Broadway Top 10 CityPASS®

Roosevelt Island Historical Walking Tour

2 Reviews 4.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 reviews collected by Cool New York City and TripAdvisor | New York City, USA
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from $35 per person

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On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.
1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Roosevelt Island has gained immense popularity in recent years, largely due to social media. However, are you aware of the dark history of this small island, located between Queens and Manhattan? What was once considered a humanitarian crisis - the atrocities faced by individuals with mental health conditions during the 19th century on this island - remains largely undisclosed. In this tour, we will delve into the dark history of Roosevelt Island, shedding light on its grim past. Join me on this walking tour, as we uncover the untold stories that shaped the island’s complex narrative.

What's Included

  • Tramway entry

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    East 60th Street
    New York, NY 10022, USA

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    Roosevelt Island
    New York, NY 10044, USA

    We will end at Roosevelt Island, where you will have the option to take the F train, tramway, or Ferry back to Manhattan/ to your destination.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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    Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

    Roosevelt Island Tramway

    We will meet at the Tramway Plaza and discuss a brief history of the Roosevelt Island Tramway. We will meet everyone and introduce ourselves and head over to Roosevelt Island. The tramway takes us over the East River giving us incredible views of the City. We will stop and take photos once we are off the tram.
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    30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    Roosevelt Island Historical Society Visitor Center Kiosk (pass by)

    Gift shop and cool information about Roosevelt Island.
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    Blackwell House

    We will visit the island’s oldest building, which dates back to the 1790s and belonged to the Blackwell family, after whom the island was named at that time. During this walk, we will also stroll past the train and ferry stations to showcase the different forms of transportation on the island. Along the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of both the East and the Hudson River.
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    20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Queensboro Bridge

    We will walk under the bridge and see it's amazing structure and gorgeous views of Manhattan.
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    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Smallpox Memorial Hospital

    The Smallpox Hospital was originally built as a quarantine facility for smallpox patients, who were isolated on the island to prevent the spread of the disease to the mainland. It was part of a larger complex of hospitals and medical facilities that served New York City in the 19th century.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Fdr Hope Memorial

    FDR memorial on Roosevelt Island is dedicated to the memory of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. It was designed by architect Louis Kahn and dedicated in 1973. We will end the tour here and you will be free to hang out at the park and take more photos.
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    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Roosevelt Island Historical Walking Tour?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-420114P2

    Reviews

    4.00
    2 reviews

    Average 4.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool New York City and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    1
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    1
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

    Loading Options
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    On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.
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    Frequently Asked Questions (7)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool New York City customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Roosevelt Island Historical Walking Tour?
    A:
    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • Tramway entry.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
    A:

    This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Roosevelt Island Historical Walking Tour is as follows:

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Roosevelt Island Historical Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool New York City. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Tramway entry

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

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    Free Cancellation

    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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