Conservatory Water

Conservatory Water is famous for model sailboat rentals and races.


Location: MAP | East Side between 72nd and 75th Streets
Boating: April to November  
Ice Skating: Weather permitting

Inspired by the design of the Grand Basin model boat pond in Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens, Conservatory Water was created by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux as a place where children and adults alike could experience the pleasure of boating.

Not an original part of Olmsted and Vaux's "Greensward Plan" for the park, Conservatory Water was initially intended to be a small pool for a glass house and a formal, ornamental flower garden. When the upkeep of this plan proved itself too costly, Conservatory Water and Conservatory Garden were created in their place.

This 72nd Street site is bordered by the whimsical Alice in Wonderland statue to the north, as well as a sculpture of children's author Hans Christian Anderson reading his tale, The Ugly Duckling, to the west.

While sometimes open for ice skating during the winter months, the pond is best known as a place for boating in spring and summertime and was mentioned as such in E.B. White's Stuart Little. 

What to Know Before You Visit

Conservatory Water holds its boating season from April to November (weather permitting) each year.

The Central Park Model Yacht Club (CPMYC) races are held on Saturdays at 10:00 AM.

Boat rentals are once again available, now through a nonprofit company called Rocking the Boat.

Note: Children under 12 must be supervised.

How much does it cost to rent a model sailboat?

Model sailboat rentals are $15 for 30 minutes. See more information and the schedule here.

Are there snack and beverage options nearby?

The Kerbs Memorial Boathouse at Conservatory Water features a cafe run by Le Pain Quotidien, with a variety of light snacks and beverages. It has a delightful patio with seasonal perennial planting beds. The cafe is open during the boating season, from 7AM until 15 minutes before sunset. It may close earlier due to poor weather or a lack of customers, so it's best to call ahead. The phone number for the cafe is (646) 939-0020.

When is ice skating offered at Conservatory Water?

Conservatory Water offers free ice skating when the ice is consistently six inches thick. Visitors must bring their own skates to participate.