Central Park Dark Secrets Guided Tour

Uncover the Dark Secrets of NYC’s Iconic Park!
Step beyond the picturesque paths and iconic landmarks of Central Park to uncover the shadowy stories hidden in its history. From the shady dealings that shaped its creation to tales of illicit behavior beneath its lush canopy, this tour reveals Central Park as you’ve never known it. Discover the dark underbelly of one of New York City’s most famous landmarks on this eye-opening guided experience.

Main Features

Scandalous Controversies: Uncover the shocking stories behind the park's controversial design and construction, including the secrets that led to its creation.

Notorious Crimes & Peculiar Misadventures: Dive into the bizarre and forgotten crimes and scandals that have stained Central Park’s reputation through the years.

After-Dark Intrigues: Hear about the intriguing and sometimes scandalous behavior that has sparked curiosity for generations, especially after the sun goes down.

Meeting Point

834 Fifth Avenue

834 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

The Arsenal is located in Central Park on 5th Avenue and East 64th Street. The meeting point is at the top of the steps leading down to the Arsenal.

What's included:

• English Guide
• English In person Guide

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

The Arsenal

64th St, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, New York City, 10065, New York

Guests will be told a brief history of Central Park,followed by the Arsenal, as regards its history of 19th century infamy and violence. The evictions of the Central Park area prior to its construction will also be addressed.

10 minutes

Central Park Zoo

East 64th Street, 5th Avenue, New York City, 10021, New York

Guests will discover the strange origins of the zoo and the arrests for indecency that occurred there.

5 minutes

Balto Statue

East Drive at 67th Street, New York City, 10024, New York

Guests will hear about the controversy regarding the city's first dog statue as well as scandalous stories relating to other Central Park statues.

15 minutes

Rumsey Playfield

East Side at 71st Street, New York City, New York

Guests will hear about the quarrels relating to the Wisteria Pergola and the prohibition nightclub that used to exist in Central Park.

7 minutes

Bethesda Terrace

Mid-Park at 72nd Street, New York City, 10021, New York

Guests will hear about the scandalous affair of Jacob Wrey Mould, the unsung third designer of Central Park, and the history of crime and vandalism that ultimately became the catalyst for the Central Park Conservancy.

10 minutes

Sheep Meadow

1802 65th St, New York City, 11204-3812, New York

Guests will learn about Central Park's "Hooverville" settlement during the Great Depression as well as Sheep Meadow's protest and demonstration history.

10 minutes

Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial

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

Guests will hear about a gruesome murder connected with Strawberry Fields that intersects with class and subculture.

10 minutes

The San Remo

145 Central Park W, New York City, 10023-6296, New York

Guests will discover the curious interconnecting history of Central Park-related accidents, stunts, and suspicious deaths.

10 minutes

Natural History Museum

Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Guests will hear about a notorious park-adjacent heist and another tale concerning a witness protection incident gone horribly wrong.

10 minutes

The Ramble

79th St Transverse, , New York City, 10024, New York

Guests will discover the "cruising" history of the Ramble, the nighttime incidents, the police raids, and the films and TV shows that this activity inspired.

10 minutes