Morningside Park is a narrow strip NYC Park that stretches 13 blocks through neighborhoods of Harlem and Morningside Heights in Manhattan, NYC. It is a large public park, but of course, no Central Park for size comparison and neither the landscape of Conservatory Gardens which are my ultimate favorite. Nevertheless, it does contains beautiful full bloom lush green scenic landscaping with cohesive impact of a community park. It was built on a steep incline, which I surely felt as I was walking uphill on Cathedral Parkway and it was surely strenuous physical activity. There are outlook posts via stairs that fends a cliff-like towering view where visitors pause to intake a scenic views from above street level. These stairs are not ADA accessible. There are benches. The grounds are clean and peaceful. My visit was a fleeting moment in passage of my travels. It awoken my spirit to be grateful to be alive to see nature's beauty. My favorite are weeping willow trees which are beautiful and ultimate picturesque scenic for landscaping beauty, but to no avail. There are giant rock boulders that serve as fence or border. On Saturdays there is a outdoor farmers market. There is a bronze sculpture "Alfred Lincoln Seligman Fountain," by Edgar Walter dedicated 1914 depicting a bear leaning on rock hunting its prey with faun sheltering below and a adjacent plaque located north 114th Street and Morningside Avenue, at the foot of the stairway. This park is accessible via MTA NYC Transit B, C trains at Cathedral Parkway-110th Street station and local 1 train at Cathedral Parkway-110th Street station in Upper West Side, Manhattan, NYC. read more

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Lovely park indeed. Walked extensively through this park. Grounds are kept up very well. read more

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Morningside Park, although just down the street from me, has always been more of a park to quickly cut through than enjoy. Nevertheless, there are points of enjoyment if you look, like this amazing 1914 "Bear and Faun" statue (see pic) that I noticed on my last walk across from the lower level to at the foot of the stair pathway leading up to Morningside Heights. Beyond the statue's thoughtful human and dog bowl water fountain (which I hope turns on during the summer time) that calls out to pay it attention, this masterful piece was dedicated to a man who lost his life in an automobile accident in 1910 but ironically had been VP of the National Highways Protective Association. It well complements its setting adjacent to the rustic wooded stone hillside. Keep in mind as the park's name indicates, it loses direct sun as the day advances in the afternoon. Certainly, for some, nighttime use of the extremely steep winding staircases and their connecting elevated walkways - including those well wooded - might be justifiably intimidating. That being said, the park always feels like it lacks significantly needed care that the nearby Central Park receives, maybe getting only bandaid investments to dissuade crime and at pressure from neighboring residents and the perched above Columbia University. While at times I've noted work being done, many asphalt walkways, including those abutting the stairs' many levels, are just plain rugged at best - perhaps requiring a better solve for those paths. Look forward to exploring more of its features on a sunny morning! read more

Morningside Park - Morningside Park Bear and Faun Statue - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Morningside Park was on my agenda for today. It's very close to the Farmers Market so I took a walk with my friend. He grew up in this neighborhood and he said it wasn't always this nice in the 1970's and 1980's. A lot has been invested into picnic tables, playgrounds, ball fields and keeping it clean. Some other visit I will explore more. It's a long narrow park from 110th Street up to 123rd Street. If I was visiting earlier in the day I would explore more. If you are nearby you should check it out. Especially if you live in the neighborhood and have children. read more

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Favorite neighborhood park to go on a walk with my family or a quick easy run on. Always clean, and the water fountains are always clean as well in the summertime. The pond is home of many fishes, turtles and ducks! read more

Morningside Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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Beautiful views, lots of fun. I can't wait to go back. It's so much wonderful place to be at.

