New York’s High Line Park is one of the city’s most unique outdoor experiences. This popular Manhattan attraction offers a 1.45-mile long (2.33 km) linear park located in the city’s Meatpacking District. What makes this park so unique is that it’s built on an abandoned freight rail line. It’s elevated high above the city streets of Manhattan offering picturesque city views and a peaceful oasis from the bustling city.
This urban refuge opened in 2009. It runs from Gansevoort Street through the Meatpacking District and West Chelsea Neighborhood. High Line Park is patterned after Paris’s La Promenade Plantee, an urban park also built on abandoned railway tracks. High Land Park’s landscape layout is inspired by the plants and foliage that once grew naturally on the unused tracks.
History
In the mid-1800’s, railway lines were laid in the lower west side of Manhattan to facilitate the transport of commodities such as dairy products and beef. These freight trains created such a danger to the area that the stretch of 10th & 11th Avenue was dubbed “Death Avenue.” In 1929, in an effort to create a safer environment the Elevated West Side Highway was erected. This railway remained in place until the 1950’s when the onset of interstate trucking led to a drop in the use of freight trains. This issue coupled with the fact that many of the freight customers were leaving the lower Manhattan area resulted in the abandonment of the railway line. In 1999, the non-profit organization “Friends of the High Line” was formed and set forth a mission to repurpose the structurally sound railway lines as designated open space.
Things To Do
New York’s High Line Park is a great way to enjoy a beautiful day in Manhattan but the park offers much more than fresh air and greenery. There are a variety of events and activities offered for park goers to enjoy.
Tours
Visitors can enjoy a variety of walking tours to learn about the park’s history and gain insight into its horticulture.
Wellness
Have a Zen moment in the park by taking part in a Tai Chi class or practising Meditation.
Live Entertainment
Everything from Latin Dancing to poetry reading is offered in the park.
Kid-Friendly Events
Many family-oriented performers are on hand to entertain the Littles with a variety of art projects and story times.
Art
New York’s High Line Park provides an outdoor exhibit put on by High Line Art, a public art program. This program showcases art projects in and around High Line Park. Art tours are also available for booking.
Where to Eat
Once you’ve worked up an appetite taking in all the activities, views and artwork offered in High Line Park you’ll be on the hunt for a good eatery. Here are a few fan favourites nearby the park.
Gansevoort Market
This 19th-century trading post now hosts one of lower Manhattan’s most iconic venues known as Gansevoort Market offering 20 food vendors to choose from.
Chelsea Market
One of the Meatpacking District’s top attractions offering 35 vendors of mostly take-out varieties.
The Fillmore Room
Located across the street from High Line Park serving up some of the best burgers around.
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A popular American eatery located at the nearby Whitney Museum.
El Qunto Pino –
El Qunto Pino serves a variety of authentic Spanish Tapas.
For more unmissable things to do and see, check out our guide to the best New York tours.
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