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National Monument · New York

Governors Island National Monument

National Monument in New York. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Monument
StateNew York
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkShenandoah (275 mi)
Closest airportEWR (8 mi)
Bridge over dry moat leading into a gated fort.
An early spring morning view of Fort Jay. The gate house is the oldest structure on Governors Island dating back to 1794. Photo: NPS photo / Michael B. Shaver

Governors Island National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in New York.

In the park service’s words

From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. 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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Fort Jay self Guided Walk (30 Minutes): A self-guided walking tours of one of the oldest Forts on Governors Island, open Mid-April until November, Fort Jay is closed in winter

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee. Parking: The National Park Service does not charge a fee to visit Governors Island, but the island is only accessible by ferry.

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

Getting there

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. 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.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Newark, NJ No road route 8 Large hub
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) New York, NY No road route 10 Large hub
Teterboro Airport (TEB) Teterboro, NJ No road route 11 Regional

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Weather

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Shenandoah, about 275 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Governors Island National Monument?

No entrance fee.

Where is Governors Island National Monument?

In New York. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Newark Liberty International Airport, about 8 miles away.

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