This strip of land covers a massive drop in elevation, and provides a greenway leading from the more northern part of the city to Central Park. There are some nice views to be had and some playgrounds, but the size of the park is by no means huge. It's more likely a place people will pass through than search for as a destination. There is some statuary amongst the greenery to capture one's attention. I did observe a spotted lanternfly overlooking the park. It is an invasive species and I suspect maybe you're supposed to kill them on sight, but I didn't have it in me. read more

Morningside Park - Spotted laternfly - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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didn't realize how large this park is but it is pretty huge and pretty well-maintained for the areas that i saw. Morningside Park stretches from 110th Street to 123rd Street between Morningside Heights and Harlem. The park hosts a bunch of features from playgrounds to athletic fields / courts to a waterfall & pond and more. to me, the coolest feature is the cliff that juts upward out of the park that provides a cool bird's-eye view of Harlem to the east...after climbing a bunch of stairs that lead to 116th and Morningside Drive reveals a statue but more importantly an awesome sight above the park and to the east. winter probably isn't the best time to enjoy most of the features of the park but i am looking forward to enjoying them during the warmer months of 2024...so should you! read more

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Came to this park during Memorial weekend for a friends BBQ & at least where we were it was nice. Big open space, lots of green , a bathroom near by.. bathroom could be better kept? also be more clean am sure it's hard to maintain a public bathroom & it could always be worse. The area we were in all around , looked clean, garbage cans available not bad over all. We had a nice spot, under the shade ..ended up being a really nice afternoon. read more

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Pretty decent park that is smaller than Central Park. The park itself is pretty low key, compared to Central Park, with the exception of weekend cookouts during the summer. Overall, this park is pretty clean and has a few parks for the kiddies. Please be aware that this park can get a bit sketchy once the sun goes down. read more

Morningside Park - Nice view "overlooking" Harlem. - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

It's beautiful. The architecture around is Gothic and will make you feel like you are in Europe somewhere. Mera's Tip: Take a walk read more

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Morningside Park is small compared to Central Park, but it's pretty. It's located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood. This is just by Columbia University. It's mostly a safe area. Though at night it can get sketchy. It's not like Central Park, but it's easier to get around. It has a big pond in the middle. There's a walking path around it, and it's popular for joggers and dog walkers. It has plenty of areas for recreational activities. There's several basketball and racquetball courts, and a few softball fields. It also has plenty things for children. There's a few playgrounds throughout. It also has a dog run in the southern area. This has a review of its own. It is continuing to expand. It has some stuff going on in the northern area. This park can get scary at night but at other times it's all right. read more

Morningside Park - Pond - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Go check out the Reclining Statue of Liberty sculpture before it is gone. The park is also a nice place for a walk, a stroll, a jog, a picnic, or just to relax and enjoy a book. Prior to this current visit, It has been about 15 years since I have stepped into Morningside Park. It was great to see the Zaq Landsberg, sculpture of the reclining in full relaxation Statue of Liberty. The sculpture is located on 120th st & Morningside , just walk up the little steps, you can not miss it. The sculpture will be on display until April 2022. For check it out & bring your camera. No admission, thjust something cool to see. read more

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Awesome park with a small waterfall. Waterfall in the Manhattan, that is super rare. The small pond has ducks, turtles, sometimes geese floating around. Very peaceful park to walk around and clean and well maintained. read more

The children's parks here are big safe and wonderful. Great area for families. Usually clean and the equipment is working and safe. My only complaint is that during the hot months there can be a lot of mosquitoes and this makes this park not quite tear round. read more

I like the vibe of the park, the pond with the turtles and the superb weeping willows. I like the semi wild path that runs below Morningside Drive from 120 to 114 streets. I like the colors in the fall and the way the park and the paths are kind of chiseled out of the rock. read more

I enjoy walking my dog here. I feel fairly safe and its decently clean. The architecture is awesome and theres a small dog park in the middle. Spring is the best time to be here.. the flowers are blooming! read more

Morningside Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

A green strip of beauty. This park packs a lot in just 13 blocks. Crossed by an upper and a lower walkways (the later with nice views), it develops along a narrow strip bisected by giant rocky boulders. The southern section has even a cute body of water with a small waterfall and vertical cliffs in the background. In the upper section there are towering walls that are reached by walking along magnificent stairways. It showcases 5 playgrounds (one of which is huge), racketball courts, basketball courts, baseball/softball fields and even a dog run. There are picnic tables in several sections of the park, and more is coming, because they're still working in the northern section to add something rise. I'm not sure I'd be hanging out here much in the evening, by during daylight hours the place is legit. read more

