History & Innovation Tour at Brooklyn Navy Yard
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; comfortable walking ability required.
Overview
Uncover the fascinating history and future plans of the Brooklyn Navy Yard on this engaging two-hour walking tour. Walk historic grounds, see a century-old dry dock, and learn about NYC’s industrial transformation.
Brooklyn Navy Yard: Past, Present & Future Walking Tour
Walking • Saturdays, 2pm
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Discover the rich history and vibrant future of the Brooklyn Navy Yard on a captivating two-hour guided walking tour. Explore historic buildings, hear personal stories from workers and sailors, and witness a working dry dock from 1851. Experience the transformation of this iconic site into a thriving hub for innovation and industry.
Explore the past, present, and future of the Brooklyn Navy Yard on this guided walking tour of this historic and dynamic waterfront site. Founded in 1801, the Yard was once the nation's premier naval shipyard, building, repairing, and outfitting vessels from the War of 1812 through the Cold War. Today, the Yard's historic industrial landscape has been repurposed to support 450+ businesses that employ over 11,000 people in manufacturing, technology, and skilled crafts. On this two-hour walking tour, we will explore the Yard's rich naval and labor history, through examining historical documents, listening to oral histories from workers and sailors, and visiting historic buildings, including Civil War-era machine shops, the Yard's museum and visitor center at BLDG 92, and a working dry dock still used today for ship repair. We will also learn about the Yard's business ecosystem, community programs, and workforce development today, and the future plans for the Yard's development.
Highlights
- 2-hour guided walking tour
- Learn about the past and present of manufacturing and industry in Brooklyn
- Visit BLDG 92, the Yard’s museum and visitor center, and Building 77, the Food Manufacturing Hub
- See a dry dock from 1851 still in use today for ship repair
- Tours are offered in partnership with the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation
Public Tour Schedule
- 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 2 miles 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 comfortable shoes
The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and standing for extended periods.
Bring a camera
Capture the historic sights and active workspaces during the tour.
Dress for the weather
Outdoor portions mean you'll want weather-appropriate clothing, whether rain or shine.
Arrive early
Secure your spot and get comfortable before the tour begins.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons
- Seagulls
History
The Brooklyn Navy Yard was established in 1801 and played a crucial role during World War II, building and repairing ships for the U.S. Navy.
Conservation
Efforts to preserve the historic structures while promoting sustainable industrial development are ongoing, balancing heritage with innovation.
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Adventure Hotspots in New York City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for walking on uneven surfaces and standing for the duration of the tour.
Camera or Smartphone
To capture memorable views and details of the historic site.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Dress according to weather conditions to stay comfortable outdoors.
Hat and sunscreen
Protection from sun during outdoor segments of the tour.
summer specific