Central Park in Manhattan, NY is perhaps one of the most iconic spots in this historic city. Millions of people from around the world visit it each day. However, there is more to Central Park then wide open green space. Not sure what to see when you go? Then check out the following main attractions.
Central Park Zoo
One of the Park’s newest attractions is its state-of-the-art Zoo. Built by the Wildlife Conservation Society, it features animals from the world’s various ecological habitats. This includes the polar zones, temperate, and tropical areas of the planet. And if you need to use the restroom, just pay the admission fee and they’ll let you in.
One of the main features of the Central Park Zoo is the sea lion pool. It features glass sides allowing everyone to watch as sea lions hunt and play in the cool waters. Come during feeding time, at 11:30, 1:30, and 3:30 pm every day to get a special treat as the lions perform tricks for their food. You can also visit the penguins and gardens to complete your trip to the Zoo.
And if you have little ones, you can get up close and personal with domesticated animals including sheep, a cow, goats, and even pot-bellied pigs. There are also tons of small bronze sculptures to take pictures with as well. Don’t miss out on this fun and educational exhibit in Central Park.
Minton Tile Ceiling at Bethesda Terrace
Another must-see spot in Central Park is the Minton tile ceiling inside the arcade of Bethesda Terrace. Built in the 1860s, and later renovated after it fell into a bad state, this is one of the main architectural features of Central Park. The ceilings are made of 9 panels and feature some 16,000 patterned encaustic tiles that were handmade by England’s Minton and Company. The open-air reception hall is ideal if it starts to rain or if the heat gets to be too much. Jacob Wrey Mould is responsible for the decorative carvings on the terrace.
The Lake
One of Central Park’s naturalistic large body of water is its 20-acre lake. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux built the Lake from a swamp that once stood in its place. Their goal was to turn it into a summer boating activity and in the winter it would be perfect for ice skating. It took until 2012 to complete the Lake and its man landscapes.
Great Lawn
Looking for a spot to sprawl out and catch some rays or play a game of frisbee? If so, the Great Lawn is the spot to do so. Spanning some 55-acres, the Great Lawn is the geographical center of the Park. Located in between 79th and 85th Street, the Lawn was once the York Hill receiving reservoir that brought fresh water to New York City back in its early days. New York can, in fact, claim itself as the world’s oldest continuously running urban water supply city.
The Mall and Literary Walk
And finally, if you visit Central Park in Manhattan, NY, you’ll definitely want to explore the Mall and Literary Walk. The Mall is home to countless American elm trees, which are the last remaining American Elm trees in North America. The Elms spread across the pedestrian pathway making for a picture-perfect backdrop.
Visit New York City but don’t forget to stop in at Central Park. There is so much to do and see in the world’s most famous park.
Central Park Zoo
One of the Park’s newest attractions is its state-of-the-art Zoo. Built by the Wildlife Conservation Society, it features animals from the world’s various ecological habitats. This includes the polar zones, temperate, and tropical areas of the planet. And if you need to use the restroom, just pay the admission fee and they’ll let you in.
One of the main features of the Central Park Zoo is the sea lion pool. It features glass sides allowing everyone to watch as sea lions hunt and play in the cool waters. Come during feeding time, at 11:30, 1:30, and 3:30 pm every day to get a special treat as the lions perform tricks for their food. You can also visit the penguins and gardens to complete your trip to the Zoo.
And if you have little ones, you can get up close and personal with domesticated animals including sheep, a cow, goats, and even pot-bellied pigs. There are also tons of small bronze sculptures to take pictures with as well. Don’t miss out on this fun and educational exhibit in Central Park.
Minton Tile Ceiling at Bethesda Terrace
Another must-see spot in Central Park is the Minton tile ceiling inside the arcade of Bethesda Terrace. Built in the 1860s, and later renovated after it fell into a bad state, this is one of the main architectural features of Central Park. The ceilings are made of 9 panels and feature some 16,000 patterned encaustic tiles that were handmade by England’s Minton and Company. The open-air reception hall is ideal if it starts to rain or if the heat gets to be too much. Jacob Wrey Mould is responsible for the decorative carvings on the terrace.
The Lake
One of Central Park’s naturalistic large body of water is its 20-acre lake. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux built the Lake from a swamp that once stood in its place. Their goal was to turn it into a summer boating activity and in the winter it would be perfect for ice skating. It took until 2012 to complete the Lake and its man landscapes.
Great Lawn
Looking for a spot to sprawl out and catch some rays or play a game of frisbee? If so, the Great Lawn is the spot to do so. Spanning some 55-acres, the Great Lawn is the geographical center of the Park. Located in between 79th and 85th Street, the Lawn was once the York Hill receiving reservoir that brought fresh water to New York City back in its early days. New York can, in fact, claim itself as the world’s oldest continuously running urban water supply city.
The Mall and Literary Walk
And finally, if you visit Central Park in Manhattan, NY, you’ll definitely want to explore the Mall and Literary Walk. The Mall is home to countless American elm trees, which are the last remaining American Elm trees in North America. The Elms spread across the pedestrian pathway making for a picture-perfect backdrop.
Visit New York City but don’t forget to stop in at Central Park. There is so much to do and see in the world’s most famous park.