roosevelt island tourist map

Roosevelt Island Guide: Planning Your Visit

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A Bit of History

Things to do, what to eat and drink, where to stay, getting there, money saving tips.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island, only 2 miles long and 800 feet wide at its widest point, is a curious little sliver of Manhattan that sits isolated in the East River. It's where the city once kept prisoners and quarantined highly contagious smallpox patients; now it's packed with apartment buildings, like the rest of New York City , although people visit the narrow holm often to take in its fascinating history—and the noteworthy views of Manhattan and Queens across the water, of course.

A tram will deliver you to and from the island, offering up unobstructed looks of the city along the route. A unique day trip awaits in this secluded haven, so plan your trip with the best of Roosevelt Island's restaurants, events, and attractions in mind.

Formerly known as Blackwell's Island, this stretch of land off Manhattan's shore used to feature a penitentiary, workhouses, almshouses, an asylum, and a number of hospitals from the mid-1800s to mid-1900s . A lighthouse, named the Blackwell Island Light, was built by prisoners and still stands today; along with the ruins of the other buildings on the island, the lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1973, the island was renamed in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (a New York state native).

The future of the island started looking promising during the second half of the 20th century when the United Nations headquarters opened nearby and many dignitaries took up residence there to be close to work. Prestigious architect firms began erecting apartment buildings for more than 20,000 residents. A park, named the Frank D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, was designated for recreation. Later, the tram came, followed by a subway station. Now, the island is home to a Cornell tech campus, a slew of art museums and studios, and green space aplenty boasting a coveted community feel just a short jaunt from the bustling city.

Roosevelt Island is brimming with culture, present in every art gallery, museum, park, and restaurant you come by. In the summer, the locals put on a rollicking Roosevelt Island Day celebration complete with carnivals rides, live music, food, and city-wide beautification projects. The warm-weather season is flanked by a cherry blossom festival in the spring and a Halloween parade in the fall. It's also where Manhattanites escape for a peaceful Christmas tree lighting ceremony and to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July.

• Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park : On the southern tip of Roosevelt Island is a memorial to the late president, its name inspired by his famous 1941 speech. The park was also the last work of Louis I. Kahn, a famous 20th-century architect. The park comprises four acres of free-to-roam green space, featuring granite pillars with parts of the speech inscribed on them throughout. Many visit for the excellent view of the United Nations building across the river. Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park hosts a plethora of events—lectures, film screenings, festivals, concerts, and more—in the summer.
• Blackwell Island Lighthouse : On the other end of the island, at the most northern stretch, is a 50-foot-tall lighthouse built by prisoners in 1872. It's now on the National Register of Historic Places and is surrounded by a park with great panoramic views.
• Gallery RIVAA : This gallery, affiliated with the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association, shows the work of local and international guest artists. Painters, sculptors, computer artists, graphic designers, ceramists, and installation artists all exhibit their masterpieces here. It's open daily Wednesday through Sunday.
• Blackwell House : The sixth-oldest farmhouse in the city, Blackwell House was built in 1796 for the original owners of the island. After an interior renovation in October 2020, the home is now open for tours.

While it isn't what one would call a culinary destination in itself, there is a growing restaurant scene on Roosevelt Island. Most of the eateries are congregated on Main Street and provide an eclectic mix of dining options. Popular spots include Fuji East Japanese Bistro , a sleek-but-inexpensive sushi house with more than 70 different rolls on offer, and Nisi , the distinctly all-glass Greek restaurant where all the locals like to hang out.

Near the tramway, tucked inside the new Graduate Hotel, is Anything At All, a book-lined eatery serving up farm-to-table dishes like sweet potato katsu, seared mackerel, and malfaldini with almond bolognese and first-pressed olive oil. Afterward, head up to the hotel's rooftop bar, Panorama Room , for 360-degree views of NYC with a signature cocktail or two.

Another new addition to Roosevelt Island's culinary scene, Granny Annie's is an Irish bar and kitchen where you can find traditional Irish comfort foods like Shepherd's pie and corned beef Reuben, as well as burgers, pasta, and other pub fare.

For more of a market experience, Bread & Butter has everything you could want: sandwiches, salads, burgers, pizza, or soup. You can eat there or take it to the park. Another place to pick up snacks is Wholesome Factory , a grocery and deli known for its superior omelets.

The only hotel on the island, the Graduate Roosevelt Island offers something that the hotels in Manhattan just can't offer: incredible views of both the Manhattan skyline and Queens. Situated near the Cornell Tech campus, the 18-story hotel features 224 rooms and a lobby filled with 5,000 books and a 12-foot Hebru Brantley sculpture. Visiting parents of Cornell students will appreciate the nods to the university's past and present, including key cards that feature famous alumni of the Ithaca campus.

The tiny island is located in the middle of the East River, parallel to Manhattan's East 46th to 85th Streets. From Queens, you can get there via the Roosevelt Island Bridge—this is the only way to walk or drive onto the island. Its entrance is at Vernon Boulevard and Main Street in Astoria.

From Manhattan, take the Roosevelt Island Tramway from East 59th Street and Second Avenue. It costs $2.75 each way (the price of a metro ride) and can be paid with a regular MetroCard. Students with tram permits ride free and senior citizens and people with disabilities receive a reduced fare (usually $1.35). The views are spectacular, but note that the tram only runs Sunday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 3:30 a.m., including on holidays. Try to avoid riding during rush hour (7 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 8 p.m.) as many Roosevelt Island residents commute into the city for work.

Those who aren't keen to ride the tram can instead take the F-Train from Manhattan or Queens, or travel by NYC Ferry , whose Astoria line connects Astoria, Long Island City, East 34th Street, and Wall Street to East Main Street on Roosevelt Island, just east of the tram station. Tickets, again, are the same price as the subway.

Another easy mode of transport from Queens is the Q102 bus line, which operates between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., stopping every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends.

• With Roosevelt Island being accessible by tram, metro, ferry, and bus—all the price of a standard subway ride—and the town itself offering free access to a constantly circulating red bus , you shouldn't have to spend a fortune on getting to or around the island.
• There's rarely a shortage of free art to entertain in this New York City oasis, between the annual Figment NYC event in June, the Fall for Arts Festival in September, and the host of free galleries that crop up throughout the year.
• Whereas you'd pay a pretty penny to get a good view of New York City in other parts of town, Roosevelt Island offers unlimited, free views from its ample green spaces: the island's west side, Four Freedoms Park, and the space that surrounds the lighthouse, not to mention from the tram.

