Summary
- The iconic Loeb Boathouse in Central Park will close permanently on October 16.
- The closure is due to rising operational costs and challenges.
- Visitors can still experience the boathouse and engage in various activities in Central Park.
The iconic Loeb Boathouse in Central Park is set to close this fall, marking the end of a cherished era for this historic building that has drawn admiration from both tourists and locals alike.
The boathouse, which has remained in its current state since the 1950s, offers visitors a unique opportunity to rent rowboats and savor a meal by the lake. However, it will close permanently on October 16, as The New York Times reported, citing a notice filed with the New York State Department of Labor.
“Due to rising labor and costs of goods, the business will be permanently closing,” stated the company in their notice.
“It’s a very difficult place to operate,” Dean J. Poll, the operator, conveyed to the NYT. “The location, seasonality, access, and expenses all contribute to the challenges.”
The boathouse, featured in several beloved films, including “When Harry Met Sally,” was originally designed by Central Park landscape architect Calvert Vaux in 1872. Initially, it was a two-story wooden Victorian structure. According to the boathouse’s history, it was replaced by a rustic wood building in 1924 and later refurbished to create the Loeb Boathouse in 1954.
Despite the upcoming closure, officials from the Department of Parks and Recreation informed the NYT that they aim to find a new operator “as soon as possible,” and they are dedicated to accommodating those who have scheduled corporate events or weddings at the location.
Meanwhile, visitors to Central Park can still flock to the boathouse before its closure, where they can rent a rowboat or gondola, ensuring an iconic New York City experience starting at only $20 per hour.
Moreover, beyond the boathouse, park-goers can explore other Central Park attractions, such as the Central Park Reservoir and the outdoor Delacorte Theater, or enjoy a relaxing picnic in the Sheep Meadow, named for the flock of sheep that once grazed there.
Alison Fox is a contributing writer for iBestTravel. When she’s not in New York City, she enjoys spending time at the beach or discovering new destinations, aiming to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
