govisland.com/visit-the-island/ferry for the latest schedule for access to Governors Island outdoor areas.

Exceptions:

Late Night Friday Ferry (May 24, 2024 - September 14, 2024)

Castle Williams

The inner courtyard and exhibit rooms are open to the public 7 days a week. Upper Levels and roof are accessible only by ranger guided tours (11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm) daily.

Fort Jay

The inner court yard displays, magazine, ravelin, and officer barracks porches, are open for your exploration 7 days a week. Tours available Saturday and Sunday 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.

Weather Information:

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.