Roosevelt Island Tour: Uncover Its Dark History

Uncover Roosevelt Island’s dark past on a haunted walking tour. Explore untold stories and hidden histories that shaped this eerie island.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Roosevelt Island Tramway - We will meet at the Tramway Plaza and discuss a brief history of the Roosevelt Island Tramway. We will meet everyone and introduce ourselves and head over to Roosevelt Island. The tramway takes us over the East River giving us incredible views of the City. We will stop and take photos once we are off the tram.
  • Roosevelt Island Historical Society Visitor Center Kiosk - Gift shop and cool information about Roosevelt Island.
  • Blackwell House - We will visit the island’s oldest building, which dates back to the 1790s and belonged to the Blackwell family, after whom the island was named at that time. During this walk, we will also stroll past the train and ferry stations to showcase the different forms of transportation on the island. Along the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of both the East and the Hudson River.
  • Queensboro Bridge - We will walk under the bridge and see it’s amazing structure and gorgeous views of Manhattan.
  • Smallpox Memorial Hospital - The Smallpox Hospital was originally built as a quarantine facility for smallpox patients, who were isolated on the island to prevent the spread of the disease to the mainland. It was part of a larger complex of hospitals and medical facilities that served New York City in the 19th century.
  • Fdr Hope Memorial - FDR memorial on Roosevelt Island is dedicated to the memory of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. It was designed by architect Louis Kahn and dedicated in 1973. We will end the tour here and you will be free to hang out at the park and take more photos.
What's Included
  • Tramway entry
Additional Information

Roosevelt Island has gained immense popularity in recent years, largely due to social media. However, are you aware of the dark history of this small island, located between Queens and Manhattan? What was once considered a humanitarian crisis - the atrocities faced by individuals with mental health conditions during the 19th century on this island - remains largely undisclosed. In this tour, we will delve into the dark history of Roosevelt Island, shedding light on its grim past. Join me on this walking tour, as we uncover the untold stories that shaped the island’s complex narrative.

Location
Roosevelt Island Tramway
East 60th Street
I will be waiting downstairs by the benches.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
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(3 Ratings)
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Betsy_h
Jun 9, 2024
Best tour guide of NEW YORK! - My wife I went on a tour of Roosevelt Island in New York and had an incredible time. Our tour guide Daniel was not only patient understanding, but also knowledgeable about the history of the area and as a native New Yorker, he was able to answer our questions, not about Roosevelt Island but about the city as a whole. He even took the time to help my wife and I plan rest of our stay. His outgoing and friendly personality made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Overall, I highly recommend this tour guide for anyone looking to explore Roosevelt Island and beyond! What made this more memorable for my wife and I was that we felt like we a personal tour guide! Thanks Daniel!
Review provided by Viator
Angela_c
Jul 6, 2024
Some nature in the city - Our guide shared some history of the island and stories to highlight the stories that may have been untold before. It was interesting.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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