Harlem Meer

Located in the northern-most reach of the Park, the Harlem Meer is a glimmering, man-made lake surrounded by majestic stands of oak, bald cypress, beech, and ginko trees.

Families flock to the Meer for catch-and-release fishing, skating and swimming at Lasker Rink and Pool, or to explore the nearby playgrounds. On the northern shore of the Meer stands the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, a visitor center run by the Conservancy.

Before Harlem became part of New York City in 1712, it was a bustling village that included the current upper regions of Central Park. The village encompassed common grounds for cattle grazing, taverns for travelers to restore themselves, and the homes of Dutch families that traded fur and tobacco. The name “Meer” (the Dutch word for "lake”) was chosen by Central Park designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux to commemorate this fascinating history.

Things you can do here

  • Self-Guided Tours

    Exploring the North End

    Roam through wooded hills and elegant gardens on an afternoon in Central Park’s north end.

    Tags: Woodlands

  • Self-Guided Tours

    Fort Landscapes Tour

    Step into history and see how this area near the Harlem Meer played a key role during the American Revolution and War of 1812.

    Tags: Woodlands

  • Virtual

    Weekly Walks: Central Park North

    12:30 pm

    Explore the northern-most section of the Park’s winding paths and a special bridge made of finely cut gneiss.

    Tags: Weekly Walks

  • Self-Guided Tours

    North End Tour

    Discover the northern area of Central Park — from the site of a military fortification to the Park’s only formal garden.

  • Daily Activities

    Catch-and-Release Fishing

    Borrow fishing poles for catch-and-release fishing in the Harlem Meer.

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  • Restoration and Maintenance

    New Rink and Pool to Expand Recreational Opportunities

    The Conservancy has unveiled its capstone project of its decades-long work in the north end of Central Park.

  • Programs and Events

    New Yorkers Celebrate Spring in Central Park

    A full day of free special events and programs unfolded across Central Park on March 20 to celebrate the first day of spring.

    Tags: Families / Conservancy Staff / Programs and Events / Spring

  • Wildlife

    Winter Stories from Central Park's Wildlife

    The mammals, birds, and reptiles that call Central Park home have adapted to survive the cold.

    Tags: Winter

  • Restoration and Maintenance

    Always Improving: Restoring Central Park in 2019

    The Central Park Conservancy’s team of professionals work year-round to renovate, rebuild, and refresh every corner of the Park.

    Tags: Playgrounds

  • Programs and Events

    The Hair-Raising History of the Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla

    The Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla returns to the Harlem Meer in late October with crafts, storytelling, a costume parade, and more.

    Tags: Programs and Events / Fall / About the Conservancy / Best for Kids

  • Plants and Trees

    What Are Central Park’s Most Colorful Fall Trees?

    In appreciation of this photogenic time of year, we asked a Conservancy arborist what trees you should look for this autumn and where to find them.

    Tags: Fall / Trees

  • Park Information

    10 New Year’s Resolutions for a Central Park Lover

    Here are 10 ways to combine a desire for a new you in 2020 with the joy of spending time in Central Park.

  • Park History

    Harlem Meer Performance Festival Nears 30 Years of Music and Dance

    Since 1993, the Harlem Meer Performance Festival has been a cultural cornerstone of the community surrounding the north end of Central Park.

    Tags: Summer / Programs and Events