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 Loeb 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

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: Plants and Trees

Tours
The Ramble Tour
2:00 pmEnjoy a respite from city life with a hike through Central Park’s serene Ramble, a 36-acre woodland landscape featuring cascades and tree-covered paths.
Tags: Art & Architecture / Plants and Trees

Tours
Iconic Views of Central Park Tour
2:00 pmVisit the iconic landmarks and landscapes that make Central Park the world’s most famous park.
Tags: History / Art & Architecture
Also in the area
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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

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
Restoration and Maintenance
A Growing Challenge: Harmful Algal Blooms in Central Park
Tags: Summer / Conservancy Staff / Nature Lovers / Water Feature

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

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