Secret Places of Central Park
Description
Experience secret Central Park locations that only a true New York City historian can help you find. Visit some of Central Park's least-trafficked, truly historic, and most scenic locations above 100th Street. Discover the history of Central Park and its designers, find out what was there before, "hike" through Central Park's man-made "Adirondack Mountain" scenery, visit Revolutionary War and War of 1812 fort areas, see the stunning Conservatory Garden, the recently completed Davis Center, and so much more. This very fascinating, educational, and entertaining tour is conducted by a historian and licensed New York City tour guide with over 25 years of experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We start off with the history of the park including the designers, why the park was built, when it was built, how it was built. We'll start the walk along the path and the rolling terrain of The Pool area. You'll also visit the secret Grotto waterfall and understand its purpose...........Keep in mind that there are many SECRET PLACES that are not listed here!
As we leave the Pool area, you'll walk through this sensational stone arch designed in the 1860s. Nothing prepares you for the scenery that you'll see when you pass through this high arch.
Visit the manmade Adirondack Mountain scenery of the spectacular North Woods and leave the hustle and jar of New York City. We'll walk along The Ravine of Central Park. You'll see a waterfall, rustic bridges of stone and wood and be surrounded by trees and the sounds of birds.
Get a great view of this body of water from one of the forts.
Walk along this beautiful body of water in the North Woods.
Visit this War of 1812 fortification.
See the latest addition to Central Park, the Davis Center, at times a swimming pool, skating rink, and Harlem oval.
Hear about the most important person in the history of New York that you haven't heard about.
Visit all three serene French, English and Italian formal gardens built in the 1930s.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Tours go out in rain, snow and shine. There are no cancellations or rescheduling for rain or snow within 24 hours of the start of the tour.
- The tour is approximately 3.25 miles and takes about 2.5 hours. You should be in good physical shape; there is uneven terrain, unpaved trails, rocks, some steep (but short) hills on dirt and mulch, uneven stairs and potentially slippery areas. It is essential that you dress appropriately and wear suitable shoes.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Some locations may not be open or accessible depending on weather conditions and/or park closings.
- Visit RevolutionaryToursNYC . com web site for additional dates and times.
Reviews(77)
Great tour! Our guide Bruce has amazing knowledge of Central Park. Tour was very informative and interesting.
Many thanks for your review of the Central Park tour! There's so much to know about the park, and I'm so glad you found it very informative and interesting. I hope to see you again on another tour soon. Thanks again, Bruce
Bruce was a fantastic tour guide on the Secrets of Central Park. This is the second tour we have been on with Bruce and he did not disappoint. Bruce shared so many great sights and interesting stories and information about Central Park that gave us insight into the park that we would have never had. Bruce showed us parts of the park that most people don’t know about. If you want to have a great time and a greater appreciation for the park then this tour is for you.
I thank you very much for taking the "Secret Places of Central Park" tour as your second tour. Yes, there are so many fascinating places in the park that most people never see, and history that most do not learn about. Thank you also for your recommendation. I hope to see you again for another tour soon. Bruce
After a wonderful Saturday afternoon on Bruce’s “Hamilton & Washington” walking tour, I eagerly anticipated his “Central Park: Secret Places” tour—and I was delighted that I joined. While many walking tours concentrate on the southern edge of Central Park, this experience highlights the northern edge, a more naturalistic and often overlooked part of this historic park. It was eye‑opening to learn about the park’s lesser‑known history while discovering hidden gems such as the Huddlestone Arch and the granite bench dedicated to Andrew Haswell Green. This tour is highly recommended for anyone seeking a more serene side of the city, a chance to step away from the daily hustle, and the opportunity to enjoy rich historical narratives delivered by a professional historian.
Thank you for taking the Secret Places of Central Park tour through the park's northern landscape. Yes, it is very serene in that section. I'm so pleased you remembered the oft-forgotten Andrew Haswell Green! I appreciate you taking another tour and for your recommendation. It was my pleasure to share the history and scenery with you. Bruce
Bruce was the best! He obviously has a wealth of knowledge and passion for NY Central Park history! This tour is totally worth it!
Thank you so much. It was fantastic sharing Central Park with you. Enthusiastic guests like you inspire me. Please come back again soon. Bruce
I am a first time tour goer! I was reluctant as I even a resident NY'er. This was recommended to me by a huge NYC tour friend, and she was 100 percent correct. I have learned- Bruce is no ordinary tour guide. He is super enthusiastic, super knowledgable, kind and fun! I love Nature, and he blended the history with the "secret tips " of NY's Central Park. There was so much I did not know. This is fun for dates, families, solo people. We had the kindest group where we all got to know each other a bit. A secret tip about your tour guide- when Jimmy Fallon wants a private tour of this family, he requests Bruce. That should give you an idea. This is no ordinary experience. You leave with little gifts, both literally and spirtually!
It's always wonderful to have New Yorkers on the tour. Thank you for listening to your friend and taking the Secret Places of Central Park tour. I appreciated your enthusiasm for the park's scenery, history, and spirituality. I hope to see you again soon for another tour. Thanks again, Bruce
We began our 10-day trip to NYC with a noon tour of Secret Places of Central Park with Bruce. It was the perfect introduction to the park and the city itself. The tour was endlessly fascinating. Bruce is a historian by training and a lifelong New Yorker—his passion for the park was infectious. The tour grounded our stay—we made a couple trips back to Central Park simply to "unbend the mind" and experience nature (or, as Bruce pointed out many times, "natural-ISM"). Through the tour I've come to view the park as a national treasure. If New York is the big apple, the park is its core. Bruce's knowledge of the park is encyclopedic, but his presentation was always easy-going and entertaining. Bruce rocks (or, more appropriately, schists)!
I'm so pleased that the great Manhattan schist of Central Park, and the park itself, grounded your stay in the city. Yes, the park—with its bedrock of schist—certainly is the core of the city in more ways than one. It was so enjoyable sharing the park and its history with you both, and I'm pleased that you found time to return multiple times. Thank you for your complimentary words. I hope to see you again on your next trip. All the best, Bruce
Bruce was a phenomenal tour guide! He is extremely knowledgeable about the history of Central Park, and New York history at large! Well prepared and able to easily respond to spontaneous inquiry with enthusiasm and warmth.
Thank you for taking the Central Park tour and for your wonderful review. I'm so glad you found it educational and you enjoyed the park's beautiful "secret" landscapes. I hope to see you again soon. Thanks again, Bruce
Bruce is a great, knowledgeable tour guide. The hike through upper Central Park was amazing and full of historical background that we never could have learned on our own.
I'm so glad that you enjoyed the Secret Places of Central Park tour and discovering the little-known landscapes and history. Thank you for taking it and I hope to see you again soon! Bruce
Our tour guide, Bruce, was fantastic. He was extremely knowledgeable and was wonderful with my grandchildren. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Central Park.
Thank you for taking the Secret Places of Central Park tour, for your review, and for your recommendation. I'm so glad you and your wonderful grandchildren enjoyed it. I hope to see you all again on another tour. Bruce
Maybe the best walking tour ever. Bruce was super smart and personable. Learned a ton. Benn yo park for my whole life but saw new places and have a new appreciation of its splendor. Highly recommend.
I am super grateful for your review of the Secret Places of Central Park tour and your recommendation. I'm glad you've discovered new aspects and areas to appreciate. I hope to see you on another tour soon. Thanks very much, Bruce
