Aug 4, 2025

Blockhouse #1 New York

1800s fortification

""Blockhouse #1" in New York is one of the 3 visible fortifications in Central Park that date back to the Revolutionary War. I like just how quiet it is..."

This small, relatively unknown structure is one of three visible fortifications in northern Central Park dating back to the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. This particular edifice can be a bit tricky to locate at first, due to its location in the North Woods near the edge of the park. The easiest method to find the Blockhouse is to enter the park from the end of Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd and look up the hill. The Blockhouse is a small, square fortification with a flagpole rising above it.

The extant structure was built here to look out over the low-lying areas below to defend against British invasion during the War of 1812. The fort itself may not be much to see, however, its location in the woods makes it a great place for someone looking to escape the clamor of the city. Few people seem to know it exists making it a relatively quiet spot to visit.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

West 109th Street

US$

free

find your way in New York, download our app.

Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

Don Alejo Coffee

Coffee, toasts and burritos

Their prices are in keeping with the neighborhood: a plate of two eggs, two pancakes, 'home' fried potatoes and your choice of sausages or bacon, is $12.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Sep 16, 2025

Icons' Homes

James, James & Dorothy

There are three houses not far from each other in NYC of three icons: James Dean, James Baldwin, and Dorothy Parker...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Sep 16, 2025

Heckscher Field/Central Park

Broadway show league

"Heckscher Field" in Central Park, New York, is used for softball. Here you can see games played for the Broadway Show League. Celebrity stars may be seen.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Sep 16, 2025

Verdi Square

People Watching

This sun soaked park bench is a destination neighborhood residents know, spending time there in observation. It’s one of the more fabulous NYC stages.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Sep 15, 2025

74St Café

American overlooking Beacon Theater

Among its offerings are a $10 breakfast special and its enormous $15 lunchtime hamburger, a price unobtainable anywhere else within walking distance.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Sep 15, 2025

Monumental Women

Central Park Monument Representing Real Women

"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Sep 13, 2025

Der Krung

Best Thai spot in town

"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Christian

Neely

Sep 13, 2025

Apthorp Cleaners

Barbies, Barbies, Barbies

"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Sep 12, 2025

Taco Mix

Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls

Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Sep 11, 2025

Dinastia

Cuban - Chinese

"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Sep 11, 2025

Studio Museum in Harlem

Artists of color

"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Sep 11, 2025

Stand Up NY

UWS Comedy Club

Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,

019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Sep 9, 2025

Heading to New York?

308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

308 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves New York

Get to know our other Spotters from New York

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
63
Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
Filters