Row Boat
The Lake sits at the heart of Central Park and offers many beautiful vistas.
The Central Park Lake, in conjunction with the Ramble, creates an essential part of the "Greensward" design plan created by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux when designing the initial features of what would become Central Park.
What is now a stunning and picturesque 20-acre lake was once nothing more than a large, untamed swamp. From 1858 to 1950, the Lake was used for ice skating during the winter months and boating in the summer. After 1950, however, the lake rink was officially closed, allowing the former wildlife inhabitants to take up residence. The Lake is now an excellent location for bird watching, where one can spot swans, ducks, and even the occasional egret or heron.
The second largest man-made body of water in the park, the Lake provides wonderful opportunities for viewing its abundant flora and fauna from rowboats, which are available for rent during the warmer months at the Central Park Boathouse. You can also hire a Venetian-style gondola ride or stroll around the lake shore on foot.
From the south shore, if you take the short walk up to Cherry Hill, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Lake.