General Grant National Memorial

General Grant National Memorial
Image credit: picture by BriYYZ licenced under Attribution-ShareAlike License.

General Grant National Memorial, also known as Grant's Tomb, is a prominent historical site located in New York City. Situated within Riverside Park on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the memorial commemorates the life and achievements of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and the Union Army General who led the military effort to defeat the Confederacy during the American Civil War.

This stunning neoclassical memorial designed by architect John H. Duncan was dedicated in 1897 and is the largest mausoleum in North America. It houses the final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant. Grant's Tomb is managed by the National Park Service and is open to the public for visitation, allowing visitors to pay their respects and learn about the life and legacy of this renowned American figure.

While visiting Grant's Tomb, visitors have the opportunity to explore the interior of the memorial, which features a grand rotunda that showcases various artifacts related to Ulysses S. Grant. Additionally, there is a small museum housed in the memorial that exhibits historical documents, photographs, and personal belongings of Grant and his family.

Moreover, the location of the memorial offers visitors picturesque views of the Hudson River and the surrounding Riverside Park. Riverside Park itself is a beautiful green space with scenic pathways, playgrounds, sports fields, and gardens, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities.

In close proximity to General Grant National Memorial, visitors can find other noteworthy attractions. The nearby Riverside Church, a prominent interdenominational Protestant church, boasts impressive Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. The church also houses a carillon with 74 bells, making it the largest of its kind in the world.

Furthermore, Columbia University, one of America's Ivy League universities, is located nearby. The campus features a blend of historic and modern buildings, as well as several museums and libraries worth exploring. Morningside Heights, the neighborhood surrounding Columbia University, is known for its vibrant atmosphere and a variety of dining options, ranging from cozy cafes to international cuisine.

Overall, General Grant National Memorial provides a significant historical and cultural experience to visitors. Its stunning architecture, historical exhibits, and the surrounding attractions make it a must-visit destination for both history enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of New York City.

Location

General Grant National Memorial is located within the bustling city of New York, in the state of New York. Situated in Manhattan, specifically on Riverside Drive at West 122nd Street, this magnificent memorial occupies a prominent location overlooking the Hudson River. Nestled amongst the architectural marvels and towering skyscrapers, the memorial stands as a striking testament to the legacy of Ulysses S. Grant. Surrounded by the energetic atmosphere of the city that never sleeps, the General Grant National Memorial welcomes visitors from all over the world, offering them a glimpse into the rich history and picturesque views that make this location truly unique.

Address & Contact

Riverside Drive and W. 122nd Street
New York, NY 10027
Driving Directions
Phone: (646) 670-7251
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit General Grant National Memorial would be in the months of May and June. These months have pleasant weather with average maximum temperatures of 72°F and 79°F respectively. The average minimum temperatures are 56°F and 65°F. The average monthly precipitation during this time is around 4.7 inches. These months provide suitable conditions for outdoor activities at the memorial.

Things to do and learn in General Grant National Memorial

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in General Grant National Memorial are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Topics

Learn about these topics at General Grant National Memorial: Presidents Architecture and Building Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War Mexican War Reconstruction

Amenities

Visitor Centers

General Grant National Memorial Visitor Center and Overlook Pavilion

Located west from the main mausoleum, across the southbound lanes of Riverside Drive, the Visitor Center provides a bookstore, gift shop, information desk, public restrooms, exhibits and a park film, and a viewing pavilion of the surrounding Riverside Park and Hudson River. The structure was originally a comfort station built in 1901 and was renovated to become the Visitor Center in 2011.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: General Grant National Memorial Visitor Center and Overlook Pavilion.

Campsites within or near General Grant National Memorial

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near General Grant National Memorial

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Morningside Inn

With a stay at Morningside Inn in New York (Upper West Side), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Columbia University and Central Park. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and an elevator.
Address: 235 W 107th St., New York, New York 10025
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Beautiful 1 Bedroom Apartment

With a stay at this apartment in New York (Upper West Side), you'll be a 4-minute walk from Central Park and 9 minutes by foot from Columbia University.
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Hamilton Heights Lovely Apartments

A stay at Hamilton Heights Lovely Apartments places you in the heart of New York, within a 5-minute drive of New York Presbyterian Hospital and Yankee Stadium.
Address: 516 West 136th Street, New York, New York 10031
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Northern Lights Mansion

With a stay at Northern Lights Mansion in New York (Harlem), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Apollo Theater and Columbia University. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and multilingual staff. Planning an event in New York? This bed & breakfast has facilities measuring 1000 square feet (93 square meters), including conference space.
Address: 210 West 122nd Street, New York, New York 10027
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Shipley Place III by Onefinestay

Located in New York (Harlem), this apartment is within a 15-minute walk of Central Park and Columbia University. Guests will find features like wireless Internet access.
Address: West 120th Street, New York, New York 10027
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With a stay at this apartment in New York (Harlem), you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Central Park and Columbia University.
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Plum Guide - Stand by Me

With a stay at this apartment in New York (Harlem), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Yankee Stadium and New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Address: 327 St Nicholas Ave New York Unit 5K, New York, New York 10027
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Plum Guide - Under The Bunting

Located in New York (Harlem), this apartment is within a 5-minute drive of Yankee Stadium and Randall's Island Park.
Address: 276 West 132 Street, New York, New York 10027
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Plum Guide - Hideaway Terrace

Located in New York (Harlem), this apartment is within a 15-minute walk of Central Park and Columbia University.
Address: 113 West 119th Street' Terrace (Top Floo, r), New York, New York 10026
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Plum Guide - Starburst

With a stay at this apartment in New York (Harlem), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Columbia University and Central Park.
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News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2024-04-19NPS Director kicks off National Park Week with a visit to national parks in Manhattan
National parks in New York City were in the spotlight as the National Park Service kicks-off National Park Week, which runs April 20 through 28. National Park Service Director Chuck Sams began a weeklong coast-to-coast tour with visits to Hamiliton Grange and General Grant national memorials, two of the dozen national parks in the immediate New York City area. The national parks in New York City provided opportunities to reflect on the origins of the United States and the tremendous contributions of people, whether well-known or unknown, to the American story. More
2023-12-28Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
Access to the lower crypt area of the Mausoleum is subject to closure during wet and or low light conditions in the late afternoon. The main floor and the two reliquary rooms remain open during these conditions.