People know New York for its fast-paced lifestyle and sophisticated flair. However, the Big Apple isn’t all about modern architecture and contemporary attractions. Beyond top sights like Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and Rockefeller Center, New York is known for Central Park—a vast green escape in the city. Similarly, Detroit offers hidden gems like Belle Isle Park for those looking for things to do in Detroit.

If you have your US tourist visa ready and are visiting New York, then Central Park is one attraction that you should absolutely not miss. Though it may seem like a normal, expansive garden, this attraction will surprise you with numerous other attractions set within it.

To make the most of your time, here are some interesting facts about Central Park in New York City.

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• Located in the midst of Manhattan Island, Central Park is a rectangular lush green landscape sprawling around 843 acres of land. It stretches from Fifth and Eighth Avenues on the west and east, and 59th and 106th Streets on the north and south.

• Free African Americans created the village of Seneca Village at the Central Park site in 1825. By the mid-19th century, it had a large population of Irish, Italian, and German families.

• Central Park is teeming with 8 bodies of water, 58 miles of pathways, 250 acres of lawns and 136 acres of woodland.

• Central Park is larger than the country of Monaco. The total area of Central Park is 3.41 square kilometer whereas Monaco is 2.02 square kilometer.

• It is the USA’s most visited urban park. Approximately more than 40 million people visit the park in a year.

• Central Park is the first public landscaped park in the USA. Though it looks very natural, it is a planned and meticulously landscaped urban park. It is believed that a village once thrived at this spot which was cleared off to pave the way for construction of the Central Park.

• Central Park is home to eight manmade water bodies namely the Harlem Meer; the Loch; the Pool; the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir; the Turtle Pond; the Lake; Conservatory Water; and the Pond.

• Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is the largest lake in Central Park. Covering 100 acres, it holds one billion gallons of water.

• There are over 25000 trees and more than 500 species of wildlife residing within Central Park.

• Central Park actually has 26 baseball fields, 30 tennis courts, 51 sculptures, 36 bridges & arches, 7 ornamental fountains, 2 ice-skating rinks, 125 drinking fountains, over 9,000 benches, and 1 vintage carousel.

• Throughout the park, you will find only one straight pathway. ‘The Mall’ which stretches from 66th to 72nd Streets is the only pedestrian path that goes straight ahead flanked by rows of American elm trees. It is also one of the most photographed sites in this park.

• The park is known for its sculptures and installations. The famous ones that you should check out at Central Park are the 11-foot tall, bronze sculpture inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Another is a 3500-year-old Egyptian obelisk known as “Cleopatra’s Needle’ which is also the oldest installation in Central Park.

• The bronze Alice in Wonderland statue, surrounded by the White Rabbit, Dormouse, and Cheshire Cat, is a beloved Central Park landmark. Many believe climbing it helps kids connect with their favorite authors.

• Central Park has a 57-horse carousel which is one of the largest and oldest carousels in the USA. The 100-year-old Friedsam Memorial Carousel at 64th Street retains its vintage charm despite multiple restorations.

• A 2010 US Census found that about 25 people list Central Park as their permanent home.

• Central Park is a famous filming spot featured in movies like Romeo and Juliet, When Harry Met Sally, Home Alone 2, Avengers, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
• The Strawberry Fields Memorial honors John Lennon and is named after Strawberry Fields Forever.

• Central Park also has a zoo. Sprawling 6.5-acre, the Central Park Zoo opened in 1934 and has since housed over 1,400 animals. You can have a pleasant encounter with sea lions, snow leopards, Black and White Ruffed Lemurs, Tufted Puffins, and different species of penguins among other wildlife.

• If you are at Shakespeare Garden, there is a chance that you might see a castle on your way. Constructed in 1889, Belvedere Castle offers a fantastic spot for scenic views of Central Park. It sits atop Vista Rock, the park’s second-highest natural point.

• Lasker Rink offers swimming in summer and ice skating in winter.

• There are quite a few cafes and fully servicing restaurants located inside Central Park if you feel famished after a long stroll. Central Park has cafes and restaurants for a quick bite or a full meal. Try Ballfields Café, Dancing Crane Café, Harlem Meer Snack Bar, Kerbs Boathouse Café, and Wollman Rink. Feel like having a hearty meal? Head to any one of these three fantastic restaurants. Loeb Boathouse Restaurant offers dining with lake views and gondola rides. Tavern on the Green offers a pleasant ambiance and classic dishes. Le Pain Quotidien takes you on an experience full of European flair and flavors.

• One of  the USA’s largest and most visited museum is located in Central Park. The Metropolitan Museum of Art features world-famous paintings and artifacts in Central Park.

• Central Park’s designers struggled with landscaping due to protruding bedrock. They excavated, blasted, and removed nearly half a million cubic yards of rock. Interestingly, this massive project required more gunpowder than the Battle of Gettysburg.

• Central Park has more than 10,000 benches. The Adopt a Bench program, launched in 1986, lets anyone donate a bench to honor a loved one. The cost of a bench adoption is $10,000. Donors can write and design the plaque themselves.