Battery Park

Overview

The Battery (formerly Battery Park) is a 25-acre public park at the southern tip of Manhattan, the departure point for the Statue of Liberty ferries and home to spectacular harbor views.

Highlights

• Castle Clinton: A circular sandstone fort built in 1808, originally an island artillery battery, now serving as the ticket office for Statue of Liberty ferries.
• The SeaGlass Carousel: An unusual, beautifully designed aquatic-themed carousel where riders sit inside giant iridescent fish that spin and undulate.
• Harbor Views: Sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

History

The Battery has been continuously used as a public space since 1693. Castle Clinton served as a fort, an entertainment venue (where Jenny Lind performed), the first immigration station (before Ellis Island), and the New York Aquarium before becoming a national monument.

Visitor Tips

• Ferry Terminal: This is where you catch ferries to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Governors Island.
• Free Ferry: The Staten Island Ferry, departing from the adjacent Whitehall Terminal, offers free views of the Statue of Liberty from the water.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes.