Information
Landmark: Little IslandCity: New York
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Little Island, New York, USA New York, North America
Overview
Little Island is a bold, eye-catching park that juts out into the Hudson from Manhattan’s west side, perched on Pier 55 between West 13th and 14th Streets.It opened to the public in May 2021 and, within weeks, was drawing crowds to one of New York City’s most distinctive green escapes, where ivy climbs old brick and music drifts through the air.Perched above the Hudson River at Pier 55 in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, Little Island isn’t your standard stretch of grass-it’s a floating park, its pathways and gardens rising over the water with the skyline gleaming just beyond.Developer: The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation led the park’s creation in a public–private partnership, with the city and state pitching in to help bring it to life.Little Island rests on 132 concrete pilings shaped like giant tulips, or “pots,” that rise from the riverbed and hold up the park’s soil and greenery above the water.The pots rise and dip in height, shaping the park into a gentle, hilly landscape that’s unlike anything else in New York City, with shadows stretching across the curves in late afternoon light.The park spans roughly 2.4 acres, perched high above the river where you can hear the water rushing below.Heatherwick Studio from the UK teamed up with landscape architects Mathews Nielsen and engineers at Arup to design it.More than 350 plant species-35 types of trees, 65 varieties of shrubs, and 270 kinds of perennials and grasses-are arranged with care to bring shifting colors, rich textures, and a welcoming habitat for wildlife, from spring’s lilac blooms to winter’s rustling seed heads.The park’s shifting elevations form rolling hills, winding paths, and wide-open lawns, each offering striking views of the Manhattan skyline and the shimmering river.Curving paths weave through the park, leading visitors past rose-scented gardens and shaded benches.Public art brings the park to life, with sculptures tucked beside winding paths and murals brightening quiet corners, all adding to the visitor’s experience.Little Island features a 687-seat amphitheater, where audiences can watch outdoor performances under the open sky.The venue offers an array of cultural events-concerts that fill the air with music, lively dance performances, gripping theater, and activities the whole family can enjoy.The Event Lawn and Stage is a cozy spot where a singer’s voice can carry over the grass, and the space easily adapts for concerts, parties, or small community gatherings.Many events are free or just a few dollars, but some shows-like the Friday night jazz set-need you to book ahead.The park offers programs designed to draw in people from all walks of life, whether it’s a lively drum circle under the oak trees or a quiet poetry reading by the fountain.We’re open every day from 6:00 in the morning until 1:00 after midnight, so you can drop by for a map, a question, or just a quick look around.Admission’s free-you can walk through the park gates without paying a cent.Some events with tickets might cost a small fee, while others ask you to sign up ahead of time.The park’s fully ADA-compliant, with ramps, elevators, and smooth stone paths so everyone-from stroller-pushing parents to wheelchair users-can explore it with ease.You’ll find benches, cozy seating spots, nearby restrooms-even if the park’s own facilities are few-and clear signs to help you find your way.You can get there by taking the A, C, E, or L to 14th Street and 8th Avenue-it’s about a five‑minute walk past the corner deli-or hop on the 1, 2, or 3 to 14th Street and 7th Avenue, or the F or M to 14th Street and 6th Avenue.Buses M11, M12, and M14D SBS run along 14th Street or 10th Avenue.Bike racks are set up just outside the park along the Hudson River Park Esplanade, where you can lock up and hear the water lapping against the pier.You can’t bring bikes into the park-leave them at the rack by the gate.There’s a Citi Bike station just around the corner, with rows of blue bikes lined up in the sun.You can reach it on foot along the Hudson River Park walkway, a path that hugs the water and links you to nearby parks and neighborhoods.The High Line is just a short walk south-an old rail line turned elevated park, with winding gardens, striking art, and sweeping views.Chelsea Market sits near 15th Street, buzzing with food stalls and shops that spill out the scent of fresh bread.The Whitney Museum of American Art sits just a few blocks away in the Meatpacking District, its glass walls catching the afternoon sun.Hudson River Park stretches along Manhattan’s west side, with miles of green waterfront, sunlit piers, and places to play or relax by the water.Little Island blends lush greenery, striking modern design, and lively cultural events into one unforgettable spot.From its spot, you can take in sweeping views of the Hudson River, the New Jersey skyline, and Manhattan’s towers, with the Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower catching the light from different angles.Gentle hills and lush gardens set the stage for a lively, inviting space where visitors wander shaded paths, stretch out on the grass for a picnic, or settle in to watch an outdoor show.Little Island shows how an urban park can blend bold architecture, lush greenery, and vibrant culture along the water’s edge-an inviting spot where locals linger over coffee and visitors discover a new side of New York City.
