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Historic Brooklyn Army Terminal Tour by Turnstile Tours - New York City

Historic Brooklyn Army Terminal Tour by Turnstile Tours

Brooklyneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for individuals in average physical condition comfortable walking a mile with occasional stairs.

Overview

Step into one of New York’s largest industrial complexes on a 2-hour walking tour with Turnstile Tours. Discover the Brooklyn Army Terminal’s wartime past and its vibrant present along the harbor’s edge.

Brooklyn, New York

Brooklyn Army Terminal Tour

Walking • Saturdays, 11am

Walking Tour

Select participants and date

Adventure Photos

Brooklyn Army Terminal Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Discover the rich history and vibrant present of the Brooklyn Army Terminal on a captivating 2-hour walking tour. Explore its stunning architecture, hear compelling stories of those who worked here, and enjoy breathtaking views of New York Harbor while learning about the thriving businesses that now call this historic site home.

About

Step inside an engineering marvel that is today a center of innovation and business development in New York City. Built to supply American forces on the Western Front in World War I, this enormous Cass Gilbert-designed complex served as a supply base for the American military until the Vietnam War. Today, this thriving industrial park is home to over 100 companies in a wide array of industries, from precision manufacturers to biotech researchers, online retailers to chocolatiers. On this 2-hour walking tour, we will explore how millions of tons of war supplies and personnel were shipped through this teeming transportation hub, hear the stories of soldiers, longshoremen, and merchant mariners who worked these piers, rail yards, and warehouses, and learn how these facilities are put to use today. Looking at the broader context, this tour will discuss what made the Port of New York the envy of the world in the mid-20th century, why it went into decline, and how Brooklyn’s working waterfront is being revitalized today. Along the way, we will enjoy sweeping views of the harbor, visit the 600,000-square-foot unrestored space of Building A, and step inside the Terminal’s architectural gem – the breathtaking atrium of Building B, where freight trains once rumbled through to be loaded from the innovative cantilevered balconies. Join us to explore the sights and stories of a century of work at the Brooklyn Army Terminal!


Highlights

  • 2-hour guided walking tour of this industrial complex
  • Step inside the breathtaking atrium, where military cargo trains were once unloaded
  • Enjoy sweeping views of New York Harbor as we discuss the past and present of the working waterfront
  • Hear stories of soldiers, sailors, and longshoremen who passed through the Army Terminal
  • Learn about the 100+ companies that call this city-owned industrial park home today
  • All tours offered on behalf of the Brooklyn Army Terminal

Public Tour Schedule

  • Select Saturdays at 2pm
  • This tour lasts 2 hours
  • Tours are available for private groups — contact us for more information

Know Before You Go

  • Tours proceed rain or shine and will not be cancelled or rescheduled due to inclement weather unless such weather constitutes a dangerous situation, in which case Turnstile Tours will contact all tour attendees.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
  • We will walk approximately 1 mile on this tour.
  • Cancellations: We cannot reschedule or refund tickets that are canceled within 24 hours of the tour start time. If you cancel more than 24 hours before the tour, we can offer you a credit to reschedule for a future tour.

Adventure Tips

Wear sturdy walking shoes

The tour covers about a mile on concrete and uneven surfaces inside large industrial spaces.

Arrive early for check-in

Tours start promptly; allow extra time to locate the entrance and complete registration.

Prepare for variable weather

Tours run rain or shine; dress in layers and bring rain gear appropriate to the season.

Bring a camera

The Terminal’s massive architecture and sweeping harbor views make for striking photos.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Herring gulls soaring above New York Harbor.
  • Occasional sightings of harbor seals near the waterfront.

History

Constructed during World War I, the Brooklyn Army Terminal was once the largest military supply base of its kind, pivotal through several major conflicts before its eventual transformation into a thriving business complex.

Conservation

Current uses emphasize adaptive reuse of historic industrial structures, blending preservation with modern sustainability efforts to reduce environmental impact.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in New York City

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Provides support and traction on concrete floors and uneven industrial terrain.

Weather-appropriate layers

Essential

Helps stay comfortable during cool or breezy waterfront conditions.

spring|fall|winter specific

Water bottle

Stay hydrated during warmer months while on the move.

summer specific

Camera or smartphone

Capture dramatic architecture and sweeping harbor panoramas.