There are a number of things to do on Roosevelt Island, including exploring Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, taking a tour of the 226-year-old Blackwell House, and enjoying a picnic next to Blackwell Island Lighthouse. For art lovers, Gallery RIVAA features the work of local and international guest artists. When you get hungry, enjoy New American dining at Anything At All, located inside the Graduate Hotel, then head up to the hotel's rooftop for drinks at Panorama Bar.

There are several ways to get to Roosevelt Island. From Manhattan, you can take the Roosevelt Island Tramway, located at East 59th Street and Second Avenue, for $2.75 one way. If you're coming from Queens, you can drive or walk onto the island via the Roosevelt Island Bridge, or take the Q102 bus line. For those who would prefer to take the subway, the F-Train connects Roosevelt Island to Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. You can also take the NYC ferry's Astoria line, which runs between Astoria and Wall Street.

Located in New York City's East River, Roosevelt Island runs parallel to the borough of Manhattan, between East 46th and East 85th Streets.

National Park Service. "Blackwell's Island (Roosevelt Island), New York City." Retrieved on February 10, 2022.

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Best things to do on Roosevelt Island in New York City

Oct 7, 2021 • 5 min read

The aerial tramway that connects Roosevelt Island to Manhattan © Getty Images

Known decades ago as Welfare Island, thanks to its assortment of hospitals, and before that as Blackwell Island, when it was home to an asylum, a prison, and even more hospitals, New York City’s Roosevelt Island hasn’t always been a popular attraction.

But in recent years, this tiny island in the East River has become a quick, easy escape from the urban sprawl, boasting green spaces, historic landmarks, a chic new hotel with an even chicer rooftop bar, and an aerial tram with incredible views of Manhattan ’s Upper East Side. Here are the best things to see and do while you’re there. 

Roosevelt Island tram:  a commute with a view

Giving the Staten Island Ferry a run for its money as one of the best ways to see New York's sights without breaking the bank, the Roosevelt Island tram glides over Upper East Side avenues and the East River, offering one of the city's most memorable commutes – all for the swipe of a MetroCard. Watch this 60-second video with a driver who's worked for the tram since it opened in the '70s.

Four Freedoms State Park: an unconventional Presidential memorial

When architect Louis Kahn died in 1974, so did plans to build his only New York project, a memorial to Franklin D. Roosevelt on the southern tip of what was then called Welfare Island. Fortunately, it was eventually revived:  Four Freedoms State Park  opened in 2012, and it's a sight to behold, comprising an open-topped deck lined with tall granite blocks. The park's event season runs from May to October and includes yoga, book readings, kite flying, public talks and music performances. (It’s also a great vantage point for the Fourth of July fireworks if you’re willing to get there obscenely early to snag a spot.)

Smallpox Hospital: a relic from the island's former life

Just before you reach Four Freedoms park, you’ll walk past the ruins of the weed-covered Smallpox Hospital, which, when it opened in 1856, was the first hospital in the country dedicated to treatment of the infectious disease. Though you aren’t allowed to wander through the ruins for safety reasons, you can still get a good glimpse of the aging structure from behind the fence.

The Graduate Hotel: the best – and only – hotel around

The island's sole hotel, the Graduate pays tribute to the rich history of its surroundings, with a hallway on the first floor dedicated to photographs of the Roosevelt family and a copy of FDR's famous "Four Freedoms Speech" in every guest room. A nod to its location at the center of Cornell Tech (more on that later), the first-floor lobby and adjoining area are lined with more than 10,000 textbooks, all of which were donated from the school. Just off the lobby is the island's newest restaurant, Anything At All, which takes a farm-first approach to contemporary comfort food. (Its name is a reference to a line in The Great Gatsby,  for all you bibliophiles.) Topping it all off, quite literally, is the Panorama Room, a rooftop bar offering stunning views of Manhattan, Queens and beyond.

The Lighthouse: a north-point attraction

A t just 1.75 miles – or 35 city blocks – long, it's worth hitting both ends of the island, and the northern tip is a pleasant, 20-minute stroll from the tram (or a five-minute walk from the terminus of the island bus system, which you can ride for free). Once there, you'll reach a lonely Gothic Revival lighthouse, built in 1872 using granite quarried from the island itself – and constructed, legend has it , by a patient at the former asylum. That institution is long gone, but there are some shaded lawns and sitting spots by the lighthouse that look north towards Randall's Island.

The Octagon: a revitalized landmark

A block south of the lighthouse, this mid-19th-century remnant was built as the main entrance to the New York City Lunatic Asylum, and its architecture was so impressive it drew praise from  a visiting Charles Dickens . The asylum  became a hospital, then fell into decades of neglect beginning in the 1950s, but in 1972, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 2006, it was refashioned as high-end housing . Today you can visit the "flying staircase" up its winding entry, and there's an adjoining gallery.

Blackwell House: a glimpse of 18th-century history

The sixth-oldest house in New York City, this clapboard farmhouse was built in 1796 and dates back to when the island was a private residence (then known as Blackwell Island, after its owners). The interior was renovated in 2020 to restore the building's 18th-century decor.

Artistic endeavors: galleries on Main Street

A couple blocks north of the subway station is  Gallery RIVAA , a Main Street salon affiliated with the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association. It shows pieces by local artists, hosts jazz sessions and poetry slams, and keeps some unusual hours (6-9pm Wed & Fri, 1-5pm Thu, 11am-5pm Sat & Sun). Works by RIVAA artists are also exhibited in the OCTAGON Gallery in the Octagon Building. 

Roosevelt Island Historical Society: smart shopping 

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society runs a small visitor's center in a historic, relocated streetcar-entrance kiosk, just next to the tram terminal. The merch is great, and includes a heartbreakingly cute, hand-drawn RI map.

Cornell Tech: contemporary architecture...with a side of cheese

When it opened in 2017, the Cornell Tech campus  brought an ambitious assortment of buildings and tech entrepreneurialism to this sliver of land in the East River. Among the new additions was the House at Cornell Tech, the first residential high-rise built as a so-called passive house, which requires very little energy. In addition to its striking architecture, the campus also includes two acres of open public space. While you're on the premises, drop into the cafe at the Bloomberg Center to pick up some Big Red Cheddar Cheese Curds, a product of Cornell's Department of Food Science.

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This article was first published May 14, 2019 and updated Oct 7, 2021.

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17+ Awesome Roosevelt Island Things To Do (& Complete Guide)

By: Author Charles

Posted on October 31, 2023

Situated right in the East River between Manhattan and Queens is a sliver of land called Roosevelt Island.

What used to be an island full of hospitals, asylums, and prisons, has turned into one of the top spots to visit during a trip to New York City.

Today, you will find parks, viewpoints, walking paths, cherry blossoms, and the famous Roosevelt Island tramway on the island.

