Fort Totten is a former United States Army installation on the northeastern edge of Queens, an historic stronghold built in the 19th century to defend New York Harbor and guard the narrow entrance where the East River opens into the Long Island Sound. Its granite walls, arched corridors, and still-imposing batteries reflect more than a century of military innovation, from the Civil War through the Cold War.
Today, much of this once-strategic military site has been transformed into one of Queens’ most distinctive public spaces. Fort Totten Park attracts visitors year-round with its waterfront views, expansive lawns, historic architecture, and opportunities for recreation.
Yet the heart of the experience remains the old fort itself. Wander the grounds and you’ll find a rare blend of coastal beauty, atmospheric ruins, and preserved military history that makes Fort Totten unlike anywhere else in New York City.
Fort Totten Map
Fort Totten – a Fortress at the Edge of Queens
Long before becoming a beloved public park, Fort Totten was a major military stronghold. Constructed beginning in 1862, the fort was designed to protect the eastern approach to New York Harbor. Opposite Fort Schuyler in the Bronx, its cannons once guarded the river’s narrow entry point like gatekeepers.
Its original plans were drawn by none other than Robert E. Lee, working as an engineer before the Civil War. Though construction halted when masonry forts became outdated, the remaining structures—arched rooms, tunnels, and granite walls—still echo the scale and ambition of its design.
Much of the fort served the U.S. Army from the Civil War through the Cold War. Today, while the Army Reserve maintains a presence, large portions of the property have been transformed into public parkland and historic sites open for exploration.
Exploring the Grounds
Fort Totten Park is both vast and varied. Visitors can wander through:
- The Civil War–era fort, with its dramatic granite casemates
- The New York City–landmarked Fort Totten Officers’ Club, known as the Castle
- World War I and II battery remnants, quiet reminders of the site’s changing military roles
- Tree-lined paths and scenic lawns, perfect for picnics or strolls
- Three shoreline views—Little Bay, Little Neck Bay, and the Long Island Sound
Many buildings are abandoned or partially reclaimed by nature, giving the area an atmospheric, almost cinematic quality.
Guided Tours & the Visitors Center
Urban Park Rangers lead regular tours highlighting both the natural environment and the historic fortifications. These tours are ideal if you want to see off-limits corners or learn the full story of the site’s construction, military uses, and transformation into parkland.
For independent explorers, the Fort Totten Visitors Center offers exhibits, background information, and maps to help you navigate the grounds on your own.
Summer Fun: Pool, Paddling & Play
In warm weather, Fort Totten becomes one of Queens’ favorite outdoor escapes.
- Outdoor Pool – Open seasonally, surrounded by soft grass and breezes off the water
- Kayaking & Canoeing – The calm bays around the park are perfect for paddling
- Baseball & Soccer Fields – Popular with local leagues and families
- Shady lawns & picnic areas – Ideal for a laid-back afternoon
The waterfront feels surprisingly peaceful, almost like a hidden resort tucked at the edge of the city.
Winter Wildlife & Nature Watching
When temperatures drop, Fort Totten becomes a haven for birdwatchers. Migratory waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and diving birds, rest in the bays during their journey south. Winter sunrises over the Sound are especially breathtaking.
The blend of coastline and meadow habitat makes the park a year-round nature lover’s paradise.
The Castle: Fort Totten Officers’ Club
One of the fort’s architectural gems is the Officers’ Club, often called the Castle. Built in the 1870s, the neo-Gothic structure is now home to the Bayside Historical Society, which hosts exhibitions, classes, and community events.
It stands as one of the most iconic pieces of military architecture in New York City, and a reminder of the fort’s 19th-century origins.
Fort Totten in Pop Culture
Fort Totten’s cinematic feel has made it a popular filming location. It has appeared in:
- Blue Bloods
- White Collar
- Third Watch
- The Endgame
- Fallout (TV series)
- Jay-Z / Kanye West / Rihanna’s “Run This Town” music video
Its mix of historic ruins and vast open spaces make it a natural fit for film and television crews.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Fort Totten Park
Pros
- Gorgeous waterfront views
- Fascinating historic structures
- Free ranger tours
- Large summer pool in the sport complex
- Kayaking opportunities
- Birdwatching in winter
- Spacious grounds for walking, sports, and picnics
Cons
- Some areas are closed or dilapidated
- Limited food options nearby
- Parking can fill up on summer weekends
- Parts of the fort are only accessible on guided tours
More Info
Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fort-totten-park
Address: Cross Island Pkwy., between Totten Ave. & 15th Rd., Queens