Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park image

Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park

Tourist attraction Park

Overlooking Manhattan, this triangular-shaped park was designed by master architect Louis I. Kahn. People often mention park, views, Roosevelt, Island, city, memorial, visit, great, beautiful, view,


Address

1 FDR Four Freedoms Park, 1 FDR Four Freedoms Park, New York, NY 10044

Website

www.fdrfourfreedomspark.org

Contact

(212) 204-8831

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 9 AM to 5 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (38) views (19) Roosevelt (16) Island (16) city (15) memorial (10) visit (10) great (10) beautiful (9) view (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Nicholas S. 1 year ago on Google • 12 reviews
    What a beautiful way to spend the day. I went over here after seeing reviews from other people. They were not joking about how beautiful and peaceful it is to be here. This park is a memorial for Former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt whom this Island is also named after. You'll find tons of information about him and his presidency around this part. There are many fascinating sculptures in this area but my favorite would have the be the bust of FDR'S head which is near the lower tip of the Island. Just behind it is a quote from one of his speeches about the Four Freedoms, which this memorial is named after. You'll get amazing views of the city from here of prominent buildings such as the United Nations, and some hidden views from major skyscrapers such as the Freedom Tower, Empire State Building, and Chrysler Building. You'll also get a view of some of the funky architecture of some of the newer buildings in the city. I call it funky, but I actually like them. It's such a very aesthetically pleasing view. I included pictures of many of those views, so I hope you enjoy. After that, I hope you consider taking a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway yourself if you decide on making a visit to this park.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MJG 1 year ago on Google • 454 reviews
    Very unique piece of property right beside the busy city. When we were on the island, there was hardly anyone on it. Quite nice if you want to escape the noise of NYC. The FDR area was pretty cool. Not a lot of shade on a hot day but still worth checking out. There are washrooms near by but use the Cornell Tech washrooms instead, mush cleaner and nicer. If you want to take the tram to the island, definitely take the short 10-15 min walk to the southern tip and check this area out. Can get cool city scape photos of NYC from here as well. 5/5. Follow me for more reviews, photos and tips.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Denzi Yishey (. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the newest park in New York City. It’s accessible by car, subway and tramway. I went on my car but there is no free parking. The parking is $2 for an hour for a maximum of 6 hours. I went on weekday and so, it was easy to find the parking. I bet it’s gonna be hard on weekends. The park itself is nice and clean with an u imaginable view of Long Island city to the West and Manhattan to the East. It’s a perfect getaway from the city. The park has no entrance fees and less crowded on weekdays. Moreover, it is a good place to come with a book, pet or coffee. Sit, relax and enjoy the peace and calmness it brings to your heart and soul. Make sure to take a walk and enjoy the breeze of the Hudson River. The park has a restroom at the entrance and it’s still under constructions. One of the major highlight is the Smallpox Hospital. Just can’t stop myself from comparing smallpox pandemic in 1800’s with the current COVID-19. Highly recommended! If you are tramway fan, you can take tramway on your way back or ferry if you are ferry fan. But it’s a must visit and plan on spending about 2 hours minimum at this park. ALERT: Park is closed on Tuesday and after 7pm everyday.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Juliana 4 months ago on Google • 175 reviews
    Wow! Show stopping park. Such a treat to be able to visit this gorgeous memorial to FDR on Roosevelt Island. Be warned: it closes at 5pm on weekdays. It’s worth a special trip though. Tell your boss you have a dr appt and enjoy an afternoon gazing at the nyc skyline from this park. You won’t regret it.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luke C. 2 months ago on Google • 280 reviews New
    Beautiful memorial. You get a nice view of the city at the point of the island.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aumma B. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the most peaceful place in NYC ♥️ I enjoyed listening to the sound of the breeze. It made me feel like the old days when I lived nearby and there was love and possibilities in the air. This is my City. My home 🏡🤎
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 M S (. 9 months ago on Google
    Nice park in the southern tip of Roosevelt Island. The tramway ride from Manhattan is a pleasantly unusual way to get there. I found it a very relaxing visit, close to the City but away from its bustle and noise, with concise but thorough explanation of the park's history and a proper tribute to FDR. Restrooms are available, functional and clean.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jongchan Park (. 2 years ago on Google
    Here was also pleasant trip site too! Family walking with breeze under the trees' shade gives you rest during busy NYC travel. And its scenic views of nice NYC skyline was also impressive. And here's not crowded. I recommend to visit here if you have a chance. And the tram riding 🚊 was also fun! 👌
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marcos Almonte P. 1 year ago on Google
    This park is often overlooked when visiting NYC but I believe it is a must especially for our times and our generation. This site reminds us of the four freedoms that FDR said would be of the utmost importance. In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression--everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way--everywhere in the world. The third is freedom from want--which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants--everywhere in the world. The fourth is freedom from fear--which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression gainst any neighbor--anywhere in the world.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark C. 1 year ago on Google
    Quiet, not populated, and great views of the city. Watch the ferries and barges go through the East River. See a clear view of the United Nations building. Views of most of the popular high rises in the city. Park looks new.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bryan S. 9 months ago on Google • 111 reviews
    Located at the southern top of Roosevelt Island, the FDR Four Freedoms Park is a breathtaking place to visit. I highly recommend taking the tram from the Upper East Side and walking down to the Four Freedoms Park. The Manhattan side views are spectacular, as are the Queens side views (minus the power plant). The views looking south down the East River are also spectacular. Just pay attention to the hours of operation, but a visit to the park is time we'll spent; it's breathtaking.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eu Ken N. 5 months ago on Google • 99 reviews
    This park is very well maintained and is suitable for both adults and children. It is a good destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city as there are tons of space for physical activities, picnic, or just to people watch and doing nothing.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David O. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic, well maintained, full of shiny granite blocks park in the very south tip of Roosevelt Island. The views are amazing, great panorama shots: Midtown to the east (UN headquarters, Chrysler building...), Williamsburg bridge in the far south and Hunters Point (Long Island City) west. Free admission, but they take donations, open October-March 9am-5pm, April-September 9am-7pm, closed Tuesdays. Only one entrance opened, by the Smallpox Hospital ruins in Southpoint Park.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anne Hathaway did not spit in my f. 3 months ago on Google • 134 reviews New
    My experience was not as astoundingly profound as when I first visited in 2015, but peaceful nonetheless. A different sort of January 6 is commemorated on FDR's quotation board!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Johanan O. 4 months ago on Google • 259 reviews
    Incredibly beautiful, peaceful and quiet park. Moving speech from Roosevelt carved into the memorial.

