Castle Clinton National Monument in New York, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-05. Check linked official notices before travel.

Castle Clinton National Monument is the round former fort at the waterfront end of The Battery in Lower Manhattan, New York City. You can enter the fort and see its exhibits for free. A ferry trip to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island is a separate visit.

From harbor fort to immigrant depot

Look at the open-air fort before stepping into the exhibit room. The walls belonged to New York Harbor’s defenses, but the building later welcomed immigrants arriving in New York. A ranger tour connects those two uses.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Check the route through The Battery

Castle Clinton remains accessible during waterfront construction, but walking routes and the ferry screening location can change. Check the city’s construction information if you have limited time before a ferry.

Fort and ferry rules

Only service animals may enter the fort. Ferry passengers must go through security screening. Leave knives, multi-tools, mace, scooters, skateboards and musical instruments behind. Rangers at Castle Clinton cannot hold items barred from the ferry.

Group tours

For a guided group tour, the park requires a reservation for groups of 10 or more, up to 25 people. Call 212-344-7220 at least two weeks ahead and confirm with a ranger. A voicemail does not confirm the reservation.

Walk into The Battery from the subway

You cannot drive directly to the fort. South Ferry and Bowling Green are two subway options outside The Battery. Follow the NPS directions to the waterfront rather than using the monument’s Wall Street mailing address.

Nearby historic sites

• Federal Hall National Memorial: Use the accessible entrance at 15 Pine Street.
• African Burial Ground National Monument: The outdoor memorial is on Duane Street near Elk Street.

Explore the fort or join a ranger

For a short stop, walk through the fort and see the exhibits. Allow about 30 minutes for a ranger tour. Children can ask about the Junior Ranger program.

Exhibits and accessible facilities

The NPS accessibility page identifies the exhibit room, gift shop, and restrooms as accessible to visitors with limited mobility. The fort also houses the ticket office for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry.

About Castle Clinton

A building that changed with New York

The fort guarded the harbor during the War of 1812 without firing on the British fleet. It later became an entertainment venue. In 1855 it began receiving immigrants as Castle Garden, before federal processing moved to Ellis Island. The building opened as the New York City Aquarium in 1896.

Contact the National Park Service

For general site information, call 212-329-9979.