Great Lawn

NYC Central Park Attractions: The Great Lawn

When visitors think about the most memorable parts of Central Park, they're likely to think of the Great Lawn. Impressive in both history and size, the Great Lawn even enjoys fame outside of the United States. As a former important part of New York City's water infrastructure and a current mecca for those who want to relax and enjoy cultural events, the Great Lawn's importance can't be downplayed. At Bike Rental Central Park, we offer bicycles for rent so that you can take in all 55 acres at your leisure, or you could take a guided tour to discover more about why the Lawn is appreciated by NYC natives and tourists every year.

The History of the Great Lawn

Although it may seem like a simple attraction, there's important history associated with the Great Lawn. Central Park, NYC, used to be the location of a reservoir located on the Great Lawn that supplied the city's residents with much-needed fresh water. As a functioning apparatus of the Croton Aqueduct system for 89 years between 1842 and 1931, it was an indispensable part of city life. When needs changed at the beginning of the 20th century and the reservoir was ordered to be decommissioned, the literal groundwork was laid for what we now call the Lawn: Excavation material from the Eighth Avenue subway line and Rockefeller Center was moved to the location, forming the foundation of the Lawn, which would debut in 1937. It's fitting that the most famous lawn in the United States later added the hallmarks of a quintessentially American pastime: Baseball diamonds were installed along its edges in 1950.

Music and Culture on the Great Lawn

For music- and culture-overs, NYC's Central Park has a certain allure: Events and concerts led by famous figures and top-rated artists are often held on the Central Park Great Lawn. Entrance fees can range from free to pricey, but attendees always find special value in these events. Artists who have put on legendary performances on the Lawn include Elton John in 1980, Simon and Garfunkel in 1981, Diana Ross in 1983, Garth Brooks, Plácido Domingo, and the Dave Matthews Band; in addition, the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic hold annual events here. Important cultural events that have taken place on the grounds include a 1982 anti-nuclear rally and Pope John Paul II's open-air Mass in 1995.

Rest and Relax on the Great Lawn

If you want to experience a literal and figurative treat on the Great Lawn in Central Park, consider laying down a blanket and having a picnic! The wide open space will give you enough breathing room for you and your companions to be comfortable and will allow you to stay a safe distance away from those who play sports on the Lawn. Your vantage point will help you appreciate vistas both around and above you; look up and take in the vast and unobstructed sky. Best of all, packing your lunch will allow you to recharge before you explore the rest of Central Park and everything that it has to offer.

For some, there's no better photography spot than the Great Lawn. Central Park, NYC, visitors and those who live in the city love to stop by and use it as a natural backdrop for pictures. The atmosphere is perfect for wedding or celebration photo shoots. If you're looking for a place to take a memorable selfie, consider using this amazing landscape in New York City. NYC tourists find that they can take incredible photographs at the Central Park Great Lawn, entrance-fee-free!

How to Get to the Great Lawn

Perhaps unsurprisingly, many visitors want to know how to get to the Great Lawn. Central Park has allocated 55 acres to this attraction, but it can still be tricky to find if this is your first visit to the Great Lawn. Central Park directions to attractions usually don't include the Lawn, so we'll make it easy for you: You can find the Great Lawn at the center of Central Park between 79th and 85th streets. If you're sightseeing on one of our bikes, consider stopping by: It's open for the public to see at any time during the year except winter, when it's closed for landscape maintenance.

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