Data may be outdated — last refreshed April 5, 2026. Visit individual museum websites to confirm hours and exhibition details.

Wall Text

Gateway NRA — Fort Tilden

Rockaway· Queens1–3 hourshistorynps

Fort Tilden is a former U.S. Army coastal defense installation on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, established in 1917 and used through the Cold War era, now preserved as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area with a beach, dunes, remnant military structures, and arts programming by local organizations. The fort's oceanside location offers spectacular views of the Atlantic and the New York Bight.

Permanent Collection

The site preserves remnant Battery Harris gun emplacements, NIKE missile facilities, and other Cold War-era military infrastructure amid a coastal ecosystem of dunes, beach, and maritime forest. The arts space Rockaway Artists Alliance operates studios and exhibitions in the former military buildings.

Collection Highlights

Battery Harris gun emplacement (WWII-era coastal defense)NIKE missile launch facility remnantsRockaway Beach and Atlantic Ocean shorelineArtists studios and exhibitions in former military buildings
Explore the Collection

Hours & Admission

Hours

Monday6am – 9pm
Tuesday6am – 9pm
Wednesday6am – 9pm
ThursdayToday6am – 9pm
Friday6am – 9pm
Saturday6am – 9pm
Sunday6am – 9pm

Grounds open daily dawn to dusk. No visitor center on site.

Admission

Free Admission

Free admission. Part of Gateway National Recreation Area.

Access & Getting There

Accessibility

  • ♿ Wheelchair accessible

Amenities

🅿Parking

Getting There

Q35 bus from Flatbush Ave; seasonal ferry from lower Manhattan

Plan Your Visit

Fort Tilden, Rockaway, NY 11695

Get DirectionsMuseum Website

Call: +1-718-318-4300

Something wrong? Report a problem