This guide will go over some of the top Roosevelt Island things to do during your time exploring NYC.

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) History & Background

I always like to include a short history section about places in NYC since so much has changed in the city over time (and Roosevelt Island is no exception).

• While originally occupied by the Canarsie Indians and called Varckens Island , the island was eventually owned by a family from Queens – the Blackwell family. The name of the island was then changed to Blackwell’s Island .
• In the early 1800’s the Blackwell family sold the island to the city of New York . The first building that the city built was a penitentiary – Blackwell Island’s Penitentiary.
• Over the years, the prisoners worked to break up rock on the island’s quarry . These rocks were used to then build other structures on the island such as the church, lighthouse, and smallpox hospital.
• The smallpox hospital was built in 1856 and it is where the city sent the sick. After the severity of smallpox tamed down, it was converted into the New York Training School for nurses.
• There was also an asylum built on the northern part of the island , which originally had inmates from the prison supervising patients for many years. The asylum was later shut down in 1895 .
• In 1929, the name of the island was changed to Welfare Island to better portray the island (for whatever it was worth).
• One of the bright spots that was built on the island in 1939 was the Goldwater Memorial Hospital – a hospital built for the chronically ill patients. After some of the other institutions closed down, it was essentially just this and another hospital that occupied the island for years.
• It was then in 1969, that the island was leased to the state of New York . This is when the name changed to Roosevelt Island as the island began to be developed.

Today, the island is full of life, and has a much different feel from its eerie history. While you can still see some of these original buildings, much has been re-developed to what you see today.

2) The Roosevelt Island Tram

While you can get to the island by subway (F line), car (from Queens), bus (Q102 from Queens), and ferry (Astoria line), the best way to get there is by tram.

The Roosevelt Island tram was built in 1976, and was the first tram in the country used for urban transport.

The two famous red trams run back and forth from 60 th Street and 2 nd Avenue in Manhattan to the southern end of Roosevelt Island.

Along the quick ride, riders will be able to enjoy views of the East River, Queensboro Bridge, NYC skyline and Roosevelt Island.

Below are some helpful things to know about the tram:

Roosevelt Tram Hours

• 6:00AM – 2:00AM (Sunday to Thursday)
• 6:00AM – 3:30AM (Friday & Saturday)

How Much Does it Cost to Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram?

The tram costs $2.90 (same price as a subway/bus fare). This is the one way cost, so you will need to pay the fare both going and leaving from the island.

Note that subway/bus transfer rules do apply. So, if you happen to take a subway up to the tram, you will not need to pay an additional $2.90.

How Long is the Tram Ride to Roosevelt Island?

The Roosevelt Island tram takes just 4 minutes to get from one station to the next.

How Often Does the Roosevelt Island Run?

Depending on rush hour schedules, the tram runs every 7 – 15 minutes . So, you should not need to wait too long in order to make your way over.

3) How Do You Get Around

Once you arrive, you will be able to choose from several things to do on Roosevelt Island.

In order to get around, you can opt for a few main options:

Walk : for the most part, you will probably be walking to the attractions on Roosevelt Island. There is a walking path that encircles the island, in addition to some main streets in the middle of the island.

Citi Bike : if you want to ride around the island, that is possible too. There are a few Citi Bike stations to grab a bike from. These include locations right next to the tram and one on the southern end of the island (see map for locations).

Bus : there are two busses that run on Roosevelt Island – the Red Bus (which is free!), and the Q102, which encircles the island and connects with Queens.

4) Roosevelt Island Map

Before diving into all the various Roosevelt Island things to do, I wanted to include a map. This should give you a better sense of where everything is located in relation to one another.

The island is just 1.5 miles long and 1/8 of a mile wide, so it shouldn’t take long to get from one place to the next.

5) Roosevelt Island Things To Do

Now that you have some background on Roosevelt Island and how to get there, let’s dive into some of the top things to do on Roosevelt Island.

I have set up this list in a way for you to do a self guided walking tour in this specific order. The route will take you northbound from the tramway, before looping back around the waterfront and heading to the southern tip of the island.

If you don’t want to see all the sites, no worries at all! Simply pick & choose those that work best for you.

Be sure to also check out some of the other top things to do in New York City during a visit!

Blackwell House

Since the island used to be owned by the Blackwell family, you can imagine that they had a house there too.

The Blackwell House was built all the way back in 1796 and stands as the sixth oldest farmhouse in all of New York City.

Today visitors have the chance to check out this historical house from the inside and the outside. Within the house you will find various artifacts and exhibitions of the island’s rich history.

If you are into the art scene, then RIVAA is for you. It stands for the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association, and is a nonprofit organization on the island.

There you will find a gallery, where shows are put together throughout the year. To see a full list of upcoming events, check out the RIVAA website .

Chapel of the Good Shepard

Located in the heart of Roosevelt Island is the Chapel of the Good Shepard.

The chapel was built back in 1889 by Frederick Clarke Withers to provide a place of worship for those in the various institutions on the island.

Today the chapel stands as a community center for the residents of Roosevelt Island. You may also find an open air market along the surrounding brickwork of the chapel.

The Octagon

As you head further northbound on Roosevelt Island, you will come across what is known as the Octagon.

This was actually the original entrance to the mental asylum that was built on the island. While the hospital is no longer there, the Octagon has gone through some renovations over the years and still stands tall.

Today, the Octagon serves as the lobby for the adjoining apartment buildings built right next to it.

So, if you are looking for an apartment on Roosevelt Island, and want to walk through a historical landmark each day, the Octagon may be for you.

Lighthouse Park

While the southern tip of Roosevelt Island has the more famous park (more on that soon), the northern tip of the island has a park too.

Lighthouse Park makes up a large greenery filled open area with plenty of trees and surrounding nature.

It is the perfect spot to take a seat, relax, and enjoy the view of the nearby lighthouse before continuing on with your day.

Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

Speaking of the lighthouse, that is what you will find at the northernmost point of Roosevelt Island.

The lighthouse was built back in 1872 by James Renwick Jr, and stands at 50 feet tall!

If you remember from earlier, this was one of the structures that was built by inmates using the rock quarry from the island.

The lighthouse was operational until the 1940’s and it has been restored as recently as 2022.

As you walk along the western side of Roosevelt Island, you will get some great views of the Manhattan skyline on the other side of the East River.

One of the more interesting lookout spots is at Ship Peer, which is essentially a piece of boat artwork jutting out over the water.

This used to be a boat landing area back in the day, so it makes sense that a ship was built here to resemble its history.

Tom Otterness Sculptures

Continuing along the riverfront, you will begin to see a set of three sculptures built out on the water.

