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Bowling Green: A Historic Oasis in Lower Manhattan

Discover NYC's oldest park: where revolution sparked and history echoes amidst the Financial District's vibrant energy.

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Bowling Green, located at the foot of Broadway in Lower Manhattan, is a small but historically significant park. As the city's oldest park and a site of pivotal moments in American history, it offers a tranquil escape amidst the Financial District's bustle.

A brief summary to Bowling Green

  • Monday 6 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-10 pm
  • Friday 6 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Take a moment to read the historical markers and plaques to learn about the park's significance.
  • Combine your visit with a photo opportunity at the nearby Charging Bull sculpture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Whitehall Street subway station (N, R, W lines), walk north on Whitehall Street towards Broadway. Bowling Green will be on your left, at the foot of Broadway. This is a short walk of just a few minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take the 4 or 5 subway lines to the Bowling Green station. Upon exiting the station, you'll find yourself directly adjacent to the park.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Inform your driver to take you to Bowling Green at the base of Broadway in Lower Manhattan. Taxi and ride-share services can drop you off at the perimeter of the park. Expect to pay a minimum fare of $3.00, plus $0.70 per 1/5 mile, plus any applicable surcharges. A trip from Midtown can range from $15-25 depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Bowling Green

Bowling Green, nestled in the heart of New York City's Financial District, is a testament to the city's rich and layered past. This small park, located at the northern tip of Broadway, holds the distinction of being New York City's oldest park, with its origins dating back to 1733 when it was officially designated as a public space. Originally a Dutch marketplace and parade ground, Bowling Green gained prominence in the colonial era as a popular spot for lawn bowling, a pastime that lent the park its name. In 1770, a gilded lead equestrian statue of King George III was erected in the park, symbolizing British authority. However, this symbol became a target of revolutionary fervor on July 9, 1776, when jubilant colonists tore down the statue upon hearing the Declaration of Independence. The statue's metal was melted down and repurposed into musket balls for the Continental Army, marking a pivotal moment in the lead-up to American independence. Today, Bowling Green offers a peaceful respite from the surrounding urban intensity. The park's centerpiece is a large, circular lawn surrounded by benches and shaded by mature trees. The iconic Charging Bull sculpture, a symbol of Wall Street's financial optimism, stands just north of the park, drawing crowds of visitors daily. The Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece, borders the park to the south, adding to the area's architectural grandeur. Visitors can stroll through the park, relax on a bench, and soak in the atmosphere of this historic site. Plaques and markers throughout the park recount its storied past, offering glimpses into the events that shaped New York City and the nation. While small in size, Bowling Green provides a tangible link to the city's origins and a moment of tranquility amid the frenetic energy of Lower Manhattan.

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