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If you go
GETTING THERE: Governors Island is just off Battery Park at the tip of Manhattan. Free ferries leave from the Battery Maritime Building, right next to the terminal for the Staten Island ferry. Schedules: www.govisland.com. Statue Cruises’ one-hour harbor tour also drops off tourists on the island at the end of its 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. tours from Battery Park: www.statuecruises.com/.
WHEN TO GO: The island is open until Oct. 12 this year on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ferries leave at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.: www.nps.gov/gois.
GETTING AROUND: Pick up a self-guided walking tour at the National Park Service bookstore at the ferry landing; rent a bike ($5 for 30 minutes; $10 for 2 hours; $15 for day) or surrey on the island or bring your own bike on the ferry; or take a free tram tour. Bike rentals are free for one hour on Fridays.
BRING A PICNIC: Food choices are limited to a few stands so you might want to bring along a snack. Warning: The only restrooms are at the ferry landing.
HISTORY BUFFS: Explore the two forts on the island, Fort Jay and Castle Williams; the lobby of Pershing Hall has murals painted in the 1930s about American military history.
PAST AND FUTURE: Check out the exhibit “What’s Happening on Governors Island?” in Building 110 near the ferry landing to see what is being planned for the island.