These sculptures are called The Marriage of Money and Real Estate, which were put there in 1996.

The sculptures were installed to depict the wealth inequality of New York City, and stand on small platforms on the riverside.

Eleanor’s Pier

Perhaps my favorite lookout spot on the Roosevelt Island waterfront is at Eleanor’s Pier.

Just north of the Queensboro Bridge , you will find a wooden deck with chairs, tables, and benches, where you can enjoy the view.

The bridge with the Upper East Side Manhattan skyline out in front of you, is a hard viewpoint to beat.

It is also a great spot for sunset too if you make it out that late!

The Graduate

While it may seem surprising, there is actually a hotel on Roosevelt Island called the Graduate (one of the top hotels in NYC with a view ).

At the Graduate, you will also find one of the best bars with a view of NYC – The Panorama Room.

It is an indoor/outdoor bar and makes for the perfect spot on the island to grab a drink and get that elevated view from above. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time!

If staying at the hotel is of interest to you, feel free to make a booking here .

Cornell Tech

What may be even more surprising, is that Roosevelt Island is home to a graduate program college campus – Cornell Tech.

You will find the several buildings of Cornell Tech just south of the Queensboro Bridge, including the Emma & Georgina Bloomberg Center, the Tata Innovation Center, and the Verizon Executive Education Center.

Feel free to just walk through the campus area taking in the beautiful architecture that houses it all.

Southern Viewpoint

Just south of the campus, is an open field area that is slightly elevated over the campus.

As I was wandering around, I happened to head up to the middle of the area, where I was able to take in some beautiful views of the surroundings.

You will get some great views of the campus, Queensboro Bridge, and Manhattan skyline from there.

Southpoint Park

Just before entering the southernmost area of Roosevelt Island, you will come across Southpoint Park.

Instead of walking along the river, you can instead walk along the few pathways within the park itself.

In the park you will find plenty of flowers and plants grown throughout in addition to some other structures.

Some of these include the FDR Hope Memorial, the Strecker Memorial Laboratory, and the Smallpox Memorial Hospital (more on those last two next).

The park also has some public restrooms, which is good to know just in case.

Strecker Memorial Laboratory

While many of the original institution buildings were taken down over the years, there are a couple that are still there.

One of those is the Strecker Memorial Laboratory, which served as a place to conduct pathological and bacteriological research.

It was actually the first lab of its kind at the time in the country!

While it is no longer in use today, the lab produced some important work over the years. It now is used by the NYC transit authority as a power conversion station.

Smallpox Memorial Hospital

Another one of the original buildings on the island is the Smallpox Memorial Hospital.

The hospital certainly has a sad history behind it, as those with the smallpox disease were sent there as a way to quarantine from the rest of the NYC population.

It later closed once a vaccine was created, and then was used as the New York Training School for nurses.

Today just some of the main walls of the structure are intact, covered with vines & greenery.

Franklin D Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park

Last but not least is the Franklin D Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park located on the southernmost tip of the island.

The park of course serves as a memorial for Franklin D Roosevelt, who was president from 1933 to 1945.

The name comes from the four freedoms that he mentioned in a speech – freedom of speech & expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

Within the park you will find an open field of grass with two rows of tree covered pathways on either side.

Directly in the middle is a large monument of Franklin D Roosevelt.

Head on over the southernmost tip to see the monument and some unobstructed views looking down the East River.

Bonus: Cherry Blossoms

I can’t go over the best Roosevelt Island things to do without touching on cherry blossoms.

If you happen to visit the park in the springtime, you will get the chance to see some cherry tree blooms all along the western waterfront walkway.

Learn More | Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossoms

There are two main cherry blossoms that bloom here – the white/lighter pink Yoshino trees and the darker pink Kwanzan trees.

Usually the Yoshinos bloom in mid April, with the Kwanzans coming in a couple weeks after.

It is one of my favorite places to see cherry blossoms in NYC , so be sure to head on over if your trip lines up.

6) Where to Eat

Now that you have a pretty good idea of the best things to do on Roosevelt Island, you may also be wondering where to eat on the island too.

Below is a list of some of the top rated restaurant spots, when going about a day there.

• Anything At All
• Granny Annie’s Bar & Kitchen
• Fuji East Japanese Bistro
• Piccolo Trattoria Ristorante Pizzeria
• Wholesome Taqueria
• Wholesome Factory
• ME Mediterranean Eatery
• Zhongzhong Noodles
• China 1 Kitchen

7) Is Roosevelt Island Worth Visiting?

While Roosevelt Island is not on most New York itineraries , I definitely do believe it is worth the visit.

Spending a couple hours taking the tram, walking the waterfront, enjoying the views, and hanging out at the parks, is a perfect addition to a day.

You can easily add it onto a day exploring some Upper Manhattan highlights such as Central Park and the Met.

Getting to experience that tram and those views will not be something you regret during your time in NYC.

That wraps up a guide to the top Roosevelt Island things to do. If you have any questions or comments, be sure to add them in below.

Also, don’t forget to check out the other New York itineraries and guides up on the site (like the best things to do in NYC at night ).

Have fun out there and safe travels!

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Sunday 30th of April 2023

Great guide - thanks!

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The 8 Best Experiences On Roosevelt Island In New York City

• Destinations
• New York City
• United States

Just yards from Manhattan across the East River lies a little gem in the middle of a concrete jungle. Enjoy solitude and peacefulness from the noise, people, cars, and chaos of the hectic urban sprawl in New York City. Roosevelt Island has loads of green spaces, an uber-hip hotel, and a wonderful sightseeing tram ride with amazing views of Manhattan and the East River. The small, 2-mile-long, sliver-shaped island has about 18,000 residents, 3.5 miles of flat bicycle and walking paths, restaurants, and many parks.

History Of Roosevelt Island

It hasn’t always been known as a popular place due to its checkered history throughout the years. Currently called Roosevelt Island — since 1973 — in honor of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the island has had several names and at one time was known as the “Welfare Island.” It was initially used by Native Americans to raise hogs and later occupied by the shamed British Captain John Manning after surrendering New York to the Dutch in 1664. The island was passed down and was later inherited, becoming known as Blackwell’s Island in 1686 due to marriage. The island then became home to a mental asylum, a prison, and a smallpox hospital. During the 1920s, the city reformed the island and started establishing hospitals. Now, the island is comprised of a quiet residential area with businesses that support the locals. A newly opened Cornell University Tech Campus and easy public transportation add to the island’s charm. A large five-star rehabilitation center to help patients recover is located on the northern tip.

