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Official Who Built Central Park Walking Tour

New To The Site! New York City, USA

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1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
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Instant confirmation

Overview

Central Park is famously human-made—so who are the humans who made it? Go beyond the well-known names of Olmsted and Vaux in this special tour that shines a light on the unsung heroes of Central Park’s creation, present-day care, and ongoing restoration.

Thousands of people, most of them ordinary New Yorkers, took part in the creation of Central Park. We thank the laborers, gardeners, and artisans, immigrants and local-born alike, for the gift of this beautiful and unique greenspace in the middle of Manhattan. This tour tells the stories of and pays tribute to those who worked to create the Park alongside designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.

Conservancy guides will take you from past to present as they reveal how the history of the Park’s construction is hidden within its landscapes today.

What's Included

  • Use of audio equipment

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    Grand Army Plaza &
    5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019, USA

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    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    65th Street Transverse
    East 65th Street, New York, NY 10065, USA

    This tour ends at Sheep Meadow, inside the Park at 66th Street. Your guide can direct you to the nearest public transportation, or help you find your way in the Park!

    What To Expect

    Doris C. Freedman Plaza

    Your guide will meet you at Doris C. Freedman Plaza to begin the tour!
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    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The Pond

    Take in the beauty of the Pond and Gapstow Bridge.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Inscope Arch

    Learn about how laborers transformed the landscape to create Central Park.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The Arsenal (Pass By)

    Pass by a building that predates Central Park, and served as the location of clashes between workers and management in the early days of the Park's construction
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    Central Park Zoo (Pass By)

    Learn about the construction of the Zoo during the Great Depression.
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    Denesmouth Arch

    Explore the important role played by bridges, archways, and traverse roads in keeping the Park moving,
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Billy Johnson Playground

    Learn about the Park's playgrounds: a relatively new addition to the Park's design!
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Sheep Meadow

    Take in the stunning city views and learn about Central Park Conservancy's role in caring for the Park.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 6 more stops

    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
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Official Who Built Central Park Walking Tour?

    A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-430989P3


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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Use of audio equipment

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • 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
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

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    Non-refundable

    Activity name

    This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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