Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park
Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park: A Dog-Friendly Gem on Roosevelt Island
Nestled at the southern tip of Roosevelt Island, Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park is a stunning, peaceful retreat offering manicured grassy areas with breathtaking views of Manhattan and the East River. Although not officially a traditional dog park, dog owners often enjoy the pet-friendly, open lawns and scenic walking paths, making this a unique alternative for those seeking a dog-friendly park in Roosevelt Island, NY.
Along with its elegant landscape designed by architect Louis Kahn, the park features ample spots to sit, relax, and enjoy the view. It’s an inviting place for locals and visitors to unwind, read from the park’s Banned Book Library, or stroll alongside their leashed pets while soaking in city views. Four Freedoms Park stands out for its serenity, historic reverence, and top-tier maintenance—a welcoming spot for dog lovers looking for peaceful pet-friendly trails in NYC.
FAQ
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must remain leashed throughout the park.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There are tree-lined paths and scattered shade, but there is no covered shelter.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there is ample seating and spots to relax while enjoying the view.
- Is public transportation available to the park? Yes, the park is easily accessible via the Roosevelt Island Tram and public transit.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the grounds are very well maintained and kept clean.
Reviews
Beautiful small park, on a perfect view point between Manhattan on one side and Queens on the other. Nice spots to relax. Very well maintained
Great place to spend a couple of hours
The Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island is a well built and beautiful park to honor former President Roosevelt. There is a grass area for activities and seating which provides beautiful views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. It’s a nice place to go if you want to relax or read a book. There is also a local goose population on the island which can be seen walking around.
A peaceful, powerful tribute tucked at the southern tip of Roosevelt Island. Four Freedoms Park honors President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s iconic 1941 speech, which outlined four essential human freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Standing there, with the city rising behind you and the East River at your sides, you feel the weight and beauty of those words.
The park itself is stunning in its simplicity—granite, symmetry, trees, and sky. Designed by architect Louis Kahn, it’s both modern and timeless. There’s a quiet reverence in the space, and it’s ideal for reflection, reading, or just soaking in the skyline views.
It’s an easy, scenic walk from the Roosevelt Island Tram, past the ruins of the Smallpox Hospital, and leads to this open, inspiring space. A must-visit for history lovers, architecture admirers, or anyone seeking a quiet pause in the middle of the city.
Very clean, peaceful, and relaxing spot with great views of the city and water. The historic design adds a nice touch. Loved watching the geese roam around and spotting a few cats. A calm and refreshing place to spend time.
The Four Freedoms Park, located at the southern tip of Roosevelt Island, is a beautifully designed space dedicated to honoring former President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The park features a spacious grassy area ideal for relaxing or recreational activities, with stunning views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. One of its most unique highlights is the Banned Book Library housed inside a marquee, showcasing a collection of previously censored books—free and open to the public.
It’s a perfect spot for unwinding, enjoying a good read, or sipping coffee from a nearby café. Visitors can also snap memorable photos with the impressive statue of FDR. As you explore, you might even spot some of the island’s local geese wandering around. Overall, it’s easy to spend two to three hours enjoying everything the park has to offer.