One of our absolute favorite places in all of New York City is Governor’s Island. Only a short ferry ride from Brooklyn Bridge Park near our neighborhood in Brooklyn Heights made the park quite convenient. The park is also accessible from the southern tip of Manhattan in the Financial District. The ferry ride from Pier 6 in Brooklyn is only a short trip and visitors are transported from the hustle and bustle of the city to a historic and natural setting.

Governor’s Island island has previously had a variety of uses, but currently it is a vast multi-use park with a large assortment of activities for visitors. The park offers hiking, biking, mini golf, roller skating, playgrounds, athletic fields, a museum, camping, hammocks, grills, the largest slide in New York City, fountains to play in, expansive fields to picnic in or simply take in some fresh air, a large boulder hill to climb, large flower fields full of prairie grass and flowers, and incredible views of New York City, Brooklyn, and the surrounding area. The park is quite expansive and provides an excellent opportunity for New Yorkers to partake in nature. The park also utilizes the old buildings and the history of the island in new, innovative ways, creating a rather unique city park.

Several of the older buildings have been converted to provide a variety of different activities, including art and conservation programs. A chapel on the island has been converted into a art gallery that utilizes the structure of the chapel to highlight the artwork. Throughout the island there are several other pieces of art that are embedded into the history of the island. There are rotating exhibits and art centers in old historic buildings ensuring a continued array of options to engage in different forms of art. As well there are several other museums on the island engaging in art and climate change. Conservation groups also work on the island, helping to bring back the wildlife that once inhabited the islands that now make up New York City through different project, large prairie fields, composites, farming initatives, and a community gardens. There are also different festivals and events throughout the year, ensuring there is always an activity to partake in, such as a pumpkin patch.

Governor’s Island is also a National Park site. Two sites on the island are park of the national park system, including Fort Jay and and Castle Williams. Both are old forts that visitors can stroll about and learn more about the history of forts and New York City.  Visitors can partake in tours at both Fort Jay and Castle Williams, but Castle Williams provides more informative signs for guests to read and learn about the fort and it’s history, while Fort Jay provides the opportunity to view different buildings and their uses inside a fort. We initially visited for the national park site, but ending up enjoying the whole island.

When we visited we started with a walk around the entire island to explore the island and then headed to the National Park Sites. Afterwards, we visited the grassy fields filed with wild flowers and monarch butterflies. The views and scenery made for a perfect Saturday afternoon. The diverse activities and the nature, along with the views, make Governor’s Island one of our absolute favorite New York City attractions.