The National Park Service invites you to Experience Your America at Governors Island National Monument. Governors Island provides unparalleled recreational and educational opportunities right in the middle of New York Harbor. Have a picnic, ride a bike, and learn about America’s story, all for free!
Established in 2003.
After serving the public in a military capacity since 1755, Governors Island’s long military tenure finally ended in 1996 when the US Coast Guard vacated the island. In 2003, control of the island was handed to both the City and State of New York as well as the National Park Service. The National Park Service administers 22 of the 172 acres of Governors Islands, including historic Fort Jay and Castle Williams. After years of renovations, Castle Williams will finally re-open to the public in its entirety on May 26, 2012.