The Lake

Second favorite lake of Central Park. The lake with the skyscraper in the backdrop captures the juxtaposing essence of Manhattan. There are small pergolas on the sides where you can see the peaceful lake, feed the turtles and the ducks. The lake keeps the city sane for sure.

A beautiful relaxing area with a large stretch of water, great views of Midtown and plenty of nature.

The Lake is also another one of the highlights while visiting Central Park. There is tons of nice scenery all around the lake, but we would also highly recommend renting one of the row boats near the Bouthouse Basin and row your way around the lake for an hour or so. It's not very expensive to do and It's such a highly recommend, awesome experience that is a must do if you are visiting Central Park.

If you go to Central Park, definitely worth checking out. During summertime, they also have pedal boating available. Nice views of midtown skyline.

I would highly recommend taking out a boat onto the lake and enjoying! It was such a fun and relaxing activity. It gives you a great view of the area and a good way to escape the city for a second. The service was good and you can't beat $20 for a hour. We had to give in a deposit which we got back since we came before the hour was up.

Big lake in the middle of Central Park.
Does not feel like you are in the middle of Manhattan until you look up.
Rowboats available for rent.
Water is a really gross shade of green.

cially named the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir – is located between 86th and 96th and covers a full one eight of the park’s surface. The 106-acre water body is 40 feet deep and holds over a billion gallons of water. Once a critical part of the city’s fresh water system it was disconnected as an active component since the new water tunnel was opened in 1991. It is probably best known now as home to the 1.58 mile running track that surrounds it. The reservoir is also currently the subject of a very public debate as several different plans are considered for its future; these include fishing piers, a marina, ball fields, restaurants and beaches. Hopefully the debate will rage on indefinitely and the current configuration will remain as it is. Built between 1858 and 1862 the current reservoir formed part of a system that included a colossal holding basin at 5th Ave. and 42nd St. (site of the present library) and a smaller body of water that existed just to the south on what is now the Great Lawn (the only part to still exist forms Turtle pind, at the foot of Vista Rock.)

Great place to hang out on a summer day! I went there with my wife on her birthday. The boats usually cost $20 per hour and they keep a deposit of $20 which is returned when you return the boat on time and in good condition. The only thing is they accept cash only so none of these cards and mobile wallet payments work. The water is very dirty and looks toxic but there’s something about central park that makes me feel good. I couldn’t experience the whole lake as I am not an expert rower. But overall it was fun activity and the views from the middle of the lake is fun. You get to see many turtles around which was fun.