On this Day: Tryon Hall Fire
2025-03-07 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
On This Day: The Tragic Blaze That Consumed the Billings Mansion
On a fateful day in history, the majestic Billings Mansion, perched high above the Hudson River in Washington Heights, was reduced to ashes in a spectacular fire. The grand chateau, with its spires and turrets, became a blazing inferno that captivated onlookers who gathered to witness the tragedy.
Originally built by financier C.K.G. Billings and later owned by John D. Rockefeller, the mansion was a symbol of Gilded Age luxury. The fire caused nearly $1,000,000 in damages—an astronomical sum at the time. Rescuers heroically saved an ill woman and child from the flames, but many renowned works of art were presumed lost (NYT).
Once offered as a gift to the city, the loss of the Billings Mansion marked the end of an era for Washington Heights, leaving behind a memory of splendor turned to ruin in a single night.

Forest Fitness
2025-03-08 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-03-11 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-03-13 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-03-15 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-03-18 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-03-20 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-03-22 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-03-25 07:30 - 08:30 and 12 more dates
Join us for a free, year-round “Fitness at the Fort” exercise program on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays!
This fitness class incorporates climbing multiple staircases, stretches and strengthening exercises, notable tree identification, and forest bathing. Led by instructor, Nancy Bruning, BA, MPH, PAPHS.
Classes are structured so that all levels of fitness will be accommodated; however, all classes involve relatively brisk walking and some stairs because of the layout of the park itself. Classes vary according to the season, path conditions, and the weather, but always meet at the Heather Garden entrance.
Tuesday and Thursday classes end at various points near the starting point, including the volleyball courts. Saturday class ends at the Anne Loftus Playground, using the various pieces of equipment, and offers optional after-class group walk to the Greenmarket on Isham Street. All classes end with closing with stretches.
(Note: Fitness Walking does not meet if it is raining or if the actual temperature or wind chill is below 20 degrees F.)

National Safety Month
2025-03-14 08:00 - 17:00
Fort Tryon Park is a place for recreation, relaxation, and community, and safety is key to ensuring that everyone enjoys it to the fullest1
January is National Safety Month, a time to raise awareness about best practices for staying safe in outdoor spaces. Whether it’s winter pathway safety, responsible pet ownership, or emergency preparedness, we encourage all visitors to be mindful of their surroundings and take steps to protect themselves and others. Stay informed, stay prepared, and enjoy the park safely all year long!

Broadway Beautification
2025-03-22 10:00 - 13:00
Join the Fort Tryon Park Trust and NYC Parks for some spring cleaning in Fort Tryon Park! Help beautify the park along the Broadway Promenade. Meet at the Broadway Greeting Garden at the Arden Street/Broadway entrance. Wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and get ready to improve the park’s ecology by removing debris and helping site preparations. Tools and gloves will be provided but please bring a filled water bottle.
Groups of 5+ must RSVP by emailing info@FortTryonParkTrust.org 2 weeks in advance.
Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Beautification Days along the eastern expanse of the park take place on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month from March to November. The Fort Tryon Park Trust supports these volunteer opportunities by underwriting tools, horticultural supplies, and NYC Parks staffing to oversee projects.

Guided Birding and Nature Walk: Welcoming Spring!
2025-03-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Dongan Lawn
Join us on Saturday, March 22, for a guided birding walk through the beautiful Fort Tryon Park!
Led by expert birder Alexandra Wang, this walk will explore the park’s diverse habitats and offer a chance to discover the fascinating birds that inhabit the area. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner, you’ll learn about the park’s bird species, their behaviors, and conservation efforts to protect them. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect with nature and fellow bird enthusiasts.
When: Saturday, March 22
Time: 2PM
Where: Meet at Dongan Lawn!
We hope to see you there! Reserve you free spot now!

Broadway Beautification
2025-04-12 10:00 - 13:00
Join the Fort Tryon Park Conservancy and NYC Parks for some spring cleaning in Fort Tryon Park! Help beautify the park along the Broadway Promenade. Meet at the Broadway Greeting Garden at the Arden Street/Broadway entrance. Wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and get ready to improve the park’s ecology by removing debris and helping site preparations. Tools and gloves will be provided but please bring a filled water bottle.
Groups of 5+ must RSVP by emailing john.kelly@parks.nyc.gov 2 weeks in advance.
Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Beautification Days along the eastern expanse of the park take place on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month from March to November. The Fort Tryon Park Conservancy supports these volunteer opportunities by underwriting tools, horticultural supplies, and NYC Parks staffing to oversee projects.

INDOOR EGG HUNT at Cabrini Shrine
2025-04-12 11:00 - 13:00
Join the Fort Tryon Park Trust for the annual Easter Egg Hunt, now at Cabrini Shrine due to weather conditions! Enjoy a fun-filled day with the Easter bunny, face painting, races, the exciting egg hunt itself and more. Perfect for families and children of all ages and backgrounds, this festive event promises a lively celebration. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Cabrini Shrine is located at 701 Fort Washington Avenue. Use main entrance (big red doors).
This event is FREE, thanks to funding provided by the Fort Tryon Park Trust, and open to all. You can RSVP here on this page and consider a donation to thank the Trust?
Please use code word EGG in the comments box when you donate!

Shearing of the Heather Garden and Community Parade
2025-04-19 10:00 - 13:00
The three-acre Heather Garden is the site of our annual rite of spring – the Shearing of the Heather parade and community celebration in Fort Tryon Park!
Bring your musical instruments and join in our community parade through the Heather Garden led by traditional bagpipers. Learn why Fort Tryon Park has the largest heath and heather collection in the northeast. Make flower-themed crafts, take home your own propagated heathers, get your face painted, make some chalk art, chat with our gardeners, enjoy at tour of the Heather Garden, and celebrate spring while enjoying the garden’s beauty and panoramic views of the Hudson River and Palisades! Fun for all ages!
10AM – Bagpipe Parade Begins
10:30AM – Festivities Begin
12PM – Heather Garden Tour Begins
Refreshments Provided

Heather Garden Walking Tour
2025-04-19 12:00 - 13:00
Join volunteer Madeline Byrne for a guided tour of the world-famous Heather Garden at Fort Tryon Park! Explore the vibrant seasonal blooms, learn about the garden’s history and design, and discover the legacy of the Olmsted Brothers in this stunning urban oasis.

Sunday Stewardship
2025-04-20 10:00 - 13:00
The Fort Tryon Park Conservancy hosts volunteer opportunities for you, your friends, and family to dig in the dirt! Join us to help protect Fort Tryon Park’s ecology and beauty! Meet the NYC Parks’ horticulture staff at the Heather Garden’s Margaret Corbin Circle entrance to sign in at 10:00 a.m. sharp. Activities will include removing debris and weeds and preparing the site for plantings. Tools and gloves will be provided, but wear long pants, sturdy shoes, a face mask as needed, and bring a filled water bottle,
Groups of 5+ RSVP by emailing info@FortTryonParkTrust.org a week in advance so we can provide sufficient equipment and tools on hand.
Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Stewardship Days along the southwest area of Fort Tryon Park take place on the 3rd Sunday of each month from March to November.

Earth Day
2025-04-22
Celebrate Earth Day at Fort Tryon Park! 🌎🌳
This Earth Day, take a moment to honor the beauty and resilience of nature at Fort Tryon Park. From the sweeping views of the Hudson River to the blooming gardens and thriving wildlife, our park is a testament to the importance of protecting our planet.
Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful walk, admiring the Heather Garden, or reflecting in the shade of the majestic elm trees, remember that every small action contributes to a healthier Earth. Let’s continue working together to preserve and cherish this green oasis for future generations!
