Harlem Meer, New York: Photos, Reviews & Location

Man-made body of water in Central Park with fishing, a seasonal ice skating rink & a visitor center.

At a glance

#101 of 458 Tourist attractions in New York #3 of 6 Nature preserves in New York

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.70

5.6 km from the center of New York

Rating breakdown

5 ★78%
4 ★16%
3 ★4%
2 ★1%
1 ★1%

199 Central Park N, New York, NY 10026

centralparknyc.org

(212) 310-6600

Quick facts

What is the rating of Harlem Meer?: Harlem Meer is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 496 reviews.
How does Harlem Meer rank in New York?: Harlem Meer is #101 of 458 Tourist attractions in New York by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Harlem Meer located?: 199 Central Park N, New York, NY 10026 — 5.6 km from the center of New York.
How can I contact Harlem Meer?: Phone: (212) 310-6600 · Website: centralparknyc.org

I love this place. I love it even more when it is quiet, though it is rarely quiet because it is so beautiful, and so many people want to go there and there is construction, but that's New York. You can see turtles sunning themselves on the rocks, and fish gurgling in the water. If you are lucky you can catch live salsa dancing like I did on Sunday in the circle near the water. There is a rare public bathroom for people's use, though I didn't enter it. You can sometimes find grass to sit and enjoy a picnic, but it is crowded.

Alberto 2023 Sep 10

Great place to walk/run!

Ashish Satyabhashak 2023 May 19

Harlem Meer is a man-made lake located in the northeast corner of Central Park at 110 Street. Lake has plenty of turtles who come close to shore in anticipation of food. There are many ducks, geese, and different species of fish in this lake. You can either stand at the edge of the lake or sit on the surrounding benches and enjoy the view and enjoy the birds so close to you. There is some renovation going at the moment, but after it is over, I am sure the area will be more appealing than before.

The word “Meer” is Dutch for “small sea,” and the name reflects the Park designers’ interest in unique names for the Park’s water bodies. It also connects to the area’s past, once part of the Dutch village of Harlem.

This artificial lake was created on the location of a tidal marsh that was fed by a creek that extended south to the Harlem River. The Meer is particularly popular for catch-and-release fishing.

Brenda Deckman 2023 May 18

Toxic algae blooms mean do not touch water and do not feed wildlife, which helps fuel the algae blooms even though turtles are expecting to be fed. I think people should not eat the fish, though people were fishing. It was worth a walk past on the way to the Conservatory garden.

CM F. 2021 Jul 26

This is at the north end of the Central Park. It's so beautiful and relaxing to walk around. There was a festival there. People there are friendly. Many people do pleasure fishing. You have to put fish back to the lake.

Da Prez 2020 Aug 15

Great area to relax, there are benches along the park and the lake. Lots of turtles, ducks, schools of fish and some geese. Nice view , great place to take some pictures also.

Lisa Nielsen 2020 Feb 08

Harlem Meer has a path around it that is about three quarters of a mile. It is a beautiful place for a jog whether you are a person or a dog. If you are a dog you can be off leash before 9 am and after 9 pm. If you are a person you can visit between 6 am and 1 am.