Roosevelt Island
A gem of New York City. Roosevelt Island is a narrow island located in the East River. The Island is considered to be apart of the borough of Manhattan. Manhattan sits to the west of the island and the borough of Queens sits to the east. Once known as Blackwells island, and also welfare island. The island was home to prisons, hospitals and asylums. The island was renamed in 1971 after Franklin D Roosevelt.
What to see and do
Roosevelt Island tram
Take the aerial tram at least one when visiting Roosevelt Island. The views are amazing, providing a unique skyline view of the city. The tram runs from 59th street and second avenue in Manhattan to Tramway plaza on Roosevelt plaza. The tram ride definitely offers an exciting aerial view of the city. A must see for anyone visiting New York City.
Four Freedom Park
This beautiful four acre park is a memorial, dedicated to President Franklin D Roosevelt. The park celebrates the Four Freedoms he articulated in his 1941 state of the union address. The park is located at the southern tip of the island, and I would recommend this to be the number one sight that you must see on Roosevelt Island. The landscape is stunning and the views of Manhattan and Queens are gorgeous. If you love sunsets, I would suggest viewing one during the winter the months, they are absolutely breathtaking.
The smallpox hospital
A very unique sight to see in New York City. The hospital is a historic landmark structure. The hospital was built in 1854 and was the first major hospital in the United States dedicated to treat the victims of smallpox. It is an interesting sight to see and represents an era of old New York life. It is great to see at different times of the year. The fall foliage is gorgeous, the winter adds more of an eerie vibe and it is very pretty during the warmer months, with the greenery covering the hospital.
Cornell tech
An impressive engineering campus, with an innovative design and beautiful grounds. Exploring this area is a change of scenery from the rest of the island, as it represents modern growth.
Blackwell Island light house
The majority of the sights to see on the island, are located in the southern region. However, a visit to the northeast tip is well worth the walk (or bus ride) to view the pretty stone lighthouse, which was built in 1872.
From stunning aerial views, escaping the chaos of midtown, relaxing with the breeze of the east river and exploring historic sights Roosevelt Island is a top place to visit when exploring New York City.
Very cool! I was in New York a few years ago but didn’t get to see any of the sights you listed here, which is too unfortunate. Cornell Tech and the smallpox hospital look particularly interesting, but maybe that’s just the nerd in me 😉
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Great pics, I love New York and there is always so much to see in the city and beyond
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Absolutely beautiful pictures! Those sunsets are amazing and I love the statute with the Four Freedoms. There is so much to learn from every part of our country and the world. I had not seen a picture of Roosevelt Park until right now. The smallpox hospital makes me fill with gratitude for the scientists and technologist that work so hard to better our lives.
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I have never been in this place but I heard a lot of good things about this place because a lot of my relatives are living there. Those sights that you’ve shared with are really beautiful and it really make me pull to go there and see it with my naked eye. I will definitely visit this place very soon!
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there are so many things to do in and near NY ,Roosevelt Island seems like a great option! Thanks for sharing.
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I’m headed to New York City in August! I hope I have the chance to visit Rosevelt Island.
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A lovely write up of Roosevelt Island. NYC really does have so much to offer it’s lovely to see our city highlighted so well.
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Wow! This is so beautiful! I hope I get to visit New York some day! Your pictures are great by the way!
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I feel so dense because I can’t believe I’ve never heard of Roosevelt island before! Wow! It’s pretty amazing! I love the history too and just the landscape! So beautiful!
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