Located on a prominent rock outcrop in Central Park’s North Woods, the Blockhouse is a stone structure that was part of a fortification system built to defend New York from the British during the War of 1812. It is the oldest surviving building in the park. Park designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux highlighted the scenic value of the structure, treating it as a picturesque ruin and promoting it as a destination in the North Woods. Today, visitors to the park enjoy its scenic surroundings without access to the inside. The Central Park Conservancy is happy to partner with Open House New York and provide access to its interior, with guides on-site to provide interpretive details. Access is limited to 10 people at a time, first-come-first-served.
Located on a prominent rock outcrop in Central Park’s North Woods, the Blockhouse is a stone structure that was part of a fortification system built to defend New York from the British during the War of 1812. It is the oldest surviving building in the park. Park designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux highlighted the scenic value of the structure, treating it as a picturesque ruin and promoting it as a destination in the North Woods. Today, visitors to the park enjoy its scenic surroundings without access to the inside. The Central Park Conservancy is happy to partner with Open House New York and provide access to its interior, with guides on-site to provide interpretive details.
Access is limited to 10 people at a time, first-come-first-served.
The Blockhouse is an historic structure and is not ADA accessible. Depending on where visitors enter the park, they can encounter steps and steep inclines. The immediate area surrounding the Blockhouse is not paved but wood chipped. There are some steps to access the low, narrow entrance to the Blockhouse. Visitors must duck to step inside. Restrooms are available nearby.
Looking for a place to grab a bite or a drink while you’re exploring? Check out The Infatuation’s top Harlem picks.
Bloomberg Connects: Additional expert-curated content, including video and audio guides for this location, is available on Bloomberg Connects, the free app that connects people to arts and culture at any time, from anywhere. Explore more
Built in 1814, incorporated into the design of Central Park by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux
Central Park Blockhouse, near West 109th Street
Enter at Central Park North (110th St) and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, New York, NY 10026
More to Explore
Upper East Side, Manhattan
Tribeca, Manhattan
Chelsea, Manhattan
