Governors Island National Monument
Designation: National Monument
Location: New York
📘 Park Overview
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army on Governors Island was part of the social, political, and economic tapestry of New York City. It was home to the US Coast Guard from 1966 to 1996. Today, the island is a vibrant venue of art, culture, and performance against the backdrop of two centuries of military heritage and the skyline of one of the great cities of the world. The island is open to the public.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
An early spring morning view of Fort Jay. The gate house is the oldest structure on Governors Island dating back to 1794.
Credit: NPS photo / Michael B. Shaver
Castle Williams at Governors Island National Monument was constructed in 1811 and was a pioneering design in American fortifications.
Credit: NPS photo / Katherine Moscowitch
Ranger-led tours of Castle Williams show the pioneering features of fortification architecture that would be used in other masonry forts constructed in the 1800s.
Credit: NPS photo / Katherine Moscowitch
History frames our understanding of the present
Credit: NPS Photo / Sierra Willoughby
A civil war era canon sitting upon the top of Castle Williams juxtaposes the new and old, with the glimering shine of Manhattan in the background
Credit: NPS Photo / Sierra Willoughby
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Wednesday, May 6
Patchy rain nearby
High: 77.5°F | Low: 59°F
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 17.4 mph
Rain Chance: 92%
UV Index: 0.8
Sunrise: 05:49 AM
Sunset: 07:58 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (84%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 60.4°F
Cloud Cover: 92%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, May 7
Patchy rain nearby
High: 63.9°F | Low: 51.7°F
Humidity: 59%
Wind: 12.5 mph
Rain Chance: 87%
UV Index: 2.3
Sunrise: 05:48 AM
Sunset: 07:59 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (77%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 48.5°F
Cloud Cover: 87%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, May 8
Patchy rain nearby
High: 67.1°F | Low: 50.1°F
Humidity: 49%
Wind: 14.1 mph
Rain Chance: 86%
UV Index: 0.9
Sunrise: 05:46 AM
Sunset: 08:00 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (68%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 48.5°F
Cloud Cover: 86%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
Governors Island
New York Harbor
New York, NY 10004-1921
🏤 Mailing Address:
10 South Street
New York, NY 10004-1921
📞 Voice Phone: 2128253054
📞 Fax Phone: 6467719728
✉️ Email: GOIS_information@nps.gov