Self-Guided Tour of Roosevelt Island's Tramway to FDR State Park

New To The Site! New York City, USA
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45 to 60 minutes (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

On this self-guided tour, you'll trace the history of this 'island of the unwanted' to a thriving community today. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Roosevelt Island.

Discover the fascinating history of Roosevelt Island, from a sliver of farmland off of Manhattan to the home of New York City’s unwanted: prisoners, the mentally ill, and those with contagious diseases. On this walking tour, I’ll show you the island’s southern end where I’ll unpack some of its complicated 400-year-long history.

Having grown up on Roosevelt Island, I love sharing the amazing history of this place and how it was transformed from the island of the unwanted into a thriving community. While you walk, you’ll see what’s left of its uncomfortable past and find out how hospitals and penitentiaries were replaced with the fabulous Southpoint Park, Cornell Tech facilities and Franklin D Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Roosevelt Island Tramway - Island station, W Main St, New York, NY 10044, USA

Take the Roosevelt Island Tramway at 59th St. and 2nd Ave to the Island. The tour begins once you get off the tram on the Island. Or you can take the F Train to Roosevelt Island and walk south to the tramway station.

End point

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Statue, P2XQ+WF, New York, NY 10044, USA

The tour ends at Franklin Delano Roosevelt Statue.

Description

Pass By: Roosevelt Island, Roosevelt Island, New York, NY 10044, USA

Gain a deeper understanding of Roosevelt Island's transformation from farmland to an area designated for the city’s unwanted populations, including prisoners and the mentally ill.

Pass By: Roosevelt Island Tramway - Island station, W Main St, New York, NY 10044, USA

Visit the tramway’s island station and learn about its significance in connecting the island to Manhattan and facilitating its development.

Pass By: Strecker Memorial Laboratory / CBG 603, Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044, USA

Pass by Strecker Memorial Laboratory, once a cutting-edge medical research facility and now a symbol of the island’s medical history.

Pass By: Smallpox Memorial Hospital, E Rd, New York, NY 10044, USA

Walk among the ruins of the Smallpox Memorial Hospital, the only ruin in the city listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and hear about its role in treating contagious diseases.

Pass By: Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park, 1 FDR Four Freedoms Park, 1 FDR Four Freedoms Park, New York, NY 10044, USA

Stroll through the expansive Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park, dedicated to FDR's famous Four Freedoms speech, and take in the magnificent bronze sculpture of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Pass By: Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island, New York, NY 10044, USA

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Southpoint Park, which represents the island's renewal and transformation into a community-friendly area with green spaces.

Pass By: Roosevelt Island Visitor Center Kiosk, New York, NY 10044, USA

Stop by the Roosevelt Island Visitor Center Kiosk for more information about the island’s history, current attractions, and future developments.

Pass By: FDR Hope Memorial, Roosevelt Island, New York, NY 10044, USA

End your tour at the FDR Hope Memorial, celebrating Franklin D. Roosevelt’s legacy and his message of hope and perseverance.

Read full description

What To Expect

  • Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
  • Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
  • Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
  • Duration: 45 to 60 minutes (Approx.)
  • Departure Time:
    Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
    Self-Guided Tour of Roosevelt Island's Tramway to FDR State Park
    6/25/2024 - 12/24/2025
    Monday - Sunday :12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
  • Return Details:

    Franklin Delano Roosevelt Statue, P2XQ+WF, New York, NY 10044, USA

What's Included

  • Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
  • The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup not offered
  • Smartphone and headphones (please bring your own)
  • Entrance fees
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What To Bring

  • Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
  • Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
  • A Smile!

Additional Info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-110804P754

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