Charles A. Dana Discovery Center

NYC Central Park Attractions: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center

The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center is a beautiful building that Central Park visitors shouldn't miss. Besides its striking architectural features, the building also serves as a cultural hub that offers many free educational events, seasonal exhibits, community programs, and holiday celebrations. It's the park's newest building and was built to welcome guests as a visitor center.

Where Is the Charles A. Dana Center? Central Park Location Information

The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center is located on the shore of the Harlem Meer. This is in the Central Park North area and can be accessed from West 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox avenues.

Who Was Charles A. Dana?

Charles A. Dana was a journalist who worked as the managing editor of The New York Tribune under Horace Greeley. During the Civil War, he took a position at the War Department under the secretary of war, serving as a chief communicator between the front and the department. After the war, he became editor and part-owner of The New York Sun. Under his watch, the paper gained a reputation for being on top of the news, presenting human interest stories, and being politically independent.

What Events Take Place at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center?

There is a small plaza adjacent to the center that hosts fun events throughout the year, including the Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Flotilla, the Harlem Meer Performance Festival, and the annual Holiday Lighting.

Charles A. Dana Discovery Center Hours

• Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day): 9:00 am to 7:30 pm

• Fall, Winter, and Spring: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day)

What Can You Do at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center?

• Visit the exhibit on geological foundations, military history, and park restoration.

• Borrow a fishing pole and take part in the catch-and-release program. All that's needed is a photo ID. Borrowing a pole is free, and bait is provided.

• Enjoy the Harlem Meer Performance Festival. It features weekly family-friendly entertainment in the summer including multicultural music and dance.

• Kids can borrow a Discovery Kit. They're filled with field guides, colored pencils, a hand lens, binoculars, and sketch paper. They'll also get to take home a journal.

• Volunteer for Pitch In, Pick Up to help keep Central Park clean. Participants are given gloves, a trash bag, and a trash grabber.

• Buy souvenirs at the gift shop.

Who Should Visit?

There's something for everyone at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center. It's a great choice for families with children and first-time visitors to Central Park. The local community also loves to participate in events here, including fishing and the performance festival. Nature-lovers will really enjoy this attraction and its scenic location on the second largest man-made body of water in the park and the emphasis on conservation education and activities.

Visiting by Bike

Tour this gorgeous location on wheels when you book with Bike Rental Central Park and you'll be glad you did! There's no better way to enjoy nature than with a relaxing bike ride, and it's a faster way to travel the park than on foot. Book online now to take advantage of prices starting as low as $9! For the complete experience, consider a guided tour led by one of our local experts. Either way, you'll have more fun in Central Park on two wheels!