The Lake
Written by VacationIdea.com Travel Editors.
The Lake is a 22-acre body of water, located at mid-Park from 71st to 78th Streets. The path that winds around the Lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and opens up in quite a few spots to reveal sweeping views of the New York City skyline.
The Lake was created out of a large swamp by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted. When the Lake was originally designed it was meant to be both for boating and ice skating. While boating remains, Wollman Rink has replaced the Lake as an ice skating venue.
From March through October, visitors can rent boats at the Central Park Boathouse and row to the most hidden coves of the lake, inhabited by ducks, swans and birds. You can even go on a romantic gondola ride during the warmer months.
Those who prefer to explore on foot can follow the path from Bethesda Fountain, across Bow Bridge, and through the Ramble. The circular path leads back over Cherry Hill to Bethesda Fountain. The loop takes about one hour to complete.
Read more about New York City's Central Park and browse pictures.
New York City Vacation
Written By the Travel Editors at VacationIdea.com, Last Update: Dec 01, 2004