Six Things You Didn’t Know About NYC’s Central Park

This is an easy question to answer if you are from New York. And if you are from somewhere else, but living in New York City, then we bet we know your answer as well.

For all those of you who are just passing through NYC or haven’t gone yet, then the jury might still be out. Our mission today is to convince you that Central Park is the #1 best city park in the world. And we hardly have to do any work, since the park speaks for herself. Let’s see some of the unique parts of the park that you might know about yet.

The Ravine is a precious wooded area in the northern end of the park that is hope to a couple walking trails, a bubbling creek, and several waterfalls. These waterfalls may be man-made, but they were created with the Adirondacks in mind. They live up to the expectation as little havens of birdsong, flowing water, and peace.

You can forget you’re in the middle of the city when in the North Woods, around these waterfalls more than anything. Also, as an extra, did you know that the waterfalls in the Ravine flow with NYC drinking water? Well now you know.

Where? The Ravine, North Wood, North/Middle of the Park

There used to be a village on the western edge of the park between 82nd and 85th street. This middle class village consisted of over 250 mostly African American residents and included a school and a few churches. In 1856, the state seized the land, and by 1857, the park opened and the village had disappeared. You can still find the remains of the town in several foundations that were found in 2011.

Where? Across from the children’s playground on 85th St.

The oldest building in the park was constructed as a part of military fortifications during the War of 1812. Today, it is a locked brick and stone structure that sits on a high point in the land. It used to have a mobile cannon and wooden roof, but today sits empty and roofless. There’s often no plaque because those kinds of things often get stolen, but it still a cool piece of history if you find it.

Where? West Side at 109th St. and Central Park West

We’ll start out by telling you that this cave is completely closed. We still think it deserves to be on this list because it’s pretty cool. For one thing, the cave is completely natural. The only man-made feature is a set of steps that were carved into the surrounding stone, and are all that remain of the cave that is accessible.

The cave was closed after several hundred arrests of men harassing women around the cave in the early 1900s. It was even the site of a suicide early on in the century. Now, you can sit on the steps and imagine what the cave is like inside.

Where? The Ramble, in the middle of the park near The Lake

This special tree is so secret, only a handful of people know exactly where it is. The only time it is distinguishable from any other of the thousands of trees in Central Park is at Christmas. Pet parents decorate its branches with pictures and momentos of their lost animal family members. The members of this group keep the location of the tree completely secret, so you’ll have to be a dedicated hunter to find it.

Where? Unknown

There are two living arches that remain in the Ravine- The Glen Span Arch and the Huddlestone Arch. The Loch flows from one arch to another in the North Woods. The Glen Span Arch is home to West Drive while the Huddlestone Arch is on the other side of the Ravine. This arch is surprising as it was built without any mortar, meaning the boulders rely on gravity to stay put.

Central Park used to have many more arches and bridges, but unfortunately many of them were destroyed by Robert Moses during the middle of the 20th century. The most notable loss was the Marble Arch, which was the only marble arch in the park. It was crushed and buried, which is a terrible shame. At least you can still enjoy the other arches of the park, of which there are still many.

Where? The Loch, Ravine, North Woods

The Lombardy Hotel is a mere few blocks from the southeastern edge of Central Park. Our convenient Manhattan location means we are an ideal place to stay for city lovers and nature seekers alike. We are always eager to help our guests have the best stay possible in New York, offering our advice, suggestions, and tips whenever needed to ensure a truly great time in NYC.