Highlight • Monument
Hiking
4.4
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The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is a significant historical landmark located within Riverside Park on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City. Situated at the intersection of 89th Street and Riverside Drive, this neoclassical monument stands as a solemn tribute to the Union Army soldiers and sailors who served during the American Civil War. Its design is an enlarged interpretation of the ancient Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, making it a distinctive architectural feature in the urban…
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June 13, 2021
Hiking

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Nearby routes
Best routes near Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument

6
hikers
7.59km
01:58
50m
50m
Hike the easy 4.7-mile Hudson Valley Greenway Trail in Riverside Park, enjoying river views and historical landmarks like Grant's Tomb.

23
hikers
12.6km
03:14
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

22
hikers
10.1km
02:38
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 20 m
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Wednesday 27 May
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21 %
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Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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The monument itself is an outdoor structure within Riverside Park, and the surrounding paths are generally paved and accessible. While the monument is a prominent landmark, its design as a memorial means there are no interior spaces to navigate. The park paths leading to it are suitable for wheelchairs, making it accessible for visitors to appreciate its exterior and historical significance.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome in Riverside Park, including the area around the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. They must be kept on a leash at all times, as per New York City park regulations. It's a popular spot for dog walkers, offering plenty of green space for a stroll with your canine companion.
The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is situated within Riverside Park, which features relatively gentle terrain. The monument itself is at an elevation of approximately 20.7 meters (about 68 feet) above sea level. The paths in the park are mostly paved and have mild inclines, making them suitable for easy walks, runs, and cycling without significant difficulty.
A visit to the monument itself can be brief, perhaps 15-30 minutes, to appreciate its architecture, read inscriptions, and reflect. However, most visitors combine it with a longer stroll through Riverside Park. Depending on how much of the park you wish to explore, a visit could easily extend to an hour or more, especially if you walk along the Hudson River Greenway.
Parking in the Upper West Side of Manhattan can be challenging. There is limited street parking available, which is often metered or subject to alternate side parking rules. Public parking garages are available in the surrounding neighborhoods, though they can be costly. Public transport is highly recommended for reaching the monument.
Yes, the Upper West Side is a vibrant neighborhood with numerous cafes, restaurants, and eateries within walking distance of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. You'll find options ranging from casual coffee shops to more formal dining, catering to various tastes and budgets, particularly along Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue.
Absolutely. While the surrounding park may be less green, the monument's historical significance and architectural beauty remain striking even in winter. It offers a peaceful, reflective experience, often with fewer crowds. Just be sure to dress warmly, as it's an outdoor location, and paths may be icy after snow.
The monument is nestled within Riverside Park, which offers a network of easy, paved walking trails. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Hudson River Greenway, which runs north and south from the monument, providing scenic views of the river and New Jersey Palisades. These paths are flat and well-maintained, perfect for a relaxing walk or a short run.
The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument primarily commemorates Union Army soldiers and sailors who served in the American Civil War. While the monument itself is a general tribute to these individuals, its design is an enlarged version of the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, focusing on architectural symbolism rather than specific historical figures.
Yes, the Upper West Side of Manhattan offers a variety of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to larger chains, within a reasonable distance of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. Staying in this area provides easy access to Riverside Park, Central Park, and other cultural attractions, along with numerous dining and shopping opportunities.
The monument itself is a prominent landmark within Riverside Park, offering various angles for appreciation from the surrounding paths. For scenic views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades, the elevated promenades within Riverside Park, particularly those near the monument, provide excellent vantage points. The monument also serves as a beautiful focal point within the park's landscape.