Governors Island National Monument will be closed this winter. Both Castle Williams and Fort Jay will be closed and access to NPS staff will be extremely limited. The rest of the island will be open for visitors. Check https://www.govisland.com/ for island winter events and ferry schedule. Look to this page for re-opening information in the spring of 2026. Use our contact link for questions and requests. Questions or requests should be directed to our contact link on this website. Thank you!
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Governors Island National Monument
New York
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. Coast Guard from 1966 to 1996, continuing its legacy of national service. Today, Governors Island has transformed into a destination for art, culture, and public programs.
About Governors Island National Monument
Governors Island National Monument is a national monument located in New York. 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.
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. 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.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Governors Island is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Governors Island National Monument offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Biking, Road Biking, Food, Picnicking, and 6 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Governors Island
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Governors Island
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Governors Island before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 3 active alerts for Governors Island. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Governors Island. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. Coast Guard from 1966 to 1996, continuing its legacy of national service. Today, Governors Island has transformed into a destination for art, culture, and public programs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Governors Island
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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