What You Will Do
The secrets hiding in plain sight inside New York City’s most iconic park.
Beneath the greenery and postcard views of Central Park lies a far more provocative history. This walking tour uncovers the scandals, crimes, controversies, and erased communities that helped shape the park as we know it today. From mass evictions and celebrity arrests to hidden gathering spots, sensational headlines, and statue-related debates, you’ll discover a Central Park most visitors never imagine.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
The Arsenal is located in Central Park on 5th Avenue and East 64th Street. The meeting point is by the Arsenal steps.
1
The Arsenal
5 minutes
Guests will be told a brief history of Central Park, followed by the Arsenal, as regards its history of 19th century infamy and violence. The evictions of the Central Park area prior to its construction will also be addressed.
2
Central Park Zoo
5 minutes
Guests will discover the strange origins of the zoo and the arrests for indecency that occurred there.
3
Balto Statue
15 minutes
Guests will hear about the controversy regarding the city's first dog statue as well as scandalous stories relating to other Central Park statues.
4
Rumsey Playfield
7 minutes
Guests will hear about the quarrels relating to the Wisteria Pergola and the prohibition nightclub that used to exist in Central Park.
5
Bethesda Terrace
10 minutes
Guests will hear about the scandalous affair of Jacob Wrey Mould, the unsung third designer of Central Park, and the history of crime and vandalism that ultimately became the catalyst for the Central Park Conservancy.
6
Sheep Meadow
10 minutes
Guests will learn about Central Park's "Hooverville" settlement during the Great Depression as well as Sheep Meadow's protest and demonstration history.
7
Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial
10 minutes
Guests will hear about a gruesome murder connected with Strawberry Fields that intersects with class and subculture.
8
The San Remo
10 minutes
Guests will discover the curious interconnecting history of Central Park-related accidents, stunts, and suspicious deaths.
9
American Museum of Natural History
10 minutes
Guests will hear about a notorious park-adjacent heist and another tale concerning a witness protection incident gone horribly wrong.
10
The Ramble
10 minutes
Guests will discover the "cruising" history of the Ramble, the nighttime incidents, the police raids, and the films and TV shows that this activity inspired.
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