Exploring Central Park North w/ Rare Access Inside 200-Year-Old Fort Ruins

Landmarks like Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge get most of the attention in Central Park, but perched high in the woods on the northern end of the park sits a historic building that most don't even know exist — an abandoned 200-year-old fort that once protected New York from a possible second British invasion. Why was this fort built where it was, and what other secrets are hiding in plain sight throughout the area? Now's your chance to uncover the history and story of Central Park North and unlock the gate to the park's oldest building.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the northern end of Central Park with a private trip inside Blockhouse No. 1, a rugged stone structure built in 1814 that is the park's oldest building, and only remaining fortification built to defend against the British during the War of 1812.

Led by an Urban Park Ranger, our unique experience will include:

• An overview of Central Park, from why the New York State legislature allowed for the creation of an 843-acre park on Manhattan island, to how the Central Park Conservancy successfully restored the park to its former glory after decades of neglect
• A guided walk through the northern section of Central Park to see and learn about significant landmarks including the old Central Park boathouse and North Woods
• Private access inside the ruins of Blockhouse No. 1 to see up close how the two-story bunker would have operated in the War of 1812, had the British invaded New York

Click here to see pictures from one of our last trips through Central Park North.

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking — route includes periods of wooded terrain and an ascent up a hill

**Access into the blockhouse No. 1 require ascending several steps and crouching through a waist-high gate

Testimonials

" I liked getting to go inside the Blockhouse and having rangers give the tour." -Stephanie

" I liked seeing a part of Central Park that I haven't really been able to explore." -Katy

"The rangers did a really good job adjusting the tour. The weather was rainy, but they still made the tour fun and enjoyable. The provided the right amount of information; it was engaging and moved at a very good pace. It was a great tour. It was very enjoyable and was a good value." -Evan

" The rain could not dampen the spirit of the guides! I learned so many new things about Central Park. The guides were really great, knowledgeable and informative." -Saskia

"Informative and interesting" -Shalom

"Information about how the north end of Central Park was acquired and developed, especially useful data about the man A.H. Green who was behind most of the planning and execution." -Hanson

"The Urban Park Rangers were very knowlegable and the route was decent. Nice hike" -Patrick

"The forest rangers were friendly and knowledgeable. I'm a native NYer and I love walking and discovering new things I haven't seen before." -Ida

"Park rangers leading the tour made it worthwhile." -Barry

"Nice Nature walk, Learnt new facts about Central Park, Urban Rangers and the old Fort" -Matthew

"Beautiful area and lots of fascinating information" -Gardiner

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By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club