Did you know the National Park Service takes care of more than just natural resources? For 100 years, the service has taken care of monuments, memorials, historic sites and other places of importance to American heritage. Celebrate the National Park Service's 100th birthday by visiting these treasures in New York City.
1. Statue of Liberty: The 24-karat gold-leaf-covered torch is off-limits to visitors, but the NPS offers the view from its online “Torch Cam.” The 377 steps from the lobby to the crown, however, are worth the hike!
Liberty Island, daily ferries from Statue Cruises, libertyellisislandfoundation.org
2. Federal Hall: George Washington took the oath of office as president of the United States at this location on April 30, 1789. Visitors can see the Bible he used at this majestic national monument.
26 Wall St., nps.gov/feha
3. African Burial Ground: In 1991, construction workers discovered an archaeological site containing the remains of free and enslaved Africans from the 18th century. This humbling monument honors the influence of Africans on early New York.
Corner of Duane & Elk sts., nps.gov/afbg
4. Tenement Museum: Tours of this preserved tenement building offer a deeply personal glimpse of the harsh realities of urban life for immigrants to New York at the turn of the 20th century.
103 Orchard St., tour reservations at tenement.org
5. Grant’s Tomb: This memorial, which is the final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia, contains Civil War battle flags and ceiling mosaics depicting Grant’s career.
W. 122nd St. at Riverside Dr., nps.gov/gegr
6. Ellis Island: Galleries at the museum on this historic island share artifacts and stories of millions of immigrants who entered the United States from 1892-1954.
Daily ferries from Statue Cruises, libertyellisislandfoundation.org
7. Governors Island: This island, a former U.S. Army post, still features two historic forts, dozens of landmarked buildings and space for artsy events, such as Pinknic.
Ferries from 10 South St. and Brooklyn‘s Pier 6, govisland.com
8. Hamilton Grange: Explore Alexander Hamilton’s historic house at St. Nicholas Park in Harlem. Originally on a 32-acre estate in Manhattan, “The Grange” took its name from the Hamilton family's ancestral home in Scotland.
414 W. 141st St., nps.gov/hagr