Central Park beats in the heart of NYC, a vast green swathe of open space in Uptown Manhattan encompassing a district in its own right. One of the many treasures in the Park is one of its most beautiful buildings, the Belvedere Castle, which is also the Park Nature Observatory. The observatory, which rests on Vista Rock, is one of the park's highest points and provides fantastic views of the surrounding space.
The Belvedere Castle offers photographers an ideal location for capturing the sweeping space of Central Park, with particularly fine views to the north.
Inside is a visitor’s center in addition to a nature conservatory. Outside of the castle is Turtle Pond, a small, swampy pond with various fish, frogs, and birds. The (Henry Luce) Nature Observatory at the top of the castle is an excellent educational site with information about the wildlife of the park.
This is a great spot to bring your kids: there are microscopes, telescopes, and Discovery Kits complete with binoculars, maps, and note paper, “designed to give young visitors an insight into methodology of naturalists.” The second floor bird watching location is appropriately decorated with pretty papier mâché replicas of the birds found in the Park.
Free!
Information from the Central Park Website
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10am-6pm
Location: Mid-Park at 79th Street
Tel: 212/ 772.0210
How about a long weekend in the big apple? See the city all lit up and get some of your holiday shopping done. We can make all of the arrangements in a snap - you don't have to worry about anything.
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