30-acre that includes a playground, basketball courts and a big grassy area for softball/baseball/soccer. Walked through the park a few times last week while visiting a friend in Harlem. Ducks, geese, squirrel and birds -- a great nature walk. I really like all the trees. Walking up and down the cement stairs was awesome, too! Seemed like a safe park, but I wouldn't feel safe walking through it after a night of drinking :-)! read more

Morningside Park - pix from morningside park website - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Took the kids to the playground here before our drive back to Maine. Clean playground equipment, nicely manicured lawns, with plenty of room to run dogs and kids. A great quick stop off for any child that needs an exercise break. read more

Morningside Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

I went here specifically to find the lounging Statue of Liberty. I found it!! This was a very cute sculpture that I found on IG. It's 25 ft. long and seeing the little kids climb over it made my day read more

Morningside Park - Lounging Statue of Liberty on 125th + Morningside entrance - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Beautiful, old park. Great for family outings. If you are coming with kids and a stroller, elderly relatives, or disabled family - enter from the East side. The west side (by Columbia University) is really cliffside and while the carved stone stairways are gorgeous...you will have to carry everything down a lot of steep stairs. If you are coming by train the 1 is the most convenient but again you are entering from the West. Otherwise the C comes in from the East, but always has delays. If the stairs don't bother you. It is a beautiful walk all throughout this park. Closest restrooms however are a few blocks over at nearby shops. And ice is easy to get at the Rite Aid on 117th. Enjoy your outing at the park! read more

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I often take a lunch stroll when the weather is nice. Great walking path with distance markers to make you feel fit and accomplished. There are bathrooms and a water bottle fill station between the 110th and 113th street entrances. Nice bird/turtle watching by the pond. read more

Morningside Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Because of its location to Harlem, it's elevation differences and it's natural and man made obstructions it is a haven for hidden dangers. Don't bother going through there it's not worth it. Go over to riverside park, better visibility and much more security. And pretty views and things to do what a park should be. Housing should be built along the hill and a park constructed on the low lying land. Wake up New York your letting your city go to hell again. read more

Dang this park is huge. Sits across 12-13 blocks and it's sunk down below street level and taking in about 30 acres. We walked by it for the first time recently and I had to take the old concrete steps down into it to look around. It's a really nice park that has basketball courts, a running track, handball courts, some grilling areas, statues, and plenty of well laid out scenery. There's also a pond and waterfall here. The park was pretty beaten up and considered a dangerous place in the past, but was not too long ago renovated and seems much nicer and safer now. Still, I would suspect at night some of the more hidden trails and steps some might want to avoid to play it safe. Walking by offers nice views of the goings on at the ballfields and stuff. Plenty of open space and greenery to take in. read more

It's a pretty large park, of which half is literally the side of a large hill and the other half completely flat. It makes for an interesting walk, although probably a perfect place to do stairs or work those glutes. I stumbled into this park because I wanted to find the statue of the bear trying to eat a little boy (meaning is up for interpretation), but it was in my guide book, so forgive me. The park itself has good views of the city to the east. At the ground level, there are benches where people sit in front of the small lake. There are grassy areas as well. It's a nice park. The hill portion I like, composed of winding walkways and little stairs that take you up to the cathedrals. It's quite amazing that the two sides of a park can look that different. Caveat is that there is a lot of trash in this park, and I wouldn't recommend it after dusk. Probably not safe. read more

