The Easiest Way To Get Away
Governors Island is a 172 acre island in the heart of New York Harbor. It’s only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan, and even closer to Brooklyn. It is a world unto itself, unique and full of promise.
What’s Happening
Become a Governors Island Founding Member Today!
Our brand new membership program offers you the opportunity to join our growing community. You'll get special insider access while your support will help care for our lush landscapes, create more free public programming, and ensure the Island remains a vibrant shared space for all. See membership levels.
Latest Blog Posts
Summer Solstice, Kayaking, Meditation, Music, and More: What's New on GI This Weekend
June 22, 2017
Experience Governors Island like never before! This weekend Governors Island features several special events in addition to its usual activities. Take advantage of the extended Island hours as we celebrate the Summer Solstice on Friday, June 23rd. Over the weekend, focus your mind and body with Meditation Summer. Be prepared to get wet as we introduce the Island's newest activity for the season - kayaking! Commemorate classical contemporary music with the Rite of Summer Music Festival.
Special Events
Pinknic, Saturday-Sunday,...
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Governors Island Fun Fact: What's a "Soissons"?
June 22, 2017
Pictured: Secretary of War George Dern arrives at Soissons Dock, Governors Island in 1934. Photo via the 16th Infantry AssociationGovernors Island fans know Soissons Landing as the place where the Coursen and Waterways Ferries drop off their visitors every weekend. And while Island history aficionados may know of its original use as a military base for over two centuries, very few know the story behind the name “Soissons”. So who, what, or where, is a Soissons?As it turns out, Soissons...
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Visit our new Welcome Center!
June 21, 2017
We are excited to announce the opening of our new Welcome Center! Located behind the Welcome wall to the left of the Manhattan ferry landing, the Welcome Center serves as the information hub for Governors Island. Stop by to learn about all the activities the Island has to offer, including special programming and events for the day. Our friendly Visitor Services team is there to help. Made up of high school interns from our Harbor Internship Program and volunteers, our...
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Ready, set, go wild!
June 12, 2017
On Saturday, June 17, the first ever Nature Day Scavenger Hunt, organized and hosted by The Nature Conservancy in New York , is coming to Governors Island! This scavenger hunt, suitable for all ages, will challenge you to navigate a trail of tricky clues and puzzles across the island, where you will learn about the power of nature and the benefits it provides places like New York City. Whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned visitor of Governors Island, this is the...
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World Ocean Festival Calls Climate Action Heroes to Governors Island on June 4
June 2, 2017
World Ocean Festival Calls Climate Action Heroes to New York’s Governors Island on June 4Supporters of the #ParisAgreement, Climate Activists and Ocean Lovers to March on New York’s Waterways and Governors Island for @WorldOceanFest June 4, 2017, supporters of united action against Climate Change and in the pursuit of the global Sustainable Development Goals including ocean-focused Sustainable Development Goal 14 will take to the waterways of New York Harbor and to the shores of Governors Island to send a message to...