The Lake

NYC Central Park Attractions: The Lake

Believe it or not, the beautiful and beloved Central Park Lake was once nothing more than a large swamp. This stunning 20-acre expanse of water is the second-largest man-made body of water in the park (the first being the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir). Park designers Olmsted and Vaux originally planned the lake to be used for boating in the summer months and ice-skating in the winter. After 1950, the ice rink was closed, and wildlife that had fled began to live there once more. Today, the lake in Central Park is a wonderful place for watching birds, ducks, and other animals! It is now the preferred Central Park boating lake for NYC tourists and natives, and it's easy to get to and enjoy aboard one of our bikes.

Some of the unique features near the lake include the Bow Bridge, the secluded and antique-style Ladies' Pavilion, and the beautiful visitor center known as Belvedere Castle. Like many other features of Central Park, the lake was restored by the Central Park Conservancy and reopened to visitors in 2008. Many non-native plants were eradicated, and the lake's natural beauty was enhanced through new shoreline plantings. In the summer, rowboats are available for rental at the Loeb Boathouse. Because of its picturesque and iconic scenery, this is a popular and beloved boating lake. Central Park visitors enjoy sightseeing from a boat or a Venetian-style gondola or by taking a leisurely stroll around the area.

How to Get to the Lake in Central Park, NYC

If you're visiting New York City and want to check out the Central Park boating lake, you can make your way to the Loeb Boathouse through the Inventors' Gate at 72nd Street and 5th Ave. The Boathouse Shuttle also makes several stops along 5th Ave. If you just want to wander along the shore, the path runs along the east side of West Drive between 79th and 65th streets, then past Cherry Hill and the Bethesda Fountain.

Have an Adventure at the Central Park Lake

The picturesque scenery of the Central Park Lake makes it a great place for a sightseeing stroll or bike ride. At Bike Rental Central Park, we give our customers many options to find the best bicycle rental package to fit their needs: You can explore the lake at your own pace with one of our adult, child, or tandem bike rentals or take a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable Central Park experts. Our tours and bike rentals include everything you need for a safe, comfortable ride: a well-maintained bike, a helmet, and a lock. Each guided tour takes about two hours and will lead you through seven miles of the park. Central Park has a rich history, and through our tour, you will learn about popular features like the Wollman Rink, Shakespeare Garden, Belvedere Castle, the Loeb Boathouse, and much more! Each tour has several designated stops so you can rest, check out the scenery, and take photos.

With our extensive fleet of more than 1,000 bikes, we are sure to have a comfortable fit for you. Our equipment is top-rated, safe, clean, and easy to use in order to help you have the best ride possible. Book your reservation online today for our best deals!