One of the most popular outings in New York City is a trip to Governors Island. The 170-acre site in the center of New York Harbor was used for 200 years for military training purposes. Governors Island National Monument is located on the island.
It’s a 10-minute ferry ride from Manhattan and Brooklyn and offers miles of walking and biking opportunities, an urban farm, art installations, music festivals, a playground, interesting buildings, extraordinary views of New York City, New York Harbor, Brooklyn Bridge and More.
Mixing an eerie sense of history with an exciting sense of future possibilities, the island is being repurposed for the 21st century.
History of the island of the governors
The Lepanae Indians called it Paggnack and the Dutch called it Nutten Island when they bought it in 1624. It was a valuable source of food and timber for the Dutch settlers.
Its current name comes from the governors of the colonies who used the island as a kind of retreat. The name and recreational use of the island remained with the English who took control of New York Harbor.
Between 1794 and 1966, Governors Island served as a military post and an important Army command headquarters. It later served as the home of the Coast Guard’s Atlantic Area Command.
Governors Island was sold in 2003 and divided between the National Park Service, which oversees Governors Island National Monument, and the Trust for Governors Island.
As part of the first and second American fortification systems, Fort Jay and Castle Williams were erected on Governors Island between 1796 and 1811.
Reach the island of governors
From Brooklyn, you can take the ferry from the Fulton Ferry Landing in DUMBO every weekend and every Monday holiday from Memorial Day weekend to a few weeks after Labor Day (end date varies by year).
The boats leave from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. once an hour, with the last ferry returning to Brooklyn around 7 p.m.
From Manhattan, ferries run every day during the open season every hour between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and every 30 minutes on weekends between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Where to take the ferry to Governors Island
The ferry from Brooklyn departs from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, located at the foot of Atlantic Avenue (corner of Columbia Street). Take the 2,3,4 or 5 subway to Borough Hall; the A, C or F train to Jay Street / Borough Hall or the R train to Court Street. The B63 bus to Atlantic Avenue is also nearby.
From Manhattan, take the 1 train to South Ferry, the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green, or the R to Whitehall Street. The M9 and M15 buses also stop there.
Visit the Governors Island Ferry site for up-to-date information on ticket prices. New York residents should note that if you show them your New York ID, you can get a free ride on the ferry.
Governors Island Activities
Once you get to the island, there is no shortage of things to do. There are many food vendors, but there are also places to have a picnic if you prefer to bring your own snacks. Facilities are available to host parties, and there are concerts and family activities throughout the summer.
In June, Governors Island will host its annual fiction festival, a free 100% voluntary participatory art event. Projects throughout the summer of FIGMENT NYC include a mini-golf course and Pavilion titled “Cast and Place” on Governors Island! » Another favorite activity is the Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party, which takes place in July and sells out fairly quickly, so be sure to get tickets early. If you’ve ever wanted to spend time dressed as a 1920s flapper, this is your chance to take a trip back in time to Governors Island.
The island also hosts music festivals, a unicycle festival, and many other events. However, you don’t need a special event to enjoy Governors Island, you can have a picnic day on the island and take a bike ride. If you don’t have a bicycle. You can rent one on the island. If you have a bike, they are allowed on the ferry free of charge, or you can rent a bike when you get to the island.
Edited by Alison Lowenstein
