Balto Statue
New York City, NY
Located on a rock outcropping in Central Park, the bronze Balto Statue sculpted by Frederick Roth is dedicated to a heroic dog. The real-life Alaskan malamute led a sled team through fierce blizzard conditions to bring lifesaving medication to a remote village in Alaska suffering from a diphtheria outbreak in 1925. Balto attended the park's statue dedication later that year.
The basics
The Balto Statue is one of the most popular statues in Central Park and is included as a stop on many park sightseeing tours, including horse carriage rides, pedicab tours, and walking tours. It’s also easy to visit on a self-guided park tour and to see other popular highlights such as Bethesda Fountain and Strawberry Fields. The statue is a popular photo stop and a favorite of kids who enjoy climbing on the statue.
Things to know before you go
- Visiting the Balto Statue in New York's Central Park is free.
- The Balto Statue is ideal for families with kids.
- The Central Park Conservancy regularly does maintenance work on the Balto Statue to preserve it for future kids.
How to get there
The Balto Statue is located in Central Park, east of the Willowdale Arch, on the park's east side at 67th Street. The closest park entrance to the statue is just south of E. 67th Street and Fifth Avenue. By subway, take the 4, 5, 6 to the 68th Street Hunter College stop or the F, Q to Lexington Avenue/63rd Street. Or visit as part of a sightseeing tour.
When to get there
Central Park is open daily, typically from early morning to after midnight, and the Balto Statue can be visited whenever the park is open. The statue is popular with kids and can be crowded after school hours, on weekends, and on public holidays. Visit early in the morning or the evening for a quieter experience.
Tisch Children’s Zoo
Located just south of the Balto Statue at 64th Street and Fifth Avenue, the Tisch Children’s Zoo is home to a small petting zoo with cows, goats, pigs, sheep, and other animals. It's part of Central Park Zoo. Kids can feed the animals with animal food available from dispensers. Before your visit, you must prebook online timed tickets to the Central Park Zoo.
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