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Central Park Secret Locations: Historian-Led Tour
5.0
59 Ratings
New York
Uncover the hidden gems of Central Park on a historian-led tour. Explore secret locations, learn about the park's history, visit Revolutionary War forts, and discover stunning gardens.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- The Pool - We start off with the history of the park including the designers, why the park was built, when it was built, how it was built. We’ll start the walk along the path and the rolling terrain of The Pool area. You’ll also visit the secret Grotto waterfall and understand its purpose………..Keep in mind that there are many SECRET PLACES that are not listed here!
- Glen Span Arch - As we leave the Pool area, you’ll walk through this sensational stone arch designed in the 1860s. Nothing prepares you for the scenery that you’ll see when you pass through this high arch.
- The Ravine - Visit the manmade Adirondack Mountain scenery of the spectacular North Woods and leave the hustle and jar of New York City. We’ll walk along The Ravine of Central Park. You’ll see a waterfall, rustic bridges of stone and wood and be surrounded by trees and the sounds of birds.
- Harlem Meer - Get a great view of this body of water from one of the forts.
- The Loch - Walk along this beautiful body of water in the North Woods.
- The Blockhouse - Visit this War of 1812 fortification.
- Conservatory Garden - Visit all three serene French, English and Italian formal gardens built in the 1930s.
- Andrew Haswell Green Bench - Hear about the most important person in the history of New York that you haven’t heard about.
What's Included
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Small group - Limited to 15 people
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Uncover the hidden gems of Central Park that only an authentic New York City historian can guide you to. Explore some of the park’s most historic and picturesque locations situated above 100th Street, which are also less frequented. Learn about the park’s past, its founders, what was previously located there, and visit landmarks from the Revolutionary War, splendid formal gardens, trek through Central Park’s artificially created Adirondack Mountains, and more. This highly engaging, informative, and amusing tour is led by a certified New York City tour guide and historian with two decades of experience.
- Tours go out in rain, snow and shine. There are no cancellations or rescheduling for rain or snow within 24 hours of the start of the tour.
- The tour is approximately 3.25 miles and takes about 2.5 hours. You should be in good physical shape; there is uneven terrain, unpaved trails, rocks, some steep (but short) hills on dirt and mulch, uneven stairs and potentially slippery areas. It is essential that you dress appropriately and wear suitable shoes.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Some locations may not be open or accessible depending on weather conditions and/or park closings.
- Visit RevolutionaryToursNYC . com web site for additional dates and times.
Location
405 Central Park West
Central Park West
Meet at 100th Street and Central Park West ACROSS THE STREET from 405 Central Park West. Meet on the Central Park side of the street
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(59 Ratings)
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Ahatcher1185
Jun 10, 2024
Central Park with Bruce - Our tour of Central Park with Bruce was nothing short of amazing! Not only did we learn a ton of fascinating history and the location of so many "hidden" areas, we also just generally gained a new appreciation for the Park itself. Bruce is a fantastic guide - enthusiastic, energetic, knowledgeable and passionate. We had a truly phenomenal experience and would recommend it to anybody!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisalisaca
May 21, 2024
Wonderful Experience! - Bruce was very informative, and friendly. He gave our group an awesome tour! I’m visiting from California, and he showed parts of Central Park I would never think to explore on my own. Learned lots of history, and fun facts in which I love!
Thank you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trip792308
May 20, 2024
Take this Tour!- You will see the BEST part of NYC if you are a 1st time or Life time New Yorker!! - This was my THIRD walking tour with Bruce - and this one was just as great as the other 2!! Bruce is a real New Yorker with a Master's Degree in History (I believe) and a really fun guy to follow around. His breath and wealth of important and obscure knowledge is amazing. He is engaging, funny, kind, inclusive, and great for all ages. This particular tour took us to parts of the park above 100th Street where I have never been and would never wander on my own. It was very safe, tramendously beautiful (French Gardens my favorite) and definately not flat. I Highly recommend this tour, or any tour of his that interests you. I plan on taking his Lower Central Park Tour this summer! This is a great gift for a first-time New Yorker, or a Life-time New Yorker!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarah_m
May 7, 2024
Lovely tour of the park - Had a great tour with Bruce, really enjoyed his knowledge and easy going manner. Was lovely to see the contrast of the places Bruce showed us, compared to the busier parts of the park. A lovely way to spend a few hours in NYC.
Review provided by Viator
Debra_s
Apr 28, 2024
Excellent tour of hidden places of Central Park - Bruce was an incredible tour guide! We learned so much from him about Central Park and New York City history. It was amazing to be so surprised with the beauty of Central Park, and seeing new places, even after living in NYC for many years.
Review provided by Viator
248kendalln
Apr 14, 2024
Another amazing, informative tour! - Our second tour in nyc with Bruce, and not our last! Amazing information, and so much history. We loved the Hamilton/Washington tour so much, we gifted this Secrets of Central Park Tour to our parents. They had such a great time and we all learned so much!
These tours are a must stop if you’re visiting the city or live here. All the information is laid out so well beforehand, during and the follow up email. Thank you Bruce for another wonderful memory!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennied2024
Mar 17, 2024
Amazing guide and beautiful walk - Bruce was an amazing guide. He is very knowledgeable and made the walk interesting and fun. He made the park come to life with his encyclopedic knowledge of the park's history. Now we're ready to join him next time on his Brooklyn tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z5915yselizabethl
Oct 2, 2023
Great way to learn about Central Park - Bruce is an exceptional tour guide with an incredible knowledge of the history of the park. He brought history alive with his descriptions
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eva_r
Aug 28, 2023
Informative and amazing - I enjoyed this tour at Central Park. I have been in this park before but not to the places the tour guy, Mr. Bruce Rocand, took the group to explore. Mr. Bruce Rocand was very knowledgeable and engaging. In addition to the information he provided us, he provided maps and pictures of the historical places he referred to.
Review provided by Viator
L4228lsevar
Aug 28, 2023
Informative and fun! - I loved everything about this trip. I would have never explored the history of these secret places in Central Park if I wouldn’t had participated in this amazing trip. Mr. Bruce Racond, who gave the tour, was very knowledgeable and engaging with the group. In addition to the history he provided, he provided maps and pictures to everything he referred to. It was just amazing!!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
