New York Central Park Historical Walking Tour

In this central park tour, your host, Garrett, will carve a path through the parks history and legacy, passing and observing the most beloved features of the park along the way.
You will gain insight into how the park was created, who created it, why they created it, and who they thought we would be in relationship to it.

We will come to realize that the park is "living history" and that our respect for it is as important as is the rain for the well being of its 25,000 trees.

in addition to all the learning will be remarkable photographic opportunities, fun and sincere conversation, and a perspective you cannot get from a guide book.

Meeting Point

Grand Army Plaza

Grand Army Plaza, New York, NY 10019, USA

This is the northwest corner of 5th avenue and 59th st directly in front of the big gold statue of William T. Sherman on a horse.
The fastest way by train is to take the N, Q, R or W train to 59th/5th.

Other nearby stations include the F train to 57th st, or the 4, 5, or 6 train to 59th

What's included:

• Guide will be carrying a beacon, usually an umbrella, that will help prevent getting lost

What to expect:

Duration: between 2 hours and 2 hours, 15 minutes

The Plaza

768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA

Just beside our meeting point, the tour will begin with a detailed history of the plaza and the space surrounding it, as well as residents of note, its controversial ownership history, and the memorable films that have helped secure its iconic reputation

Pass by without stopping

Wollman Rink

830 5th Ave, New York City, 10065-7001, New York

The entry to the Central Park Children's district. Guests will learn of the history and importance of the childrens district and all of its features beyond the Wollman rink alone.

Pass by without stopping

The Dairy Visitor Center and Gift Shop

E 65th St, New York, NY 10065, USA

Part of the Childrens District, we will see the newly Rennovated Dairy among other features that were once the ultimate refuge for the crowded city's children

15 minutes

Central Park's Literary Walk

66th St To 72nd St, Central Park, New York City, 10022, New York

The only straight line designed within the entire 843 acre park, the poets walk was intended to foster among the public an enthusiasm for scholastic and literary enterprise. As we walk through, we will come to recognize it immediately from so many movies and tv shows. In any weather or time of the year, it is by design meant to be the most populated section of the park, and where we are likely to see the most musicians, art vendors, sketch-artists, magicians, bubble-blowers, and countless other activities

15 minutes

Bethesda Fountain

New York City, 10024, New York

Considered the grand centerpiece of the park, despite it not being even close to the parks center, many guests prefer to spend time here, capturing photos and congratulating the newly weds who almost guaranteed to be taking their wedding photos, or stopping to hear the church choir or opera singers who fill the space with much needed serenity.
Additionally I will provide bathroom opportunities and commentary on the history of the fountain and the space surrounding it.

10 minutes

Bow Bridge

74th Street, West of Bethesda Terrace, Connecting Cherry Hill and The Ramble, New York City, New York

From just beside the Bow Bridge at the Cherry Hill, guests will capture views of the San Remo cooperative apartments that are breathtaking in any weather.

5 minutes

Cherry Hill

Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, USA

This rest stop for horse carriages is often mistaken for being the fountain from the famed sitcom "friends," though is no less remarkable in its presence, especially in early spring during cherry blossom season.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial

717 Fifth Avenue, New York City, 10022, New York

The ending site of the tour, guests may choose to linger and listen to one of the many Beatles cover-musicians to frequent the space. -Yes, they will be there even in the rain.
Guests, before the tour's end, will come to understand not only what the universal message of the space, (where a portion of John Lennon's ashes were scattered) but what Yoko Ono's intentions were during its creation, as well as the United nations involvement in consummating its status as a monument to world peace.

10 minutes