Governors Island

Manhattan New York, NY 11231
(212) 427-4040

Directions & Ferry Schedule

Biking To & On the Island

Governors Island, in the heart of New York Harbor, is only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan, and even closer to Brooklyn. It is a world unto itself, unique and full of promise.

For almost two centuries, Governors Island was a military base - home to the US Army and Coast Guard. Due to changing needs in operations, the Coast Guard closed and “mothballed” the Island in 1996. New York’s leaders recognized the Island’s potential, and in 2003 the federal government sold most of the Island to the people of New York for one dollar. Today, the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) oversees 150 acres of the Island, while the National Park Service manages the balance, the 22-acre Governors Island National Monument which includes two 1812-era forts.

GIPEC is the New York State agency in charge of preserving, maintaining, operating, and redeveloping the Island. Its mission is to bring Governors Island back to life. With funding provided 50/50 by New York City and New York State, GIPEC is working to make the Island a cherished destination with great new public open space, and a mix of educational, not-for-profit and commercial facilities.

The 172-acre Island is about 22 city-blocks long from tip to tip. The northern 92 acres of the Island are the Governors Island Historic District and are open to the public for picnics, tours, concerts, car-free biking, and more. The 80-acre non-historic South Island, full of decrepit barracks and warehouses, is currently closed, undergoing major demolition work and slated for redevelopment.

Governors Island by the Numbers:

• 172 acres total
• 102 landfill acres added to original island from subway excavations
• 92-acre National Historic Landmark District and New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission Historic District on North Island
• 3 historic fortifications
• 52 landmarked buildings totaling 1.4 million square feet
• 80 acres of non-historic land south of Division Road
• 3 working ferry docks
• More than 1,600 trees
• Closest point on land to the face of the Statue of Liberty

  Governors Island Is:

• A former military post, with roles in the Revolutionary War, and virtually every other major U.S. military engagement including the War of 1812, Civil War, both World Wars, and the Gulf War.
• A unique park-like setting minutes away from the financial capital of the world.
• A National Historic Landmark District featuring 18th century fortifications, pre-Civil War arsenal buildings, Victorian and Romanesque Revival housing, as well as early 20th century neo-classical architecture.

SOURCE: Governors Island