Governors Island

Governors Island is located in the heart of New York Harbor, off the lower tip of Manhattan, between the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn. The only way to get to Governors Island is via ferry.

For almost two centuries, Governors Island was a military base — home to the US Army and Coast Guard. Due to changing needs in operations, the Coast Guard closed and "mothballed" the Island in 1996. New York's leaders recognized the Island's potential, and in 2003 the federal government sold most of the Island to the people of New York for one dollar. Today, the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) oversees 150 acres of the Island, while the National Park Service manages the balance, the 22-acre Governors Island National Monument which includes two 1812-era forts.

GIPEC is the New York State agency in charge of preserving, maintaining, operating, and redeveloping the Island. Its mission is to bring Governors Island back to life. With funding provided 50/50 by New York City and New York State, GIPEC is working to make the Island a cherished destination with great new public open space, and a mix of educational, not-for-profit and commercial facilities.

The 172-acre Island is about 22 city-blocks long from tip to tip. The northern 92 acres of the Island are the Governors Island Historic District and are open to the public for picnics, tours, concerts, car-free biking, and more. The 80-acre non-historic South Island, full of decrepit barracks and warehouses, is currently closed, undergoing major demolition work and slated for redevelopment.

Rules and Regulations

1. The following are not permitted on Governors Island: pets, alcohol, controlled substances, weapons or explosives.
2. Visitors are also not permitted to cook on Governors Island or swim in New York Harbor.
3. Limited leisure bicycling is permitted only on designated paths and in designated areas of the Island. All bicyclists shall cycle at their own risk and comply with all of GIPEC's bicycle rules. Speed limits are enforced.
4. All visitors and packages are subject to search. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. GIPEC and its agents reserve the right to deny access to the Island at their discretion.
5. Fishing is permitted on Governors Island in the designated area along the western promenade. Fishing is catch and release ONLY.

For more information, please visit www.govisland.com.

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