Exploring the Hidden Gems of Central Park

Clocking in at 843 acres, New York City's Central Park is one of the world's largest urban parks, teeming with lakes, waterfalls, meadows, and wooded areas. But how has the park changed since its inception nearly 165 years ago, and what sites help tell its incredible story along the way? From a statue dedicated to a beloved sled dog to the oldest outdoor monument in New York City, it's time to explore Manhattan's urban jewel like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the rich history and hidden gems of Central Park along a custom-curated path spanning from the South End to Mid-Park.

Led by NYC tour guide Ginny Poleman, our moderately-paced walk through a portion of Central Park will include:

• A brief overview of Central Park's inception and how the vision of architect Frederick Law Olmsted and landscape architect Calvert Vaux eventually came to pass
• A visit to four of the park's twenty nine sculptures including Bethesda Fountain's Angel in Waters to the new Women's Rights Pioneer sculpture
• Stops at historic sites throughout the park, including the park’s second oldest building, the only straight path in the entire park, a 3,500 year-old Egyptian obelisk, and a surveyor bolt from New York City's 1811 street grid
• A walk through the wooded and hilly area known as the Ramble, with a stop at the medieval-like Belvedere Castle with sweeping views of the surrounding area

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!

**This tour concludes at 79th Street & 5th Avenue

About Ginny

Ginny Poleman is a graduate of Cornell University, a licensed NYC tour guide, docent for the Municipal Art Society, as well as an educational and costume collection guide for New York’s largest art museum. Additionally, she offers private tours for her own company, NYC Encounters, covering New York City Art, Architecture, and History. You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @Art_Encounters and @NYC.Encounters.

Testimonials

"Guide Ginny was very knowledgeable and interesting." -Janice

"Guide was very informative and friendly" -Joy

"The guide's knowledge and how she was able to respond questions on information that was not included in the tour area." -Alba

"Great historical information." -Doug

" Small group. Friendly and knowledgeable guide. Lovely walk in the park." -Gina

" Ginny and the info she shared were great" -Tina

" Guide was excellent. Great walking tour. Varied information and not the typical things you would expect see." -Alicia

" Ginny provided a lot of interesting facts and I was engaged the entire time. You could tell she loves her subject which made the tour a lot of fun!" -Maria

" Learned lots of interesting things about the park! It was lovely...the weather was perfect too!" -Patricia

" Discovering parts of the park I've never seen before" -Ray

" Guide was very knowledgeable, day was beautiful and saw new places that I did not know about. Would definitely go on more walking tours offered." -Miriam

"Ginny obviously enjoys what she does - enthusiastic, knowledgeable, approachable." -Shelagh

"Tour guide was engaging and informed, liked that it was mostly landmarks and statues I hadn’t seen or noticed before" -Ab

"The pacing was very good and the guide was excellent and open to questions." -Matthew

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Arsenal (Outside Front Entrance Facing East 64th Street), 830 5th Avenue, New York, United States