GOVERNORS ISLAND IS OPEN FOR VISITORS

Friday, Saturday and Sunday until October 12, 2008
Free Access and Guided and Self-guided Tours




Governors Island, the former U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army base located in Upper New York Bay just south of the tip of Manhattan is open to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday until October 12. The Coast Guard left the island in 1997, and the Federal Government returned Governors Island to New York City and New York State on January 31, 2003. The National Park Service offers guided tours of Governors Island and there is no charge for either the ferry or for the island tours. Tours start from Fort Jay at 11:25am, 1:25pm and 3:25pm. Visitors may also enjoy designated areas independently.

The free ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building, located to the left of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal at South and Whitehall streets hourly from 10am to 3pm. The return trips leave on the half hour from 10:30am to 4:30pm with a last departure at 5pm.

Areas are set aside for picnic facilities and recreation. New this year, several buildings are open to the public. Bicycles are permitted and a map is provided. Food and beverage vendors are also be available, including an outdoor cafe a ten-minute walk to the left of the ferry slip facing Brooklyn. You can also bring your own food but no alcohol is permitted.

A calendar of free public events, exhibitions and lectures is posted on the Governors Island website – including music, dance, film, Army heritage and Civil War history.

The part of the island that is open to the public includes all of the National Historic Landmark District with beautiful Neo-Classical and Victorian houses in leafy settings, impressive fortifications at Fort Jay and Castle Williams and superb views of Manhattan. On the tours, you will hear lots of good stories about the island's history dating back to the Dutch purchase from the Indians in 1637 to provide a residence for the governors. You will also hear about some of the plans for the island's future.

The island provides an excellent vantage point for photographing cruise ships docked just across Buttermilk Channel at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, container ships at the Red Hook Terminal, and ferry and other harbor moving through the Upper Bay.

Long-term plans for Governors Island have not yet been announced. For complete information, consult www.govisland.com

Transportation Access:
Subway: #1 to South Ferry (weekends use #2&3 and connecting bus from Chambers Street); #4/5 to Bowling Green; R to Whitehall Street.
Buses: M6/9/15 to South Ferry; M1 to South Ferry (weekdays only)
Staten Island Ferry: when leaving the boat, walk right.
For up-to-date information and service alteration advisories consult www.mta.info

Edited by Theodore W. Scull September 2008


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