Gateway National Recreation Area
Gateway National Recreation Area
Gateway National Recreation abounds with recreational and learning opportunities, ranging from swimming, boating and fishing to team sports, bicycling and nature study. Travel to days of old when you visit the nation’s oldest operating lighthouse, forts that defended America, and sites that trace aviation’s early days. A wildlife refuge, holly forest, ocean dunes and coastal uplands in one, Gateway is a park that you don’t want to miss!
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Lisa Eckert; Barrett SullivanPhone Number: 718-354-4665
Entrance Fees: Free
Sights: Sandy Hook Lighthouse; Keepers Quarters; Jamaica Bay Institute
Important Dates
Established as Park: October 27, 1972By The Numbers
Acres: 26,607.00Annual Visitation: 8,456,456 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :40.454140 / -73.992540 (map it)
State: NY
Nearby Big City: Staten Island, NY
Gateway Communities: New York City, NY; Jersey City, NJ
Nearby Airports: LaGuardia Airport (LGA); John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : Yes
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Gateway, 1660
National Park Service
Gateway, 1661
National Park Service
Gateway, 1665
National Park Service
View More Gateway Photos
In Detail
Animals Animals The Golden-crowned Kinglet is a common migratory species at all units of Gateway. Located on the Atlantic Flyway, over 300 resident and visiting bird species have been recorded at Gateway ... read more.
History HISTORY & CULTURE Gateway National Recreation Area's three park units all trace the rich history of the nation and harbor. Historic forts, former airports, recreation areas and America's oldest opera ... read more.
In A Nutshell Operating Hours & Seasons Gateway National Recreation Area is open year round from sunrise to sunset.Places National Parks are special places; places that tell the fascinating stories of our coun ... read more.
Just For Kids Be A Junior Ranger Junior Ranger Programs Summer Program at Great Kills Park, Staten Island Held in July and again in August, this two-week hands-on nature study program for ages 7-12 starts at the ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Lodging Navy Lodge at Fort Wadsworth (800) 628-9466 Open All Year. Lodging for Navy veterans and active duty personnel. The Navy Lodge is not open to the general public. Monmouth County ... read more.
Natural World Natural Features & Ecosystems Grasslands Phragmites grasslands cover vast areas of Gateway, and are subject to frequent burning. Remnants of other more diverse grassland types, particularly at Floyd ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Permits In order to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all of our visitors, Gateway National Recreation Area requires permits and in some cases fees for certain individual and group activiti ... read more.
Plants Plants Phragmites Phragmites, Phragmites australis, also known as Common Reed, is an aggressively growing species, which outcompetes many other native plants. It can grow to a height of ten feet, and ... read more.
Preservation Centennial Initiative 2016 Centennial Vision In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, America invites the world to discover the meaning of national parks to their ... read more.
Sights to See Collections The Gateway Museum Collection The Gateway National Recreation Area museum collection contains a great variety of objects ranging from artillery shells to sea shells. Aircraft to insects, ... read more.
Things To Do Ranger Guided Ranger led field experiences are available at all three Gateway park units, but teacher training and other requirements vary. Call 718-354-4560 for further information.Things To Do Gate ... read more.
Recent News
- Goats slip past security fence near NYC bridge August 8, 2008, 12:14 pm
Gateway In Depth
News from the Parks
Civil Rights Leaders Declare Fundraising Success for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
December 4, 2008 - 3:10pm
Civil rights leaders gathered Wednesday to declare that they had finally overcome their money obstacles and raised more than $100 million to build the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.
December 4, 2008 - 3:10pm
Civil rights leaders gathered Wednesday to declare that they had finally overcome their money obstacles and raised more than $100 million to build the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.
Wildlife Biologist Cites Reasons Behind Bear Attacks
December 4, 2008 - 3:08pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildlife biologist Bill Stiver said bear management and education of the public must take place in order to decrease harmful bear and human encounters.
December 4, 2008 - 3:08pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildlife biologist Bill Stiver said bear management and education of the public must take place in order to decrease harmful bear and human encounters.
Park Develops Plan to Preserve Outcrops
December 4, 2008 - 3:05pm
Shenandoah National Park asked for comments on a study it did on how people affect rock outcrops and the rare vegetation that grows on them. Visitors have damaged some popular rock outcrops and the park is trying to decide how to best protect pristine areas while still allowing visitors to enjoy them.
December 4, 2008 - 3:05pm
Shenandoah National Park asked for comments on a study it did on how people affect rock outcrops and the rare vegetation that grows on them. Visitors have damaged some popular rock outcrops and the park is trying to decide how to best protect pristine areas while still allowing visitors to enjoy them.
White House Christmas Tree Lighting Closes Streets, Limits Parking
December 4, 2008 - 3:04pm
D.C. police are warning travelers of street closures near the White House during the afternoon rush hour for the lighting of the National Christmas tree.
December 4, 2008 - 3:04pm
D.C. police are warning travelers of street closures near the White House during the afternoon rush hour for the lighting of the National Christmas tree.
Officials Prepare for Chronic Wasting in Deer
December 4, 2008 - 3:01pm
Chronic wasting disease, a contagious neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, could devastate local deer populations, and National Park Service officials want to be prepared if the disease makes its way inside the boundaries of Monocacy and Antietam national battlefields.
December 4, 2008 - 3:01pm
Chronic wasting disease, a contagious neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, could devastate local deer populations, and National Park Service officials want to be prepared if the disease makes its way inside the boundaries of Monocacy and Antietam national battlefields.
