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Bridge over dry moat leading into a gated fort. Photo: NPS photo / Michael B. Shaver

Governors Island National Monument

National Monument · New York

From 1794 to 1966, the U.S.

Plan your visit Directions
  • LocationNew York, NY
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • HoursClosed
  • Weather now74°F Overcast
  • Alerts 1 active alert

Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S.

Coast Guard from 1966 to 1996, continuing its legacy of national service. Today, Governors Island has transformed into a destination for art, culture, and public programs.

Topics
  • American Revolution
  • American Revolutionary War
  • Architecture and Building
  • Civil War
  • Coastal Defenses
  • Forts
  • Incarceration
  • Jails and Prisons
7 more topics
  • Maritime
  • Maritime - Military
  • Military
  • Monuments and Memorials
  • US Army
  • US Coast Guard
  • Wars and Conflicts
Front of sandstone brick fort with arched entrance way.
Castle Williams at Governors Island National Monument was constructed in 1811 and was a pioneering design in American fortifications. — NPS photo / Katherine Moscowitch

Alerts (1)

InformationFort Jay front gate only — Temporary Closure. The FRONT GATE of Fort Jay is temporarily closed to all. The fort is currently open to visitation Wednesday thru Sunday… Read more

The FRONT GATE of Fort Jay is temporarily closed to all. The fort is currently open to visitation Wednesday thru Sunday 10am to 4pm. Access to the fort will be via the western or rear sallyport.

Things to Do

10 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.

A park ranger talking to a group of visitors inside a large stone room in a fort.
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. — NPS photo / Katherine Moscowitch

Facilities & Services

Find tours, tickets and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Tours & Tickets

  • Governors Island National Monument Tours

    Ticket Facility

    A Silent Sentinel in New York Harbor From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army on Governors Island was part of the social, political, and economic tapestry of New York City…

    Book tickets on Recreation.gov 10 South Street, New York, NY (212) 825-3054

    Details
    A Silent Sentinel in New York Harbor From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army on Governors Island was part of the social, political, and economic tapestry of New York City. Today, the island is a vibrant summer seasonal 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, May 1st thru Oct 31st

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Closed · Fort Jay Winter

Hours by area (4)
  • Fort Jay WinterClosed

    Fort Jay will be closed for the winter. It will re-open in April

    MondayClosed
    TuesdayClosed
    WednesdayClosed
    ThursdayClosed
    FridayClosed
    SaturdayClosed
    SundayClosed
  • Fort JayToday: 10:00AM - 4:00PM

    The Fort Jay court yard displays, magazine, and ravelin, are open in Summer, Wednesday through Sunday 10am until 4pm

    MondayClosed
    TuesdayClosed
    Wednesday10:00AM - 4:00PM
    Thursday10:00AM - 4:00PM
    Friday10:00AM - 4:00PM
    Saturday10:00AM - 4:00PM
    Sunday10:00AM - 4:00PM
  • Castle Williams winterClosed

    Castle Williams will be closed this winter and will re-open in the spring

    MondayClosed
    TuesdayClosed
    WednesdayClosed
    ThursdayClosed
    FridayClosed
    SaturdayClosed
    SundayClosed
  • Castle WilliamsToday: 10:00AM - 4:00PM

    Castle Williams is open in Summer, Wednesday through Sunday 10am until 4pm.

    MondayClosed
    TuesdayClosed
    Wednesday10:00AM - 4:00PM
    Thursday10:00AM - 4:00PM
    Friday10:00AM - 4:00PM
    Saturday10:00AM - 4:00PM
    Sunday10:00AM - 4:00PM

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Weather

74°F
Overcast · feels like 74°
  • Today 75° 63°
    Overcast
    20% rain
  • Tomorrow 86° 65°
    Overcast
    64% rain
  • Saturday 74° 61°
    Overcast
    6% rain

Updated 4 hr ago

What to expect by season

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.

Contact the park

Photos

  • Manhattan Skyline stands behind the barracks of Fort Jay
    History frames our understanding of the present — NPS Photo / Sierra Willoughby
  • Canon and Manhattan Skyline from top of castle

Getting There

Governors Island, New York Harbor
New York, NY 10004-1921

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.

Full directions

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.

Get directions NPS directions Official NPS site

Mailing address: 10 South Street, New York, NY 10004-1921

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