Central Park Secret Locations: Historian-Led Tour

Uncover the hidden gems of Central Park on a historian-led tour. Explore secret locations, learn about the park’s history, visit Revolutionary War forts, and discover stunning gardens.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • The Pool - We start off with the history of the park including the designers, why the park was built, when it was built, how it was built. We’ll start the walk along the path and the rolling terrain of The Pool area. You’ll also visit the secret Grotto waterfall and understand its purpose………..Keep in mind that there are many SECRET PLACES…
What's Included
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • Small group - Limited to 16 people
  • Special CENTRAL PARK EXPERIENCE tour available from December to February
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Uncover the hidden gems of Central Park that only an authentic New York City historian can guide you to. Explore some of the park’s most historic and picturesque locations situated above 100th Street, which are also less frequented. Learn about the park’s past, its founders, what was previously located there, and visit landmarks from the Revolutionary…

Location
405 Central Park West
Central Park West
Meet at 100th Street and Central Park West ACROSS THE STREET from 405 Central Park West. Meet on the Central Park side of the street
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(72 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Brangiend
Oct 11, 2025
Bruce schists! - We began our 10-day trip to NYC with a noon tour of Secret Places of Central Park with Bruce. It was the perfect introduction to the park and the city itself. The tour was endlessly fascinating. Bruce is a historian by training and a lifelong New Yorker—his passion for the park was infectious. The tour grounded our stay—we made a couple trips back to Central Park simply to "unbend the mind" and experience nature (or, as Bruce pointed out many times, "natural-ISM"). Through the tour I've come to view the park as a national treasure. If New York is the big apple, the park is its core. Bruce's knowledge of the park is encyclopedic, but his presentation was always easy-going and entertaining. Bruce rocks (or, more appropriately, schists)!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dawn
Oct 5, 2025
Educational, beautiful, and lots movement! - Bruce was a phenomenal tour guide! He is extremely knowledgeable about the history of Central Park, and New York history at large! Well prepared and able to easily respond to spontaneous inquiry with enthusiasm and warmth.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Claytonf828
Jul 20, 2025
- Bruce is a great, knowledgeable tour guide. The hike through upper Central Park was amazing and full of historical background that we never could have learned on our own.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P4811qjsusanw
Jul 3, 2025
Interesting and Enjoyable - Our tour guide, Bruce, was fantastic. He was extremely knowledgeable and was wonderful with my grandchildren. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Central Park.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kerryla1846cp
May 25, 2025
Absolutely great - Maybe the best walking tour ever. Bruce was super smart and personable. Learned a ton. Benn yo park for my whole life but saw new places and have a new appreciation of its splendor. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nomyyah
May 13, 2025
Central Park Walk in the Woods - A wonderful way to explore the less-travelled north 20% of Central Park, An adventure through woods, up hills and down, by creeks where children were playing. Be prepared for with good walking shoes and water on a hot day. You'll get a lot of steps in (I got 13,000) and a lot of beauty An outstanding experience,leading us to places we've never seen, despite being locals. Whether we'd seen them before or not, we know a lot more now than we did before. Bruce is a seasoned guide, a true professional with a delightful manner.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joshua_s
May 12, 2025
Bruce was knowledgeable,... - Bruce was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and fun. We thought we knew something about the park, but learning its history let us see it in a new way.
Review provided by Viator
N5291eqmaxb
Dec 13, 2024
A perfect way to see Central Park! - This tour was a highlight of our trip to NYC from the UK. Bruce was an excellent guide and pleasure to spend the tour with. His knowledge and passion made the time just fly by. We now have an entirely new perspective and love for Central Park.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debbiesb9603cd
Sep 28, 2024
A Magical Day at the Park - First of all, our guide Bruce was fantastic. We had been on another tour with Bruce, Hamilton and Washington, and we looked forward to Secret Places of Central Park. You can't imagine how much there is in the park that most of us never see. This northern section feels like you're in another place, far from New York City. I won't spoil the surprises you'll enjoy; you'll have to see for yourself. I highly recommend this and all tours guided by Bruce. He knows everything about anything and is a wonderful person to spend time with.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicole_p
Sep 3, 2024
Amazing Sights and Insights - Our guide provided us with one of the most interesting and intriguing bespoke tours of Central Park. We went to some of the most fascinating places that not everyone will see and learnt the history behind one of NYC's most beautiful parks.
Review provided by Viator
From $53
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).