Satellite view of Fort Tilden (click to enlarge)
ACTIVITIES AT FORT TILDEN
VISITING FORT TILDEN
Fort Tilden, which is located next to Jacob Riis Park in Queens, is the only military attraction within the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. It was used by various military units from 1917 until 1974, with the first being the U. S. Army Coast Artillery Corps that operated at the fort until after World War II. When the war ended, there were over one hundred buildings on the fort grounds, and these were converted into housing for veterans and their families. However, when the Korean War began, everyone had to move out when the Army reactivated the fort. By this time the artillery guns were deemed obsolete, and Fort Tilden became a Nike Ajax missile site, then a Nike Hercules missile site until closing in 1974.
What remains at the fort today are a few artillery batteries in the natural area overlooking the coast and a collection of less than two dozen former offices and houses located at the former Fort Tilden Post area, all of which are available for lease. When I visited, one was being used by a community theater group, a few were private residences, and another was a small chapel. There is also a community garden and sports fields at the post. None of the buildings are open to tourists, so unless you are visiting one of these businesses, there’s not much to do in the post area. Those interested in military history will want to see the artillery batteries, which require a short hike or bike ride to reach. The buildings in the post area are all accessible by vehicle.
Street through the developed area of Fort Tilden in the Jamaica Bay unit of Gateway National Recreation Area
Former military building at Fort Tilden in the Jamaica Bay unit of Gateway National Recreation Area is now a private residence
A permit is required to use the sports fields. If interested, call the Jamaica Bay Permit Office at (718) 758 3675.
Baseball field at Fort Tilden in the Jamaica Bay unit of Gateway National Recreation Area
Nearly all parking lots within Fort Tilden require a permit to use from March 15th through September 15th. No beach parking is allowed at any time. Certain parking lots require a particular parking permit. There are permits for the picnic areas, the garden, for fishing, and for accessing private buildings. Contact the Ryan Visitor Center at Floyd Bennett Field at (718) 338-3799 for information about obtaining the right permit for your parking needs.
Parking at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Fort Tilden requires a parking permit
If you do not have a permit, you must park at Jacob Riis Park and walk or bike (there is a parking fee from Memorial Day to Labor Day). It is a half-mile walk along a concrete path that flanks the Atlantic Ocean, though to explore the fort grounds you will end up walking many more miles. If you have a bike, it’s a great way to get around. You can bike through the housing area as well as to the artillery batteries. I rode my bike from Jacob Riis, and once at the fort I biked another five miles.
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Last updated on January 2, 2025
