Fort Wadsworth

COVID-19 Changes

The visitor center, including the Fort Wadsworth museum, is closed until further notice. 
All ranger programs and events have been cancelled. The campground is closed for the 2020 season.

 

View of the New York Harbor from the overlook

NPS Photo

Fort Wadsworth is one of the oldest military installations in the nation. The site occupies 226 acres on the northeastern shore of Staten Island, on the Narrows of New York Harbor. Rich in history and natural beauty, Fort Wadsworth affords you the opportunity to observe an important part of our nation's history, while offering magnificent views of New York Harbor. You can sit at the overlook and watch the harbor, ride your bike (click here for bike path map), run or walk through the fort.

Click here for a detailed history of Fort Wadsworth.

Please note that the Fort Wadsworth Vistor Center, theFort Wadsworth Museum, and the Mont Sec House are currently closed to the public.
Interested in the two islands (Hoffman and Swinburne) you can see from the Overlook? Find out more about them here.

Interested in learning more about the Lighthouse at the top of Battery Weed?

We are not currently processing any type of permit for photography or filming, including wedding photos at the overloook. Find out more about permit requirements here.

Operating Hours:

Fort Wadsworth is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Facilities:

Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center: Explore indoor exhibits about Fort Wadsworth's role in protecting New York City.
Mont Sec Hourse: Explore this historic house furnished as it would have been at the end of the 19th century.
Walking and biking trails: Walk (or run) througout Fort Wadsworth. You can also bike along the road. Bike racks are available at the Visitor Center.
Campgrounds: Camp Hudson has seven tent sites and hot showers. This campsite is typically open in the summer.
Fort Wadsworth Overlook: Take in great views of the NYC harbor and learn about the importance of Fort Wadsworth in the defense of Manhattan.

Driving Directions

From the east:

• Take Verrazano - Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn.
• Stay in right lane and take the Bay Street exit to the park entrance.

From the west:

• Take either the Goethals or Bayonne Bridge from New Jersey to the Staten Island Expressway (Interstate 278)
• Staten Island Expressway (Interstate 278) east to the Lily Pond Ave. exit.
• Turn left at the light and follow this road to Bay Street and the park entrance.

Public Transportation

Take the S51 from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal to the park entrance on Bay Street. (Please note - some buses will come through Fort Wadsworth, you have to look at the front of the bus).