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It's a lush green park with a waterfall that divides Morningside Heights and South Harlem. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead et al - the same crew who designed Central Park. This past fall the parks department installed a series of modern sculptures that blend well with the greenery. The park has a ball field that's used for baseball, touch football and soccer. Two different sets of basket ball courts, two or three different playground (swings, slide, climbing thingys) areas spaced throughout the park. There's a walk/jogging path that meanders the length of the park. If you early enough you'll see individuals practicing Tai Chi and Qi Gong as well as walkers and runners. Now if you're a dog owner, you'll love this park; while I am not too fond of the dog run here, too small and dirty, the park itself is a haven for the neighborhood dogs. Here you'll meet and may pick up a dog owner, pet dogs from almost every available brees- Vislas to mini Yorkies and catch up on the neighborhood gossip. I've walked my dog as late as 2 am here; of course I stay in the lighted area, but ask yourself this, why in the world would you want to walk in a park late night? And there's no park in the universe that's safe. During the summer months you'll catch families and friends barbecuing or having picnics. There's a series of summertime concerts, baseball games, soccer games and the baby brigade is out in force. The baby brigade can be found in the park all year long; it's probably one of the few places where you can let a two year old get rid of their excess energy. The park has a wide variety of flora and fauna, including- a psychotic goose who has been known to chase and bite people A turkey who plays hide and seek A family of raccoons who walk down Morningside Avenue, sneering at people and wearing leather jackets Some Hawks and other birds of prey who commute from Central Park Ducks- then again, what park doesn't have ducks Turtles crawyfish who only crawl around in the park after a big rain Cranes who come to visit during the summer squirrels- many squirrels pigeons otherwise known as rats on wings When the park is in bloom it's a lovely place to relax read more

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Our train skipped a few stops and we discovered this park. It was probably the hottest day but chilling in this prk was dun

I haphazardly found myself on the east side of this park one afternoon. I was heading to Card-o-Mat but got off the train on the wrong side of this park; I am so happy I did. This is such a beautiful oasis in a huge city of New York. It was a great location to take incredible pictures, especially with spring beginning to peak and the trees and flowers almost in full bloom. There were plenty of people leisurely walking around and nannies/moms pushing their baby strollers so I never thought at any moment there was a sense of danger. I felt pretty safe. The people surrounding were nice and I even got into a long conversation with a lovely woman walking around the park. Of course I don't think any park in ANY MAJOR CITY it extremely safe at night so with that I can only say- use common sense. As a tourist, this park is also a block away from gorgeous Saint John's Cathedral on Amsterdam and 112th street. This is a must see, and must photograph, location. I am definitely a fan of this park and will more than likely visit it again whenever I'm in the area. read more

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I love this park beautiful and you forget you are in the city!!! Every time I visit my mom here I go for a walk or just relaxing by the pound!! read more

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Turtles in the lake, stairs that overlook the world. This is by far my favorite park on the Upper West Side. read more

Ive lived in Harlem for over 4 years now, and I have never had an issue with the people in the community. Perhaps Im lucky, I dont know. But bad things happen everywhere. This park may seem ominous at night, but so does Central, Prospect or any other park for that matter. I came here with a friend during the first large snow of 2010. I have these snow blades, which are basically just small (99 cm) trick skis. I had the idea to ski down some of the hills in the park. I had initially scoped this park for sledding in my area, then thought I would try my blades. Let me say that this was one of the most fun experiences that I have had in all of NYC in 5 years. And my rating is based solely on this one evening. Yes, I was there at night, and I'm white. We first tried these stairs around 118-199 streets. They were steep, treacherous, and fun. (Ill include pics) Then we walked up a few blocks to where some other guys were sledding. Their sleds consisted of trash can lids, wrapped in garbage bags. They had a few slope/trails groomed out as well as a pretty gnarly jump. So we joined them. It was great. We drank, sledded, puffed, and skied until the wee hours of the morning. Youve got to come here during a winter storm. read more

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Nice park. Came here with a group of people for Memorial Day bbq during the weekend of. I got there 7am and already the tables for the bbq were all taken! On holidays it's first come first serve so you don't need a permit. The park is spacious and the playground area is amazing. It was so hot that day, I went under the fountain to cool off. However after 8pm, I suggest you leave. The park got super crowded with suspicious people (for lack of better words). Like 100 people showed up out of nowhere after the sunset. They were smoking weed and just being loud. My group and I were already packing up when the other people started coming. By 9pm we were happy to be done and heading out. We weren't being paranoid. The cops at the park had already warned us earlier in the day that there was a shooting the year before. So yeah there's that. But like said, great park. Definitely visit. Lots of hidden gems. Just leave after sunset. Here's a video of my experience: https://youtu.be/1AoDPLH3KuE read more

Morningside Park is a stunning and historic public park in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. The 30-acre park area occupying 110th to 123rd Streets from Morningside Avenue to Morningside Drive at the border between Harlem and Morningside Heights. In 1873, the City of New York commissioned the masterful duo of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux to produce a design for the park. read more

