The Lake
The Lake is one of Central Park’s most important scenic destinations.
This 20-acre water body connects the Ramble, Bethesda Terrace, and various west side landscapes to form what is often called the heart of Central Park. In addition to wandering its varied shoreline and appreciating its many vistas, visitors can also explore the Lake by boat thanks to rowboat rentals available at the Central Park Boathouse.
Central Park’s designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux envisioned the Lake as a key to fulfilling the Park’s primary purpose—providing a sense of wonder and escape from urban life. The Lake’s bridges and small structures, known as boat landings, are focal points, enticing visitors to explore further and enjoy the views.
Then & Now: The Lake
The Lake was the first landscape in Central Park to be opened to the public in winter 1858. New Yorkers were drawn by the promise of ice skating, a recreational activity that was growing in popularity but not yet widely accessible. On Christmas morning that year, an estimated 8,000 people showed up to skate on the newly opened Lake. Boating was first made available in the 1860s and became widely popular.
Quiet Moments at the Lake
Enjoy this sunset view of the Lake, a gorgeous water body in the heart of Central Park.
The Central Park Conservancy completed a major four-year restoration of the Lake in 2010 to stabilize the shoreline, enhance the landscape with new plantings, rebuild infrastructure, and improve the overall ecological health of the area.
Support the Park
Help us care for the Park’s water bodies. The Conservancy’s work keeps them healthy and benefits the wildlife that depend on them.
Things you can do here
Tours
Central Park Woodland Walk: The Ramble
2:00 pmIn this nature walk, Conservancy guides will lead you on an immersive exploration of the Ramble: a delightfully serene woodland just steps away from the Park’s west side entrances.
Tags: Art & Architecture / Plants and Trees
Tours
Iconic Views of Central Park Tour
10:00 amVisit the iconic landmarks and landscapes that make Central Park the world’s most famous park.
Tags: History / Art & Architecture / Daily Tours
Guides
Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Central Park
Whether you’re just stopping by for a visit, heading to a concert, or consider Central Park your backyard, we have you covered for your perfect weekend in the Park.
Tags: Kids and Families / Health & Fitness / Art & Architecture / Wildlife
Self-Guided Tours
Bethesda Tree Walk
Look up to admire the many trees in the heart of the Park.
Tags: Tree Walk / Plants and Trees
Also in the area
Read more
Restoration and Maintenance
A Growing Challenge: Harmful Algal Blooms in Central Park
Tags: Summer / Conservancy Staff / Nature Lovers / Water Feature
Park History
Central Park Uncovered: The Experts Behind the Park Reveal Its Forgotten Stories and Hidden Histories
The Central Park Conservancy is here to uncover obscure facts and forgotten stories that even seasoned New Yorkers might not know about Central Park.
Tags: History / Highlights / Staff Picks / Park Experts / First-Time Visitors
Park History
The History of Ice Skating in Central Park
Ice skating in Central Park is a wintertime ritual for New Yorkers. Learn about its history and how the tradition lives on at today’s NYC ice rinks, including the famed Wollman Rink and the new Harlem Meer Center.
Tags: Park Design / Winter / History / Landscape Design / Restoration and Maintenance
Park History
From the Archives: Fall Foliage in Central Park Over the Years
The colorful spectacle of fall foliage in Central Park never loses its appeal. We turned to our archives to see how the Park has evolved from one fall to the next.
Tags: Fall / Highlights / Staff Picks / Nature Lovers / Plants and Trees / Landscapes
Things to See and Do
Stories from Central Park
We set out to capture some of their stories and create a picture of the Park on an average day, through our visitors' eyes.
Tags: Families / Summer
Park History
Hidden Histories: 6 Little-Known Designs for Central Park
Research into the original drawings and plans created to build Central Park offer hidden secrets from both the built and unbuilt aspects of the Park.
Tags: Park Design
Wildlife
Wintering in Central Park: How Urban Wildlife Survives Seasonal Change
The mammals, birds, and reptiles that call Central Park home have adapted to survive the cold.
Tags: Winter / Nature Lovers
About the Conservancy
5 Questions with Michelle Mueller Gamez, Manager of Climate Change Research
The Conservancy’s recent launch of the Climate Lab is the next step in our mission to care for this Park forever—especially through the unknowns of the climate crisis. We spoke with Michelle Mueller Gamez, our new Manager of Climate Change Research, to learn more.
Tags: Conservancy Staff / About the Conservancy / Nature Lovers
Things to See and Do
How to Be Active This Summer in Central Park
Want to get moving in New York City’s backyard? We’ve got you covered.
Tags: Summer / Tips for Visiting
About the Conservancy
People of the Park: Martha & Serena
Central Park is integral to many people’s lives, and we're talking to some of them to get to know the people behind the people’s Park. Meet Martha and Serena, whose relationship is deeply entwined with this vibrant greenspace.
Tags: Conservancy Staff / Tips for Visiting / About the Conservancy / Nature Lovers / Park Experts / First-Time Visitors
Park History
Bethesda Fountain’s Place in LGBTQ+ History
As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain, delve into the story of the Angel of the Waters statue, its place in LGBTQ+ history, and its significance as a symbol of connection and healing for New York City.
Tags: Park Design / Monuments / History / Art Lovers
Park Information
A Reflection of Nature Itself: The Different Landscapes of Central Park
Central Park is made up of a variety of landscapes that are diverse, intricate, and interconnected—just like the communities of Park-lovers who enjoy them.
Tags: Trees / Nature Lovers / Lawns / Landscapes