Castle Clinton National Monument

The Basics

Castle Clinton (aka Fort Clinton) is composed of thick, sandstone circular outer walls and a gateway leading into a colonnaded courtyard, where you’ll find the ferry ticket booths. Admission is free, and guided tours are available. Many tours of Lower Manhattan or Liberty and Ellis islands also feature Castle Clinton. And you can catch sight of the fort from the water on a variety of harbor cruises.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Castle Clinton is an interesting stop for history enthusiasts.

• The fort is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

• On-site facilities include restrooms, a gift store, and an ATM.

How to Get There

Overlooking Battery Park’s waterfront, Castle Clinton is easy to get to via public transit. The nearest subway stations are Bowling Green (4 and 5 lines) and South Ferry/Whitehall (1, R, and W lines). Alternatively, catch the M1, M6, or M15 bus to Battery Park. Parking is limited, though you’ll find a few garages at nearby Pearl Street and New York Plaza.

When to Get There

Castle Clinton is open daily from 7:45am till 5pm. It tends to be busy from late morning till midafternoon, as people arrive to purchase ferry tickets—especially on weekends and in summer. For fewer crowds, get there right after the fort opens.

Tracing Castle Clinton’s History

Castle Clinton has enjoyed many incarnations through the years. Built as an island fort, it was later used as a theater, and then an immigration landing center; between 1855 and the center’s closure in 1890, more than eight million people passed through its doors. Castle Clinton’s unlikeliest incarnation was in 1896—when it opened as an aquarium. Visit the site’s exhibition room to learn more.

Ways to explore

Set aside at least an hour to visit the fort. There’s a small exhibit with dioramas explaining the history of Castle Clinton. Tours that focus on New York City’s immigration history may include a stop here, often in conjunction with a visit to Ellis Island. Anyone visiting either Ellis Island or Liberty Island will stop at the fort, as the ticket office for the ferry is located directly inside. Head to the bookshop for a special National Parks stamp. There are also Junior Ranger activity booklets for kids. Free guided tours of the site are offered multiple times a day.

Accessibility

Castle Clinton is fully accessible to people using wheelchairs, and service animals are allowed.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunglasses, water bottle, camera

What to wear

Long-sleeved shirt and brimmed hat for sun protection, comfortable closed-toe shoes

Not allowed

Feeding local wildlife, flying a drone, climbing on the walls of the fort

Amenities

Bookstore and gift shop, visitor center, restrooms

Address

Castle Clinton National Monument is located at the southern tip of Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. It’s the starting point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, so consider combining trips.

Driving

There’s no way to drive directly to the site, and parking is difficult to find in this area (and expensive). A taxi or rideshare can drop you off elsewhere in Battery Park. The fort is then reachable on foot or by bicycle.

Public transportation

There are multiple subway stations nearby. On the subway, take the 1 train and get off at South Ferry or the R, W to Whitehall St South Ferry. If you’re coming from Union Square or Grand Central Station, take the 4, 5 train to Bowling Green.

Best times to visit

Consider coming in the early morning, just after opening time, to have the fort mostly to yourself. Mornings also give the softest light for photos.

Best days to visit

Castle Clinton is open seven days a week, but weekdays are generally quieter; 30-minute ranger-guided tours of the fort are offered daily.

Best months to visit

Aim for the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when planning a trip to New York City, especially if you plan on visiting Castle Clinton, as the site is best explored in mild weather.

Special events

Each year on Memorial Day, Castle Clinton National Monument hosts a special, free flag-raising ceremony. There are also concerts and pop-up events scheduled throughout the year.