Loeb Boathouse

Boating on the Lake has been a popular pastime from the Park's earliest days. Six rustic landings originally dotted the water's edge, and a number of shack-like buildings served as boathouses. Passengers could hire rowboats, gondolas and even multi-seat water buses for ten cents a ride.

As interest in rowing grew, the Lake needed a proper boathouse. In 1874, Park architect Calvert Vaux designed a formal building on the eastern shoreline to provide covered space for docking and storage. With its charming Victorian touches, the building also featured a second-story terrace that afforded beautiful views of the Ramble. A popular draw for more than 80 years, the boathouse fell into disrepair by 1950 and was soon torn down.
 
The iconic Loeb Boathouse that New Yorkers and visitors know so well today opened at the Lake's northeastern tip in 1954, financed by philanthropist Carl M. Loeb. From beneath the green patina of the boathouse's copper roof, visitors can rent rowboats and bikes; hire an authentic Venetian gondola; or dine overlooking seasonal views of the Lake at the Loeb Central Park Boathouse Restaurant.

The Boathouse also serves as the unofficial headquarters for birdwatchers who record their sightings in a two-inch loose-leaf notebook. Kept on a table inside the Boathouse, the hand-written compendium of bird life has become a cherished Park community tradition. Stop by to record your own observations, or read the entries of others.

Restaurant
Monday - Friday
Lunch: 12pm-4pm
Dinner: April - November, 5:30pm-9:30pm

Weekends 
Brunch: 9:30am-4pm
Dinner: April - November, 6 pm - 9:30 pm 

Outdoor Bar and Grill
April - November, 11am-11pm weather permitting

Café
Daily 8am–8pm (Winter 8am-4:30pm)

Row Boat Rentals
April - November, weather permitting.
Daily 10am till dusk.
$20 cash deposit, $12 for the first hour, $2.50 each additional 15 mins; up to 4 people.
Call 212-517-2233 for more information.

Gondola
$30 per half hour with host Andres Garcia, weather permitting. Up to 6 people.