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I haven't been through this park in quite a few years now. Hopefully they have done something with the lightening. There's not enough lights in Morningside Park, and they.close to early during the summer. I still do really like this Park. read more

We went here the day after a huge snowstorm and exploring Harlem, and it was so pretty! The snow in some parts was so pristine and untouched, and reached up to knee length! There's also a dog park here, with happy dogs rolling around in the snow. Kids were sledding down the mini slopes of the park, and people seemed to be in general enjoying the park on a cold day. The church sitting at the top of the hill was so majestic too, overlooking the park. If I lived closed, I know I'd definitely come here to work out and enjoy the fresh air very often! read more

I live right next to Morningside Park and I'm a fan. During the winter it was a little dead looking and kinda depressing. But now it is the spring, and it has come alive. Daffodils are everywhere and everything is lush and green. So pretty. There are basketball courts, places to play baseball and soccer, jungle gyms for kids, and a dog play area. Like other people, I suggest not walking through here at night. However, the park is beautiful and fun during the day. I live in Harlem and my favorite library and restaurants in the area are in Morningside Heights, so I walk through the park a lot. If you are walking from Harlem to Morningside Heights, watch out, your thighs are going to burn. A LOT of steps. a lot. Honestly, some days I go totally out of my way by walking around the park just because I don't want to end up feeling like a total fatty after climbing all those damn steps. read more

This review is focused on only two aspects of Morningside Park: Its views and 'cues! New York City has got to be the worst U.S. city for barbecue. It is illegal to 'cue in Central Park, much of Riverside Park, and most people don't have yards or balconies where they are allowed to 'cue. So, there is a serious dearth of flames in this city! To barbecue in M'side Park, head to the northern end, level with 121st Street. They put out red metal garbage cans for dumping hot coals last summer, and presumably will do so again. You need to provide everything else, coals, grill, etc. (matches!!). The park gets crowded on summertime weekend nights, reliably with all-day barbecues and celebrations. The views are gorgeous -- the park was designed by Central Park's Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. The Manhattan Schist rock outcrops are large and ancient trees tower over the landscape. Springtime is particularly nice with some trees in bloom. If they tried to outlaw BBQ in this Harlem park, there'd be RIOTs. BBQ is such a central part of the black American experience, I feel confident that 'cue is here to stay. So come one, come all, and enjoy barbecue in the city -- not in a disturbingly overpriced restaurant, but good old fashioned do-it-yourself BBQ. read more

Morningside Park is a nice little park near Columbia University. This park is different from most Manhattan parks as there is some steep declivity within, it is not flat at all, and it includes some cliffs, which have been consolidated with stones. This gives it a unique cachet (for a NY park). That's why you can get some elevated views from the surrounding areas. The park offers some nice walks some with stairs to go up and down the slopes. It is large and not crowded, great for some peace and some fresh air. read more

I have lived in West harlem for a year and a half now (Since August 2010) and have loved going to Mornsingside park. I go here at least 2 times a month (often more) and have never had a bad experience with people in the park. Families often have BBQs here, I see lots of baseball games, and of course basketball games are uniquitous. This park is very family friendly during the day and I feel very safe. Of course don't go to a park in NYC at night, this park or any park. Its a great location to go running because there is a natural loop for you to take and you can (but don't need to) go up tons of stairs if you are serious about training. You can also run through Morninside Park on your way to the Columbia area if that is your thing. I see friendly people playing ultimate Frisbee here allt he time. There is also a wonderful playground for children that I see many families at. Also, a great "off-leash" dog park where I see dogs playing together and having fun. In the winter, we love to go sledding here. There are lots of families who do the same thing, but everyone is having fun and people are sharing sleds and what nice. There is one really nice hill with multiple paths down wehre people go sledding. IT's also really during thew itner to play in the snow on the soccer field and baseball field when it's covered in snow. Why not 5 stars? It's not as big or as amazing as Central Park. Sadly the tennis courts are not in good shape (they are lacking a net, hence why I've never tried playing here). The nets are missing from the hoops at the basketball courts (a very common problem in NYC too). read more