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Harlem Meer

A serene man-made lake in the northeast corner of Central Park, the Harlem Meer offers a peaceful escape for wildlife viewing, catch-and-release fishing, and seasonal recreation at the Davis Center.

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Harlem Meer
www.centralparknyc.org, og_image_www.centralparknyc.org

What is the Harlem Meer?

The Harlem Meer is a man-made lake located in the northeast corner of Central Park in New York City, situated west of Fifth Avenue and south of 110th Street.

What can you do at the Harlem Meer?

Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, relaxing, picnicking, and catch-and-release fishing. There are also two children's playgrounds nearby, and the Davis Center offers skating and swimming.

Is the Harlem Meer good for kids?

Yes, it is popular with families and offers two children's playgrounds and catch-and-release fishing.

What are the hours for the pool at the Harlem Meer?

The Gottesman Pool operates from late June until early September, with daily hours from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., including a cleaning break from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

How do I get to the Harlem Meer?

The area is accessible via subway lines 2, 3, 6, B, and C, as well as various bus lines.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Harlem Meer is a man-made lake situated in the northeast corner of Central Park, positioned west of Fifth Avenue and south of 110th Street. The name 'Meer' is Dutch for 'small sea,' reflecting the original designers' desire for unique names for the park's water bodies. This artificial lake was constructed on the site of a tidal marsh once fed by a creek that extended south to the Harlem River. Historically, the lake spanned 12.634 acres, though its size was reduced to approximately 11 acres following the 1966 completion of the Lasker skating rink and swimming pool. In 1978, the Meer was designated a National Historic Landmark as part of the broader Central Park designation. To ensure the area remained a community destination, the Central Park Conservancy began landscape restorations in the late 1980s, completing a major restoration of the lake in 1993. Today, the area is a hub for active recreation and education. The Dana Discovery Center, designed by Buttrick White & Burtis Architects on the site of a former boathouse, serves as a visitor and programs space. Nearby, the Davis Center provides year-round activities, including the Gottesman Pool, which operates from late June until early September, and an ice rink that runs from late October through March. Visitors often frequent the shoreline for relaxing, picnicking, and observing wildlife. The surrounding grounds include the Harlem Oval, a public green offering turf programming during the spring and fall, as well as two children's playgrounds and opportunities for catch-and-release fishing.

Visitor tips

  • If visiting the Gottesman Pool, note that hours are 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, with a cleaning break from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Access the area easily via subway lines 2, 3, 6, B, or C.
  • Visit between late October and March to experience the ice rink at the Davis Center.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the shoreline and nearby War of 1812 defenses like Fort Clinton.

Nearby context

Located at the northernmost reaches of Central Park, the Harlem Meer sits just south of 110th Street and north of the Conservatory Garden. It serves as a gateway to the park's north end and is located near historic War of 1812 defenses, including Nutter’s Battery and Fort Clinton.

Sources

Evidence and links