  • 5/5 Esther M. 6 months ago on Google • 41 reviews
    A beautiful, quiet and serene space where you can see both midtown Manhattan and Long Island City. The views of the skyline, the river and all of the cool boats, planes and helicopters passing by are a photographer’s dream!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tere G. 2 years ago on Google
    Came here on a weekend, it wasn’t too crowded. Clean park and memorial with views of midtown east. Less touristy than other parks in the city. Could spend more time here next time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M P. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a great park with amazing views! Can't wait to visit in the summer or spring.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lethicia M. 1 year ago on Google
    “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself … which paralyzes” It’s a very reflexive place and calm. I went by myself for a walk and I also rode a citibike. There are coffee abs restaurants. Everything was super clean.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Oscar A R. 1 year ago on Google
    Symmetric staff, great views to Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. Wounded in space for kids and adults, and of course… toilets. A peace of mind since everything in NYC is massive and far.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve S. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful memorial park on the southern tip of Roosevelt Island. Take the Roosevelt Island Tram to get there for great views. A large part of the park is currently closed to improve ADA accessibility. You would think they would have thought of that prior to construction. Sign states it will be completed summer of 2021.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rolf S. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice, unusual park in the middle of the East River on Roosevelt Island, the best way to enjoy a summer day with a book or a packed lunch. The ruins of the smallpox hospital add a historical touch.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna R. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful park located at the southern end of manhattans Roosevelt island. We stopped in on a rainy afternoon via tramway. The park has beautiful views of downtown and Queens/Brooklyn as well as a beautiful dedication to the four freedoms. The area has a large bust sculpture of Roosevelt and is surrounded by stone. At the time we visited, the park also included a dedication to the women of Iran. A great stop when in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Quinn C. 1 year ago on Google
    Really nice park and beautiful memorial that is probably underappreciated in NYC. I went in December on a sunny day. Not busy at all. It is right on the south end of Roosevelt Island with great views of the city. You can see the UN Headquarters across the River. Great place for a stroll or picnic.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Eric S. 6 months ago on Google • 95 reviews
    Beautiful views of Manhattan and Queens (especially the UN building). Worthwhile to take the Tram from 59th street. Quiet park on South end of island. Close to old ruins of Smallpox hospital. The park is quiet and beautiful. Close to all the new Cornell tech buildings that recently have come up.

  • 5/5 Kiariladyboss 1 year ago on Google
    Visited Four Freedom Park many times as it’s my peaceful place away from the city’s chaos. As of now -June 2022- the park is hosting the Largest Progress Pride Flag at the FDR Four Freedoms State Park on Roosevelt Island measuring 100 feet long by 30 feet wide. The Park's Progress Pride Flag serves as a symbol of solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and a reminder of the collective progress needed to achieve these freedoms.🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ 📆The park is open every day 9am-7pm except for Tuesday which is their closing day. Find the flag until the end of the month. 🆓Teaching artists from Ballet Hispánico in partnership with FFPC will be teaching a class at the “Free to be You” children’s festival at the Park on Saturday, June 18.

  • 5/5 Lennin R. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice memorial. Small but nice too bad you can't fly drones there

  • 5/5 Brad R. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a truly unique experience in the middle of New York City. Feels like you are completely in the middle and also completely apart from the urban feel. Check out the old smallpox hospital adjacent to the site. Fun to take the tram over and then the subway or bus over to Queens.

  • 5/5 karen s. 2 years ago on Google
    A very pretty park. We took the subway to the island and it’s a short walk to the park. Good signage with details on the park, the smallpox hospital, and more. Great view of the UN.

  • 5/5 Manny L. 2 years ago on Google
    One of my favorite modern parks to visit with some of the best skyline views of the city. They're impressive on both sides of the East River overlooking Manhattan and Queens. This park is beautiful, well maintained and not crowded or touristy. It's what I like about the FDR park and Roosevelt Island in general, usually quiet, relaxed and a great place to reflect. As a memorial tribute to FDR, the historical significance and meaning of the "Four Freedoms" is especially relevant now and this park always reminds me of that. The installations in this park are inspiring, from the inscriptions on the stairs, to the statues documenting his presidency, life and battle with polio. A must-see and highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Sahar Ben S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great view, and nice park to do a picnic. not many people over there

  • 5/5 Kuba S. 2 years ago on Google
    Not very touristy, quiet place to see great views of Manhattan and rest a bit.

  • 4/5 Caris 2 years ago on Google
    The tramway and Roosvelt park make Roosevelt island really worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Istvan H. 2 years ago on Google
    Too bad the remains of the hospital do not make it possible to go inside. Very interesting story. The park is very nice, great view of the city from the river.


Call (212) 204-8831 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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