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Points of Interest: Prospect Park
Whether you're a frequent visitor to Prospect Park, or this is your first visit to Brooklyn's Backyard, on this walk, you'll explore 13 points of interest in Prospect Park! Prospect Park Alliance is the non-profit organization that sustains the park and provides critical staff and resources that keep the park green and vibrant.
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Peristyle
The Grecian Shelter, also known as the Peristyle or Croquet Shelter, was built in 1903 by architects McKim, Mead and White. Today, it is a highly-utilized, beloved community gathering space.
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Prospect Park Lake
The park's intricate system of man-made pools, streams, and waterfalls culminates in the 60-acre Lake, Brooklyn's only freshwater lake. The Lake hosts a thriving ecosystem of fish, amphibians, birds and more that can be enjoyed all year round.
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Wellhouse
The only remaining park structure designed by Calvert Vaux, the Wellhouse is one of the park's oldest structures. In recent years, the building was restored for public use, and now serves as the city's first compostable restrooms in a public park.
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Concert Grove
The Concert Grove is a scenic park setting that was home to open-air concerts in the late 19th century. Today, find a variety of statues, including one commemorating Abraham Lincoln.
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Oriental Pavilion
Once used as an open-air restaurant, the Oriental Pavilion fell into disrepair in recent decades. This beautiful structure is currently undergoing a restoration, and it will be returned to public use.
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Prospect Park Boathouse and Landing
The Prospect Park Boathouse was modeled after the library of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice. Today, it houses the Prospect Park Audubon Center, a free nature education center.
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Lefferts Historic House
The Lefferts Historic House is (sort of) the former home of Continental Army Lieutenant Pieter Lefferts. The building is a museum, run by Prospect Park Alliance and the Historic House Trust, currently undergoing restoration.
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Ravine
Brooklyn's only forest, the Ravine features nearly 150 acres of woodlands and scenic waterways. This area of the park hosts a vital ecosystem, and is a refuge for migratory birds—with over 250+ species of birds spotted in the park each year.
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Long Meadow
Nearly a mile long, this is the longest stretch of unbroken meadow in any U.S. urban park.
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Tennis House
Built by Helmle, Huberty and Hudswell — the same architects who constructed the Prospect Park Boathouse — the Tennis House was constructed in 1910 to provide lawn-sport players with lockers and shelter.
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Litchfield Villa
Formerly the home of the Litchfield family, this historic building is the main park information center, open Monday through Friday, 9am - 5pm.
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Vale of Cashmere
This lush woodland oasis, located along a dramatic slope, features a pool and fountain. The woodlands were recently restored with the help of goats, while the pool and fountain await restoration.
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Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch
The Soldiers and Sailors Arch was built to commemorate the Union forces that died in the Civil War.
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