Turtle Pond
Of Central Park's many man-made water bodies, Turtle Pond may have the most famous residents.
No fewer than five species of turtles inhabit the Pond year-round. Close-up views of Belvedere Castle, which towers over the Pond, make this a popular picnic spot.
The Pond’s most common turtles are the red-eared sliders; distinguished by red spots around the ears, they spend their days sunbathing on the banks of Vista Rock and sliding into the water to cool off. Though beautiful, the red-eared slider is considered an invasive species because it competes for the food sources of the other turtles (a reminder to never release pets in the Park—it’s both illegal and a danger to the animal and ecosystem). Turtle Pond is also home to snapping, painted, musk, and box turtles. When the weather turns cold, they burrow into the mud at the bottom of the Pond.
Turtle Pond is considered Central Park’s newest water body, physically formed in 1937. When the receiving reservoir of the Croton Water System was filled in to create the Great Lawn, a small, jagged-edged pond remained. It was referred to as Belvedere Lake until 1987, when Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern renamed the pond in honor of its inhabitants.
Things you can do here

Virtual
Weekly Walks: Turtle Pond
12:30 pmDiscover Turtle Pond and the five different species of turtles that reside within it.
Tags: Weekly Walks

Self-Guided Tours
How to Spend a Snow Day in Central Park
Enjoy the Park’s quieter season on a walk past its best winter sights.

Tour
The Belvedere: Beautiful View
Enjoy the sweeping vistas of the Great Lawn from the newly restored Belvedere Castle while learning about its rich history and the Conservancy’s work to preserve this architectural gem.
Tags: Staff Picks
Read more

Park History
Meeting New York City's Demand for Water
Tags: History / Park Experts
Restoration and Maintenance
A Growing Challenge: Harmful Algal Blooms in Central Park
Tags: Summer / Conservancy Staff

Things to See and Do
10 Date Ideas in Central Park
Tags: Tips for Visiting