1. Ride The Roosevelt Tram

Getting to the island is quick, easy, and affordable. Hop on the Roosevelt Island Tram and soar 250 feet for a quick 4-minute ride over the East River — just $2.75 each way. Board at 59th and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan or load at the island. You can’t miss the large red 120-person-capacity tram as it travels next to the Queensboro Bridge !

Pro Tip: The locals refer to the bridge as the “59th Street Bridge,” which is not the official name of the “Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge.”

2. Bicycle Around The Island

Consider renting a Citibike to pedal effortlessly around the flat island. I rented a bike and rode the complete 3.5-mile bike path in less than an hour! There are two well-placed bike loading stations making getting on and off centrally located next to mass transportation. I made mental notes of where I wanted to return and enjoyed a take-out lunch on one of the many benches looking towards Manhattan. It’s a snap because you can’t get lost on this small island; it’s less than a football field wide!

Pro Tip: If you decide to walk and get tired, there is a Free Red Bus every 15 minutes that circles the island with many hop-on, hop-off stops.

3. Public Bus, Subway, And Public Ferry

If the tram isn’t your first choice for getting to the island, there are many ways to utilize the easy and affordable public transportation. You could easily hop on the Q102 public bus that runs onto the island and makes a complete circuit every 20 minutes from Queens. Or for a faster, more direct route from Queens or Manhattan, take the F train and exit mid-island. Most transportation spots have access to the free Red Bus, Citibike, public bus, or tram stations. You could also get an Uber or cab and drive over the bridge from Astoria — a small quaint area of Queens. There is also access to the NYC ferry for a very affordable boat cruise up the East River to and from the island. Regardless of what mode of public transportation you choose, access to the island couldn’t be easier.

4. Where To Eat

Although the island is small, it packs a mighty punch in options for food. The hippest place to eat is at the Graduate New York . Dine at their uber-hip, 18th-floor rooftop bar, The Panorama Room , with amazing views, or their American Lobby restaurant. If this isn’t your speed, there are several local restaurants in the middle of the island. Hands down my number one choice in a place like this is to grab food from one of the grocery stores and have a fabulous impromptu picnic sitting on a bench, with the majestic skyline as my backdrop.

Pro Tip: Grill up something yummy at the public barbecue grills available for free near Octagon Park , home of the former insane asylum.

5. Visit The Parks Of Roosevelt Island

This tiny island has at least 12 parks with walking paths, greenery, park benches, and areas to stretch out and run. The two most popular parks are Lighthouse Park on the north end and FDR Four Freedom State Park at the south end. Take the free Red Bus to either park from anywhere on the island.

Be sure to visit The Girl Puzzle exhibit at Lighthouse Park. It’s a fascinating story about a female investigative reporter, Nellie Bly , in the late 1800s. Bly shed light on the horrific conditions of the mental asylum, posing as a patient and then writing a scathing exposé. 

Pro Tip: Stop by and see the Island’s Last Chance Canadian Geese Sanctuary along the FDR walkway and see the darling goslings.

6. Play Tennis Or Pickleball

Stop off at the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club and hit a few balls. If you forgot your tennis racquet, the club lets “loaners” out. Showers and towels are available for a small fee. Behind the club, the city offers two free pickleball courts. Bring your own paddles! Call first to reserve the tennis courts. Be a kind visitor and donate a can of tennis balls if you “borrow” a loaner tennis racquet.

Pro Tip: Look for large yellow vent tubes on sidewalks. Roosevelt Island is the only U.S. city to use an automated vacuum waste system , which moves 5.8 tons of trash daily. Residents put their trash in collectors and it’s sucked down below street level into a central facility. No Loud trash trucks here!

7. The Blackwell House

Soak up a little history on your stroll through the island and visit the historic home of the Blackwells , former owners of the island during the late 1700s. Entry is free. Learn how the island changed names from Manning to Blackwell.

8. Smallpox Hospital

Visit the grounds of the first Smallpox Hospital in the country. When smallpox spread rampant in New York City during the 1800s, patients were mandated to isolate on the island at this location to receive care. After the smallpox vaccine was created, the hospital closed. The ruins are currently in repair and hopefully will open in the future for tours. During the night, “up lighting” creates a spooky scene and highlights the ivy-covered stone building.

Related Reading:

• Top 13 Stops While Exploring New York City’s LGBTQ+ History
• Top 12 Tips For Experiencing New York Pride This Year And Every Year
• 10 Fascinating Spots In New York City For History Lovers

Christy Karsten is an airline pilot who loves to travel and explore the globe. When she's not exploring the world on a jet, she's adventuring the road less traveled, shopping, and enjoying local foods. She has been to five continents; with each trip, her bucket list continues to overflow while her list of destinations continues to expand. At her home in Southern California, she spends her time working out, hiking, and researching her next global journey. Depending on the day, this wife and mother is either an international airline pilot or a travel-hungry globetrotter.

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The full guide to Roosevelt Island in NYC

Visit Roosevelt Island in NYC, a two-mile-long, 800-foot-wide town that is blossoming with character

If you’re looking for a scenic getaway, we highly recommend one of our many awesome day trips from NYC . But if you don’t want to travel too far, a journey to Roosevelt Island in NYC may be the relaxing escape you’re looking for. Apart from picturesque views of Manhattan and Queens, the two-mile-long, 800-foot-wide cloister is known for being a quiet town. However, there are plenty of things to do and see once you take the train or the tram over the East River: The Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association hosts art shows , you can check out historic New York attractions like the Blackwell Island Lighthouse and Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park definitely deserves a spot on our best NYC parks list.

How do I get to Roosevelt Island?

Take the F train to the Roosevelt Island stop. After ascending the escalator from New York’s deepest subway station, you’ll be floored by the stunning view of the East River. For an even better picture of the water, take the red, boxy Tramway Car at 59th St and Second Avenue.

What can I do on Roosevelt Island?

The area’s attractions include tennis courts, ball fields and Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, a tribute to our 32nd president. You can check out historic attractions like the Blackwell Island Lighthouse and the beautiful Chapel of the Good Shepherd.

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The 8 Best Things to See and Do on Roosevelt Island, NYC

For too long, Roosevelt Island has lived in the shadow of the New York City island, Manhattan . Yet, that’s all changing thanks to a new ferry stop and Cornell Tech’s campus here. This 2mi (3.2km) stretch was once home to prisons and asylums but now boasts an aerial adventure, the RIVAA contemporary art gallery and much more. Discover the best things to do on Roosevelt Island, New York City.

1. the roosevelt island tram.

Building, Hiking Trail

Four Freedoms Park

Conceived in the ‘70s and opened in 2012, Four Freedoms Park was well worth the wait. This Roosevelt Island park is an FDR-dedicated memorial positioned on the island’s southern tip, featuring a striking granite deck and hosting events ranging from kite flying to readings to yoga – plus there are stunning views of Midtown Manhattan, home to the Empire State and Chrysler buildings.

