Mocking New York’s real estate developers in plain view from practically any downtown penthouse apartment, Governor’s Island sits at the southern tip of Manhattan, a colossal 175 acres of contempt for the ethos of excess. Returned to the city in 2003 after 200 years of Federal ownership, Governor’s Island is now managed by the National Park Service with no plans for commercial development. You would think we New Yorkers could expect more from a collaborative effort of a Republican White House, Republican Governor, and a Republican Mayor – perhaps a golf course or two, some condos along the harbor with docks for yachts, maybe a film studio or even a Disney theme park. But no, Governor’s Island is to be left alone, a beautiful uncorrupted waste of prime real estate.
Ferry Transport to Governors Island takes 7 minutes from lower Manhattan and tickets are $6. The ferry departs from the Battery Maratime Building located at 10 South Street at the corner of Whitehall Street right next to the Staten Island ferry terminal. Note: The Battery park maritime building is in Battery Park and the ferry does not depart from the same location as the Staue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry.
Guided tours by the park service are available Mon-Sat. Check here for details