Prospect Park Tour: Historical and Environmental Exploration
5.0
25 Ratings
Brooklyn
Discover the rich history and environmental wonders of Prospect Park on this engaging 2-hour guided walking tour. Learn about restoration efforts and explore key landmarks with behind-the-scenes access.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch - Tours begin on the front steps of the Brooklyn Public Library Central Library, located at 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238. The nearest subway stations are at Grand Army Plaza (2,3) and 7th Av (B,Q).
What's Included
  • Knowledgeable and engaging tour guide
Additional Information

Join us for an insightful 2-hour walking tour of Prospect Park hosted by Turnstile Tours and delve into the park’s rich history, ongoing restoration, ecological preservation, current cultural and recreational programs. In this interactive venture, see how Prospect Park has transformed over the years, from being the brainchild of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux to its current use. Starting from Grand Army Plaza, we guide you through several key natural and historical landmarks of the park, notably, Long Meadow, the ingeniously crafted LeFrak Center at Lakeside, and the Ravine, Brooklyn’s biggest natural forest. The tour also includes exclusive backstage access to historical sites and features in the park.

Turnstile Tours conducts these tours on behalf of Prospect Park Alliance, a non-profit body that nurtures, rejuvenates, and promotes the park in cooperation with the city of New York.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. This tour operates rain or shine and involves walking 2 miles/ 3.2 kilometers on foot with a few stops that have places to sit down.
  • A 10% gratuity for your tour guide is not included but is culturally appropriate and appreciated if you enjoy your tour experience.
  • With advance notice, this tour can accommodate a wheelchair- and stroller-friendly route. Please contact the company with at least one week’s notice.
Location
10 Grand Army Plz
Grand Army Plaza
Prospect Park Tours Directions: Tours begin on the front steps of the Brooklyn Public Library Central Library, located at 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238. The nearest subway stations are at Grand Army Plaza (2,3) and 7th Av (B,Q).
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(25 Ratings)
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Esalete_p
Nov 28, 2023
Birthday Celebration - Prospect Park Tour - Wanted to do something different for my birthday so I booked this tour for a group of family & friends. Our guide Corrine was amazing and full of enthusiasm. She made the tour fun and such a great learning experience. Corrine not only provided interesting facts about Prospect Park but also made it interactive by asking us questions & taking questions. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
E2613damaureenm
Jun 7, 2023
A wonderful introduction to Prospect Park's history and beauty - What a wonderful tour, giving us a good overview of much of the park! The route was comfortable (not many uphills) and well-paced--the perfect balance between seeing a lot of the highlights and being able to pause to absorb the beauty of the park. Corinne was our delightful tour guide, knowledgeable and personable. Our group included both newcomers and frequent visitors to the park; we all learned about the history of the park as well as future plans. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alan
May 8, 2023
A wonderful tour of Prospect Park! - What a wonderful and informative tour! Corrine ( sorry if I mispelled it) was informative and friendly to all who participated in the tour. There was lots of insight on the history of the park including future developments going on. We were provided with alot of history which included many photos and maps of the park. I never knew that the original park was not supposed to be where it is today. We look forward to taking more tours with Turnstyle Tours in the future
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judsonr306
Jul 5, 2022
Delightful and informative walking tour in a great urban oasis - It was a hot day, but our Guide Doug kept us in the shade as much as he could and kept up a steady stream of information without overwhelming us. Would recommend this tour to anyone, especially if Doug is the guide! Anne Blake/Jud Rogers, Nashville, TN
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dinast100
Jun 26, 2022
A Wonderful Introduction to Prospect Park! - Doug was a wonderful tour guide. We covered a lot of ground (literally!) including the less-seen parts of Prospect Park-- a waterfall and stream and the site of the original carousel. We learned a lot about the park's history. He had lots of photos from the park's past and stories about its past and present state. I left with a real feel for what makes the park special. Thanks for a wonderful morning at Prospect Park!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V276kepauld
May 1, 2022
Prospect Park tour - We really enjoyed Turnstile's Prospect Park tour with tour guide Doug. Lots of informative background along with interpretations of the goals and methods of Olmsted and Vaux were supplemented with Doug's always-at-hand notebook of historic photos, newspaper clippings and maps. We will look to do more of the NYC tours with Turnstile on future visits.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melissa
Apr 25, 2022
Perfect Day!!!! - Doug took our family through Prospect Park for a private tour. I can't say enough great things about this experience. Andrew made the logistics so easy and Doug made the tour magical. We were a mix of out of towners, environmentalists, OG NYC, and Brooklynites that live around the corner. The tour was engaging to all of us. We are so grateful to Turnstile Tours for the perfect day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Theresavib
Nov 24, 2021
Great Experience - Doug was an excellent guide. We are two local New Yorkers that were curious to learn more about our city and Doug did not disappoint! He was extremely knowledgable and was able to answer very random questions we had about the tour (Prospect Park). He was personable and funny as well. We plan to schedule another one of his tours with him in the future. This is a fun activity for all ages and great to get steps in as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cashinjr
Sep 13, 2021
Informative Experience - Truly enjoyed this walking tour through the history of Prospect Park. Andrew was a fountain of information on the Park's past, present and future. Despite being a life-long Brooklynite, I learned a great deal and highly recommend this tour to residents and visitors alike.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katie
Jun 22, 2021
You should do this - This was a very pleasant way to spend a morning. Douglas was our guide and I thought he did a great job and made it interesting. I'm glad we did it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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