Smallpox Hospital

Full disclosure: Roosevelt Island comes with a somewhat spooky backstory, a key point of which can still be observed – from a distance. Opened in 1856, the island’s Smallpox Hospital – also known as the Ruin – is where patients infected with the contagious disease were once quarantined; it now stands in ruins. However, the off-limits attraction is still viewable from behind a fence, with only the colony of nearly 100 feral cats that have taken over the building allowed to pass.

Contemporary art at RIVAA

To see some of the best contemporary art around, you’ll have to take to the sea. Or, rather, the East River, where RIVAA (Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association) exhibits works by some 35 artist members alongside international guest artists. Whether you’re interested in photography, painting or live music, you’ll find your fix at RIVAA .

Views of the Manhattan skyline

We know, we know: we’re meant to be discussing what to do on Roosevelt Island, but we couldn’t help but notice the panorama! From Roosevelt Island’s west side, you’re afforded a front-row view of Manhattan’s Midtown and Upper East Side, not to mention one of the most famous skylines in the world. So, snap away – the island will understand.

Blackwell Island Lighthouse

Lighthouse Park is easy to find on any Roosevelt Island map – it’s at the northeast tip of the island (about a 20-minute walk from the tram). If you find yourself here, look out for the Blackwell Island Lighthouse. The 1872-built Gothic Revival structure, which has the honor of being on the National Register of Historic Places and a New York City Landmark, used to light the old New York City Lunatic Asylum (one tale even claims it was built by an inmate). It now provides a picturesque backdrop for locals relaxing on the lawn.

The Octagon

As you can likely tell by now, Roosevelt Island is a perfect balance of old and new. No place exemplifies this point better than the Octagon, a mid-19th-century structure that was converted into high-end housing in 2006. Even richer than the building’s current tenants is its history. For example, Charles Dickens wrote about its stately main staircase, and multiple fires affected its facade. It was once the entrance to the old asylum, which was opened in 1841. Before its conversion, the five-story rotunda, which was made of stone quarried from the island, was rather un-loved following years of decay.

Blackwell House

History buffs won’t want to miss the bragging rights that come with a visit to Blackwell House. The 1796-built clapboard farmhouse, one of the oldest houses in New York City , was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The refurbished house has been opened up to the public, and exhibits tell the story of Roosevelt Island and the buildings that are no longer standing. Entry is free.

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Roosevelt Island Tourist Attractions Map

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Roosevelt Island Tram - New York's Cable Car

This post is a guide to riding the Roosevelt Island Tram, which is similar to an aerial cable car or gondola.

The Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline.

The tram crosses over the East River, reaching a maximum height of 250 feet (76 m) above the water!

It costs the same as a ride on the NYC subway and is open daily from 6:00 am till at least 2:30 am the following day.

As local tour guides, we think that this tram is worth your time, provided you are here for more than 2-3 days.

We often take groups for a ride here.

And, in the video below, Katie, a tour guide with us, Free Tours by Foot NYC , takes you on a virtual ride.

If you have time to spare and want to see NYC in a different and exciting way, read on!

We give you tips on planning your trip, including where to board, when to go, and how to get tickets, which happen to cost the same as a subway ride, but with a much better view!

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PLAN YOUR TRIP

Best Times to Go

The quality of your experience on the Roosevelt Island Tram depends on the time you take the ride, as it is a means of transportation for locals.

It also depends on whether you are going for a quick round trip just for the views or if you are also planning to spend some time on the island.

With that said, let's take a look at the hours of operation and the best times to go.

Roosevelt Island Tram Hours

• Sunday - Thursday | 6 am - 2 am
• Friday - Saturday | 6 am - 3:30 am
• There is a tram every 15 minutes except during rush hours when there is one every few minutes. The bus schedule on Roosevelt Island mirrors the Tram schedule.

Although it runs all day, visitors who want to catch the best views standing right next to the windows may want to hop on when the crowds aren't very large.

During weekdays, commuters use the tram to get to and from work in the mornings and evenings.

As a result, you can expect these hours to be especially busy from Monday to Friday.

Note that most New Yorkers are commuting from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan in the morning rush hour. 

If you intend only to take a quick round-trip ride from Manhattan, it's best to depart from Manhattan between the hours of 10 am - 3 pm .

Even if you plan to visit the island for a while, aim to go between these hours to ensure that you are not in a crowded cabin.

Travelers who want to see the skyline at night should have no trouble getting a good view pretty much anytime from 7 pm - 2 am . 

In fact, taking the tram is one of our picks for free things to do at night .

If you can't take the ride during our suggested hours don't worry, it is possible to get good views during rush hours, but it will be crowded in one direction or the other.

Weekend hours are a bit different because there isn't as much of a rush from commuters.

Instead of avoiding morning and evening hours, you will actually want to consider making your trip during these times to avoid large crowds during weekends.

If you want a daytime view, consider a trip in the morning before 10 am .

For excellent sunset views, head out on the tram at 7 pm instead.

Travelers who have been on this tram before recommend taking a sunset trip for the best views of the New York City skyline .

If you want to avoid the crowded cabin so you can be right next to a window, we recommend going on a weekend to steer clear of commuters.

If you can only go on a weekday for a sunset view, note that sunset corresponds to rush hours approximately between November and March. 

During these months, plan your return trip from Roosevelt Island to coincide with sunset. Check NYC sunset times .

TIP: The tramway station is just a 6-minute subway ride from the starting point of our Central Park Tour and a 12-minute ride from the start of our Midtown Manhattan Tour , both of which can be taken anytime as GPS-enabled audio tours .

Roosevelt Island Tram Tickets

This is the best part. For adults, the ride costs just $2.90 each way.

Those with an unlimited MetroCard won't have to pay anything.

For a round-trip cost of just $5.80 for an adult, this is an awesome deal for an incredible view!

Below is our full list of costs per trip

• $2.90 - Adult
• $1.45 - Seniors
• Free - Child up to 44 inches (112 cm). Limit 3 per paying adult

You can buy your MetroCard at vending machines in both tram terminals.

There are no ticket agents or ticket booths. 

We recommend that you purchase your MetroCard in advance at a subway station, as there are only a few ticket vending machines at the tram station.

You can now use the OMNY contactless tap-to-pay system at the tram turnstiles.

Be sure to read our blog post on choosing a New York City subway MetroCard which also explains the OMNY alternative to MetroCards.

For more information, make sure to check our ticket prices section and our post about how to use the NYC Metro system .

Where to Board?

