Self-Guided Tour of Roosevelt Island's Tramway to FDR State Park

New To The Site! New York City, USA

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45 to 60 minutes (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

On this self-guided tour, you'll trace the history of this 'island of the unwanted' to a thriving community today. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Roosevelt Island.

Discover the fascinating history of Roosevelt Island, from a sliver of farmland off of Manhattan to the home of New York City’s unwanted: prisoners, the mentally ill, and those with contagious diseases. On this walking tour, I’ll show you the island’s southern end where I’ll unpack some of its complicated 400-year-long history.

Having grown up on Roosevelt Island, I love sharing the amazing history of this place and how it was transformed from the island of the unwanted into a thriving community. While you walk, you’ll see what’s left of its uncomfortable past and find out how hospitals and penitentiaries were replaced with the fabulous Southpoint Park, Cornell Tech facilities and Franklin D Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park.

What's Included

  • Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
  • The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Smartphone and headphones (please bring your own)
  • Entrance fees
  • Gratuities (Optional)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Roosevelt Island Tramway - Island station, W Main St, New York, NY 10044, USA

Open in Google Maps
End point

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Statue, P2XQ+WF, New York, NY 10044, USA

Start Time

Opening Hours

  • 6/25/2024 - 1/31/2026

    Monday - Sunday | 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

What To Expect

Roosevelt Island (Pass By)

Gain a deeper understanding of Roosevelt Island's transformation from farmland to an area designated for the city’s unwanted populations, including prisoners and the mentally ill.
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Roosevelt Island Tramway - Island station (Pass By)

Visit the tramway’s island station and learn about its significance in connecting the island to Manhattan and facilitating its development.
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Strecker Memorial Laboratory / CBG 603 (Pass By)

Pass by Strecker Memorial Laboratory, once a cutting-edge medical research facility and now a symbol of the island’s medical history.
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Smallpox Memorial Hospital (Pass By)

Walk among the ruins of the Smallpox Memorial Hospital, the only ruin in the city listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and hear about its role in treating contagious diseases.
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Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park (Pass By)

Stroll through the expansive Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park, dedicated to FDR's famous Four Freedoms speech, and take in the magnificent bronze sculpture of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
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Southpoint Park (Pass By)

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Southpoint Park, which represents the island's renewal and transformation into a community-friendly area with green spaces.
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Roosevelt Island Visitor Center Kiosk (Pass By)

Stop by the Roosevelt Island Visitor Center Kiosk for more information about the island’s history, current attractions, and future developments.
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FDR Hope Memorial (Pass By)

End your tour at the FDR Hope Memorial, celebrating Franklin D. Roosevelt’s legacy and his message of hope and perseverance.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-110804P754

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