'''Roosevelt Island''' [http://www.rioc.com/] is an elongated island in the East River between Manhattan Island and Queens.

Understand

Roosevelt Island was purchased in 1637 from the Algonquin Indians by Dutch colonists. Originally a cattle farm, over the years it has had various names and uses. Until 1921 it was known as Blackwell's Island (after the Englishman Robert Blackwell, who purchased it from the Dutch in 1676). It was then known as Welfare Island, and was home to an asylum and quarantine hospital. Today called Roosevelt Island, it is the home to several thousand New Yorkers and who like its calm ambiance and that it is very well connected with both midtown Manhattan (by subway and tram) and Queens (by bridge and subway)

Get in

By Tramway

Probably the most convenient and best way to get on to Roosevelt Island is to take the '''Tramway''', crossing over the 300-yard stretch of the East River from 59th Street on Manhattan. Board the tram on Second Avenue at 59th Street. One way fare $2.00; MetroCards accepted. You can transfer free to/from the subway or buses, with a MetroCard.

By Subway

The F train makes a single stop on the island before continuing on to destinations in Queens or Manhattan and Brooklyn (depending on which borough you took the train from).

By Car, Foot, or Bicycle

The bridge from Queens to Roosevelt Island can be accessed at the intersection of 36th Avenue and Vernon Boulevard. On the other side, if you're on foot or bike, you can take a staircase, elevator, or escalator down to the ground level through a parking garage. The alternative is to run/bike down the corkscrew ramp but this is not suggested since there is from time to time a risk of being run over by a bus.

By Bus

The Q102 bus runs from Astoria, Queens, over the 36th Avenue Bridge, and runs up and down Main Street, serving the 2 hospitals, at the extreme tips of the island. Alternating buses serve one hospital first, and then the other. The fare is $2.00, payable by Metrocard, with free transfers available to/from subways or other buses. The Red Bus charges 25 cents per ride and takes you to various point on the island, including the tram station, subway station, and library, with no free transfers offered.

See

  • Manhattan viewpoints:
  • *the '''Meditation Steps''' - just north of the Tramway stop
  • *the '''Southpoint''' - a newly-created public space at the southern tip of the island, accessed by one of the riverside promenades
  • Do

  • Head to Roosevelt Island for the '''4th of July Fireworks''' display over Manhattan - Roosevelt Island affords one of the best views of the city's pyrotechnic displays. Get to the island very early, or you'll find that the seats are sold out.
  • Buy

    Eat

    Drink

    Sleep

    Contact