Governors Island National Monument Opened for the Season on Saturday, May 30, 2009.

Public Access and Ranger-guided programs begin on that day.

A variety of National Park Ranger led programs, self-guided activities and lecture series are offered throughout the open season. Joining a park ranger or National Park volunteer is an excellent way to learn more about the history of Governors Island. For more information about ranger programs and other summer activities, call 212.825.3045 or visit www.nps.gov/gois throughout the season for the latest information.

Click here for Accessibility Information.

How to Visit:

There are opportunities to visit Governors Island National Monument Wednesday - Sunday only, the island is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, visits to the island can be accommodated through guided tours at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM only. This 1.5 hour walking tour provides an in-depth look at the National Historic Landmark District. 

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays you can take advantage of a variety of programming throughout the day.

Please see below for details.

What: National Historic Landmark District Walking Tour

Behind the façade of the island’s military structures, lie hidden courtyards and stately grounds resounding with echoes from the past. Join a National Park Ranger for this 1.5 hour walking tour experience to discover how the role of Governors Island evolved to meet the changing needs of New York City and the Nation.

When:  Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 3 - August 27.

Where and How:

• Tours of the National Historic Landmark District begin with a free ferry which departs from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 AM and 1 PM.
  
• Since tickets are limited to 40, and are distributed on a first come, first served basis, we suggest that you come an hour before the tour for your tickets.
  You can pick up your free tickets at the Battery Maritime Building beginning at 9 AM for the 10 AM departure or 12 PM for the 1 PM departure. 
  
• Groups of 10 or more, and school groups will need to make a reservation. School groups will be able to make reservations for the 10 AM program on Thursdays only. Please note, group tours are scheduled according to staff availability. These reservations will guarantee that your group will have tickets but not a private tour. Please contact the park at 212-825-3045 for more information.
  
• Please note, school groups and day camps may want to take advantage of our Friday Morning Summer Programs for Kids. Please see the Friday programming information below for more details.

Logistics:

• The 10 AM tour will return to Manhattan on the 12 PM ferry. The 1 PM tour will return to Manhattan on the 3 PM ferry.
  
• You will be with a National Park Ranger for the entire length of the visit. Opportunities to visit the island on your own are provided on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
  
• Since the tour covers 1.5 miles in 1.5 hours, rain or shine, we strongly recommend that you bring at least 1 quart (1 Liter) of water and a portable snack with you. Please dress for the weather.
  
• The tour route can be strenuous. Please call the National Park if you have concerns, 212-825-3045.

Visiting the Island on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays:

Visitors to the island will be able to tour areas of the National Historic Landmark District on their own and can choose from a variety of activities, such as guided introductory tours, living history events, children's programming, concerts, art exhibits, dances and lectures. There is also plenty of space to bring a picnic lunch and relax.

What:  Join a National Park Ranger or Volunteer for a 45-minute program.

When:  Friday - Sunday, May 30 - August 30

Programs are offered at 10:25, 11:25, 12:25, 1:25, 2:25 and 3:25.

Introductory Walking Tours

Join a National Park Ranger for this 45 minute walking tour experience to discover how the role of Governors Island evolved to meet the changing needs of New York City and the Nation.

When:  10:25, 12:25, 2:25

Where:  Tours will meet at Soisson's Dock at the top of the hill.

Ranger's Choice

Meet with a National Park Ranger for a 45 minute special program that will examine an aspect of the Governors Island story in depth.

Topics may include...

"Life of a Soldier"

“The Battle for New York and Governors Island”

“Prisoners of War”

“The Women’s Army Corps: A Brief History of Female Pioneers in the Army”

“Faugh a Ballagh - The Irish in Union Blue 1840 - 1865”

When:  11:25, 1:25, 3:25

Where: Tours will meet at Soisson's Dock at the top of the hill.

Or, bring your children, school or day camp groups on Friday mornings for special programming.

What:  Friday Morning Summer Programs for Kids at Governors Island National Monument.

When:  Friday mornings from 10:15 AM - 1:00 PM (last program ends at 1 PM), June 12 - August 14

Join National Park Service Rangers for kid-friendly programs which run continually beginning at 10:15 with the final program ending at 1 PM. Children will have the opportunity to meet with National Park Rangers, or any array of "guests" from the past such as a Union Soldier, a member of the Women's Army Corps, a Confederate Prisoner or a middle class lady from 1863. Programs are free and do not require tickets or reservations.

Where:  Meet at Fort Jay as soon as you disembark from the ferry.

Special Events Saturdays and Sundays:

Living History Events

National Park Service Lecture Series

Nature Program for Kids - Get to Know the Birds in Your Backyard

Full Event Schedule for the 2009 Season

OR

You may tour areas of the Historic District on your own and at your own pace. Stop by the bookstore to pick up your free "Self-guided Walking Tour."

Don't forget to check with a Park Ranger or Volunteer for other on-island activities. You can contact us at our bookstores, on-island, at www.nps.gov/gois or 212-825-3045.

Logistics - Ferry Schedule for Fridays: 

• The ferry will leave lower Manhattan every hour on the hour at 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM and 3 PM.
  
• The ferry will return to Manhattan every hour on the half hour at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM with a final clearing boat at 5 PM.

Logistics - Ferry Schedule for Saturdays and Sundays:

• The ferry will leave lower Manhattan every hour on the hour at 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM and 5 PM
  
• The ferry will return to Manhattan every hour on the half hour at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM with a final clearing boat at 7 PM.

Please note, food vendors are available Fridays - Sundays. There is no ATM service on Governors Island.

2009 Fall Programming Schedule:  This schedule will begin on September 5, 2009.

Experience the Rich History of Governors Island on Fridays - Sundays for Yourself!

Availability:

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
September 4 - October 11 (last open day of the 2009 Season).

Behind the façade of the Island’s military structures, lie hidden courtyards and stately grounds resounding with echoes from the past.

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays offer opportunities for you to explore the National Historic Landmark District on your own and at your own pace.

Stop by the bookstore to pick up your free "Self-guided Walking Tour."

-or-

Join a Park Ranger for free programs (walking tour, special lecture, or other activities) within areas of the historic district.

Programs are offered at:
11:25 AM, 1:25 PM and 3:25 PM

Additional programming may be available as staffing permits. Check with a Park Ranger at the bookstore for the day's offerings or call the park at 212-825-3045.

Logistics Ferry Schedule (Fridays - Sundays):

The Governors Island Ferry leaves from the Battery Maritime Building.

Governors Island is closed on Mondays - Thursdays.

Fridays

The ferry left lower Manhattan every hour on the hour at:

10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM and 3 PM.

The ferry returned to Manhattan every hour on the half hour at:

10:30 AM, 11:30AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM and 4:30 PM with a final clearing boat at 5 PM.

Saturdays and Sundays

The ferry left lower Manhattan every hour on the hour at:

10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM and 5 PM.

The ferry returned to Manhattan every hour on the half hour at:

10:30 AM, 11:30AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM, 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM with a final clearing boat at 7 PM.