Castle Clinton is a small park in Manhattan. It’s in the larger Battery park, which provides some more amenities, but the NPS site itself is quite small. The building has gone through many different phases during it’s life. Now, it’s primarily used to sell tickets for the Statue of Liberty cruises that take guests to the monument.
Where is it?
Castle Clinton is on the southern tip of Manhattan. The marker above isn’t an exact match as the fort doesn’t have a set address.
What’s the Significance?
Castle Clinton was built during the War of 1812. After the destruction of Washington and battle in Baltimore, the nation’s cities created defense outposts to protect them. Castle Clinton was one of four for NYC. The fort never saw battle and was transformed into a waterside gardens, opera house and restaurant after the war. Interestingly, Swedish signer Jenny Lind, of P.T. Barnum fame, made her American debut here.
Eventually, it morphed into the original immigrant entry point to the city. Before Ellis Island, Castle Clinton was the welcoming point for north of 8 million Americans over 34 years.
After the immigration facilities moved to Ellis Island, the city once again transformed the space into the New York Aquarium. The aquarium saw an average of 5,000 visitors a day until its closure in 1941.
The space was set for demolition, but saved by the National Park Service.
Best Things to Do
For the park itself, there’s honestly nothing.
There is a ticket stand, restrooms, small shop and museum. The museum was closed on my visit, but looked to be no bigger than a room. The gift shop primarily sells Statue of Liberty merchandise, but has a few Castle Clinton merch items as well.
Outside of the Monument, Battery Park is really pretty. It’s right on the water and has incredible views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty and the FiDi skyline.
My Favorite Trails
There are none.
My Favorite Parts
- The park gives incredible views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of the NYC Financial District
My Least Favorite
- It’s literally in use to sell tickets to the Statue of Liberty. The fort is a ticket stand.
Essential Details
- Entrance Fee: N/A
- Car needed: No
- Closest Subway Stop: Bowling Green (4, 5)
- Closest Airport: JFK (John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport); LGA (LaGuardia Airport) and EWR (Newark Airport)
- Closest City: New York, New York
Turquoise Skies 