The Manhattan station of the Roosevelt Island Tram is located on 2nd Ave. between 59th and 60th Streets on the Upper East Side .  

The closest New York City subway stations are 59th Street (4,5,6 trains) and Lexington Ave/59th Street (N, Q, R trains).  

The station is also within walking distance from the Lexington Ave/53rd Street Station (E, M trains).

There are several bus lines that also run up and down 2nd Ave.

We recommend using this Google map for directions to the Manhattan station of the Roosevelt Island Tram.  

Additional Tips

In addition to the best times, there are other tips and tricks to get the most out of this tram ride and Roosevelt Island itself.

The Ride is Short – This tram will take a max of 3-5 minutes to get across the river, giving you a limited amount of time to see the New York skyline.

If you want to spend more time enjoying the view of this city, consider visiting one of the observation decks in NYC .

Take The Ferry Back! - Get even more beautiful views by taking the ferry for your ride back from the island!

The East River Ferry Service has a route that runs from East 34th Street in Manhattan to Roosevelt Island and it's the same price as the tram and subway.

Not Much of a Wait – Travelers who have taken the tram indicate that there usually isn't much of a wait.

Even during busier hours, this is a simple enough service that it won't take long to get on board.

Stand Close to the Door – For the best views of the New York City skyline, make sure to stand as close as possible to the doors.

Strollers (and even shopping carts) are allowed on the trams.

These windows will be pointed in the direction of sites such as the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building .

Stop and Enjoy the Island – Although some people might just want to come here for the view from this tram, several visitors recommend spending some time on Roosevelt Island.

It may be a small island, but there are a few different things to see and do on Roosevelt Island .

Even if you only plan to spend 15 minutes there while waiting for the next tram, consider taking a look around the island while you're there.

Visit FDR Four Freedoms Park – According to some visitors, this park offers some of the most unique and interesting views in New York.

Some visitors say there is no better place to see the United Nations Headquarters. You'll find this park on the south tip of the island.

Get a Cup of Coffee – You will find a small shopping center to the north of the Tram station on Roosevelt Island.

Visitors recommend stopping in to grab a cup of coffee or even do a little shopping. You'll also find a library just north of the shopping center where you can stop and read a book.

Check Out the Lighthouse – If you're interested in walking to the other end of the island, there is a historic lighthouse that was built in the 1800s.

This could be a fun and interesting place to visit while you're on the island.

Come During Saturday Market – This island may be small, but that doesn't stop them from holding its very own Saturday Market.

This is a great place to find locally grown and created goods, and it's a wonderful place to stop by if you're planning a weekend trip.

Consider Taking a Tour – The boarding station is just a 6-minute subway ride from the starting point of our Central Park Tour and a 12-minute ride from the start of our Midtown Manhattan Tour , both of which can be taken anytime as GPS-enabled audio tours .

About The Roosevelt Island Aeriel Tramway

• The Tram is not operated by the MTA but uses the same MetroCard System.
• Each car holds up to 125 passengers.  About 115 trips per day are made.
• Once the Tram lets off at Roosevelt Island you can connect with a Red Bus, which will take you around the island for 25 cents per ride!
• You can see the full schedule for both the Tram and the Red Bus at www.rioc.ny.gov .  Go to the “Community Information” tab and select “Transportation.”
• The Roosevelt Island Tramway has been in many films including Nighthawks (1981), Now You See Me (2013), and Spider-Man (2002).

Quick Facts About Roosevelt Island ( check out our self-guided tour )

• The total land size is 147 acres (60 hectares)
• It was called Minnehanonck by the Lenape tribe, the island’s first residents.  The Dutch called it Varkens Eylandt (Hog Island).
• During the British colonial era and beyond the island was privately owned.  The Blackwell family was in possession for a long time, and the island’s oldest house, The Blackwell House, is NYC’s 6 th oldest house.  The island was also known as Blackwell Island for many years, even after the City of New York owned the island.
• The island was privately owned until 1828 when the City of New York purchased it for $32,000.  Adjusted for inflation, that would be $680,242 today.
• The New York City Lunatic Asylum opened on the island in 1839.  The asylum was often overcrowded, and at some points was at two times their designated capacity.  The Octagon Tower was built as the entrance to the asylum.  Today it is part of a luxury apartment complex.
• There is a beautiful, Gothic-style lighthouse on the island called the Blackwell Island Lighthouse.  It was built by the City of New York in 1872 and was used until the 1940s.  The supervising architect for the lighthouse was James Renwick, Jr., who designed St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
• The island was called Welfare Island from 1921 to 1971.  In addition to the asylum, the island has a charity hospital and a state penitentiary.  The inmates from the prison were moved off of the island to the newly opened Riker’s Island in 1935.
• The island was renamed Roosevelt Island in 1971, in honor of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• The Roosevelt Island Tramway opened in 1976, and runs parallel to the northern side of the Queensboro Bridge, connecting the island directly to Manhattan.

Even though this island is tiny, it is worth a visit! 

You can see the historic Blackwell House (One of the city’s few surviving 18th-century houses), the Blackwell Island Lighthouse, and the Octagon Tower- all while enjoying great city views! 

Related Posts:

• Tour of Roosevelt Island
• Free skyline views of NYC
• Travel Guide to NYC on a Budget

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Why This Overlooked Residential Island in N.Y.C. Wants Tourists

With a tech campus, a chic hotel, ample green space and its famous tram, Roosevelt Island would like more visitors, please.

By Alyson Krueger

When Med Abrous, a restaurateur behind trendy establishments in Los Angeles, Nashville and Seattle, got the call about opening a restaurant on Roosevelt Island in New York, he almost hung up the phone.

“The last time I was at Roosevelt Island was probably in the third grade for a class trip, where we took the tram,” said Mr. Abrous, who grew up in New York City. “All I remember is we learned something about smallpox, and then I never went back.” (In the 1800s, the island, now a quiet residential neighborhood, was the repository for several city asylums and hospitals, including one for smallpox, as well as a prison.)

The restaurant would be part of Graduate , Roosevelt Island’s first hotel, which opened this month. The property is on the campus of Cornell Tech , a hub for cutting-edge graduate students in tech, design, law and business, which opened four years ago. Although the university has been a boon to the community — which was redeveloped starting in the mid-20th century and has plenty of dated architecture to prove it — would a stylish hotel and restaurant really work out here?

“People who have lived in New York City for 20 or 30 years have never been to Roosevelt Island,” said Ben Weprin, the founder and chief executive of Graduate Hotels. “That is the biggest challenge, to educate people on how close and easy and fun Roosevelt Island is.”

Mr. Abrous and his business partner, Marc Rose, agreed to at least visit the site, and they were immediately impressed. “I was taken aback just being in the middle of the East River,” Mr. Abrous said. New high-rises were plentiful, and the rooftop of the hotel offered views of several New York City landmarks, from the United Nations building across the river to One World Trade Center farther south.

They signed on to create the Panorama Room, a bar and lounge with the very same rooftop views that seduced them, and are aiming for a splashy midsummer opening. The idea is to make the restaurant a destination unto itself. “I’ll go into deep Brooklyn or Queens for a great meal,” Mr. Abrous said, adding that he wants Roosevelt Island to be a destination, too. “We want this place to have the same weightiness as the Rainbow Room or Windows of the World,” he said.

In a way, the combination of Cornell Tech’s opening and the pandemic’s hitting the city has given Roosevelt Island a new chance at the spotlight. In addition to the hundreds of graduate students who have moved there, other New Yorkers in search of green space and affordable rents have gobbled up real estate. Several longtime residents are recommitting to the area, opening yoga studios and restaurants. And then there is Graduate, with its rooftop bar.

“It’s funny, having lived here so long, to see something so artsy and modern and hip coming to the neighborhood,” said Amanda Baehr Fuller, 48, an illustrator who has lived on the island for 15 years. “In the past we used to hear about things possibly opening, and years would go by and it would never happen,” she continued. “Now it’s getting better.”

Although many locals are thrilled about the attention the island is getting, the population of around 14,000 is still not enough to keep these new businesses thriving, said Shelton J. Haynes, the president and chief operating officer of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, which functions like a local government.

“These small businesses definitely need tourists to come in,” he said. “Many were hit very hard during the pandemic. Especially now, they need a hybrid of residents as well as tourism to stay alive.” The corporation is considering a series of free tours, both on foot and by bus, to bring in more people, Mr. Haynes said.

So it all hinges on foot traffic. The island battles an unfair reputation as being hard to reach despite access from the F train, the ferry, the Roosevelt Island Bridge and of course the island’s unique tram. “We are still in the middle of the East River, and I am reminded of it all the time,” Mr. Abrous said. “This may have been a completely crazy idea,” he said of his decision to commit to Roosevelt Island.

In these late-pandemic days, the appeal of the area is obvious. It’s possible to walk through its parks and not see another human. Families, especially, appreciate the open fields, tree-lined promenades and playgrounds. Later this summer, Southpoint Park will open on the southern tip of the island. “It will be similar to Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can walk right up to the water,” Mr. Haynes said.

For people interested in living here, there is currently a wait list for three-bedroom apartments, which is unprecedented, according to Chris Schmidt, a senior vice president at the real estate firm Related Companies that, along with the developer, Hudson Companies , owns eight (and soon to be nine) buildings on the island.

Last summer, Paul Krikler, 60, who owns a consulting and business coaching business, moved to Roosevelt Island from the Upper East Side of Manhattan with his three teenage children. “It’s so calm and peaceful and quiet,” he said. “There is green everywhere and water everywhere and public benches everywhere. During the pandemic having that space was just lovely.” He likes how people bring hammocks and hang them between the trees.

An adjustment for him, however, was the lack of amenities. “There’s very limited shopping here, so you have to use Amazon and make the most use of your time when you’re on the mainland,” he said. “For example, there is no bike shop.” Mr. Krikler is working to change this by getting a mobile bike shop to visit the island regularly.

Before the pandemic there was one of everything, said David Kramer of Hudson Companies, who oversees many retail spaces for Roosevelt Island. “There was a pizzeria, a Japanese restaurant, a Greek diner, a Chinese restaurant and a supermarket,” he said.

In the past year, however, more specialty offerings have arrived. Wholesome Macelleria , a high-end butcher shop, opened over the winter. Last September came Granny Annie’s, a restaurant that became a go-to spot for cocktails. And this summer, Graduate will introduce two new restaurants overseen by Mr. Abrous.

Jax Schott, who has lived on the island for over 12 years and is a yoga and barre instructor, is opening the island’s first dedicated yoga and barre studio, Island Om , this summer. She’s transforming a 2,000-square-foot space on Main Street that used to be a makeshift batting cage. “We have a lot of wellness people on the island, and I am trying to figure out how to bring them together and make this a sort of hub for the community,” she said.

The hope is that the 224-room Graduate Hotel will lift up the other businesses. The property has gone out of its way to be bold. In the lobby is a 12-foot statue by Hebru Brantley, an artist known for his Afrofuturist style, as well as 5,000 square feet of shelved vintage textbooks. There is a meeting room inspired by the Tom Hanks movie “Big,” with a giant piano mat and a Zoltar machine.

“We need people to come and be, like, ‘Holy shoot, I can’t wait to bring my friends here,’” Mr. Weprin said. “We have to make this a landmark of the city.”

An earlier version of this article misidentified the bridge that goes to Roosevelt Island. It is the Roosevelt Island Bridge, not the Queensboro Bridge. 

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Louis Armstrong's Daughter To Visit Long Island Screening Of Emmy-Winning Documentary

T he once-secret daughter of jazz legend Louis Armstrong is visiting Long Island for an in-person discussion following a screening of her award-winning documentary.

Sharon Preston-Folta, who kept the secret of her parentage for five decades, is coming to Long Island this summer alongside the Emmy-award-winning film she produces and stars in, “Little Satchmo.”

The Roosevelt Public Library, located at 27 West Fulton Avenue, will host the screening on Thursday, June 6 at 6 p.m., the library announced.

Preston-Folta will join in a live, in-person discussion about the movie following the screening.

The documentary, based on Preston-Folta’s memoir of the same name, dives into how she had no choice but to conceal the fact that she is the product of a two-decade love affair between Armstrong and Harlem dancer Lucille ‘Sweets’ Preston.

“Armstrong’s wholesome, non-threatening image preserved his singular career as a black performer with unfettered access to a white man's world. Yet he was more than a caricature. In private, he held tightly to the things he loved,” the library wrote of the film.

Besides peering into the trumpet player's music and personal life, “Little Satchmo” explores complex themes of race, family, identity, single-parent households, and, of course, father-daughter relationships.

Originally premiered in 2021, the documentary went on to win the Southeast Emmy Award for Outstanding Historical Documentary during the 49th annual awards.

Louis Armstrong, known for songs such as "What A Wonderful World," "La Vie En Rose," and many more, was born in New Orleans in 1901 and died in New York City in 1971 at the age of 69. Though he had four marriages over the course of his life, they did not produce any children, leading the public to believe Armstrong had left behind no children.  

The event is scheduled to last until 8 p.m.

Guests who would like to attend must register. For more information, click here. 

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