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Best Places To Visit On Staten Island

Staten Island sadly has the reputation as "the forgotten borough," but it should be anything but. Founded in 1661, Staten Island played a prominent role in the Revolutionary War, and since then it has continued to be an area rich in American history. Interested in exploring this diverse and historically rich borough? Check out these area landmarks.

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Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden

Where: 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301

Guide: NYC's Best Botanical Gardens

In 1801, a dying philanthropic sailor and participant during the Revolutionary War donated money to support the creation of an establishment for aged seamen. Today, the area transformed into a thriving cultural center filled with over 20 buildings, ranging in architectural styles that were popular during the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors of Snug Harbor can take a stroll through the magnificent Chinese Scholar's Garden, visit the Staten Island Children's Museum or simply admire its historical Music Hall.

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Staten Island Children's Museum

Where: 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301

Staten Island Children's Museum is located in the historical district, Sung Harbor. Although it isn't a recognized landmark, Snug Harbor's very own children's museum has entertained NYC kids since the late 1970's. For eight dollars, your kids can throw on a play, build their very own log cabin, be a firefighter for a day and more.

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Staten Island Zoo

Where: 614 Broadway, Staten Island, NY 10310

Guide: NYC's Zoos And Aquariums

From the Bronx Zoo to the Central Park Zoo, it's clear that New York City isn't lacking in the animal department. Referred to as Barret Park until the 1960s, the Staten Island Zoo has a long and interesting history. Since 1936, the family-friendly zoo has strived to educate college students, educators and the public about wildlife. Zoo goers can snag a pair of tickets for $10.

Staten Island Ferry
photo credit: nycgo.com

Staten Island Ferry

Where: The St. George Terminal 1 Bay Street, Staten Island. The Whitehall Terminal is located at 4 South Street, Manhattan.

Staten Island Ferry is one of the last remaining boats of the city's ferry system. Today, the ferry provides 22 million people per year with service from St. George on Staten Island to Whitehall Street in lower Manhattan. Besides commuters, many tourists and locals hop on the ferry to see picturesque views of lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. And that's not even the best part, this is: the ride both ways is free.

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Richmond County Bank Ballpark

Where: 75 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301

Catch a ball game and a glimpse of a spectacular view of Manhattan at Staten Island's Richmond County Bank Ballpark. This ballpark is home to the New York Yankees affiliate, the Staten Island Yankees. Since 1999, the minor league team, referred to as the Baby Bombers by fans, has been playing on the magnificent field. While it may not be Yankee Stadium, Staten Island's very own ballpark still offers baseball lovers across the city a game and view to remember.

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The Christopher House

Where: 441 Clarke Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306

More: NYC's Best Historical Sites

This 18th century farmhouse turned museum, has captivated the attention of curious city dwellers. Equipped with furniture and commonly used items during the colonial period, this museum succeeds in providing its visitors with a "revolutionary" experience.

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Voorlezer's House

Where: 441 Clarke Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306

Like the Christopher House, Voorlezer's House is one of four historic sites located in Historic Richmond Town. Originally home to a Dutch family and used for religious purposes, this historical structure is now open to the general public, offering curious visitors an insight into life during the 17th century.

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Boehm House

Where: 441 Clarke Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306

More: Best Historic Walking Tours In NYC

The Boehm House is another historical structure in Richmond Town. In 1953, the home was purchased by the city, renovated, declared a landmark and moved to its present location. Today, visitors curious about American life during the 18th and 19th centuries can tour the exhibition "Discovering the Boehm House."

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Garibaldi-Meucci Museum

Where: 420 Tompkins Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305

This Staten Island cottage was once home to both the Italian inventor, Antonio Meucci, and the beloved Italian political figure and proclaimed hero, Giuseppe Garibaldi, during the 19th century. Maintained and restored by the Sons of Italy, this unique landmark is now a museum. For $10, you can explore the rich and complex history of these prominent Italian figures.

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Bayonne Bridge

Where: Staten Island Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10301

This many not be the Brooklyn Bridge, but Staten Island's Bayonne Bridge has a rich and complex history. For forty-five years, after it opened in 1931, this Staten Island landmark was recognized as the longest arch bridge in the country. The bridge also inspired Australia's Sydney Harbour Bridge. And starting in 2017, pedestrians and bikers can admire the bridge in its full glory after the newly-constructed walkway opens to the public.

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Alice Austen House

Where: 2 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305

Home to an ambitious and privileged Victorian woman far beyond her time, the Alice Austen House continues to keep the memory of the celebrated photographer alive. Referred to as "Clear Comfort" during Austen's lifetime, the home now functions as a museum comprised of exhibitions that showcase Austen's prized photographs. For a small donation, see the world through the lens of one of Staten Island's most talented female photographers.

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Conference House

Where: 7455 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10307

Are you ready to travel back in time to 1776? All it takes is one visit to Staten Island's first ever house museum to be transported to the historic Revolutionary War. From Friday to Sunday visitors have the opportunity to walk the same halls as some of our Founding Fathers.

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Seguine Mansion

Where: 441 Seguine Ave, Staten Island, NY 10309

The Seguine Mansion, a Greek Revival home admired for its captivating interior, was purchased by the wealthy Seguine family during the 18th century. The historical mansion is located on Lemon Creek, an area home to 100-year-old trees, majestic peacocks, and other captivating wildlife. Unfortunately, the home isn't available to the public all-year-round. But, if you're in the holiday spirit you'll have the opportunity to see this magnificent mansion all dressed up for Christmas.

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Staten Island Borough Hall

Where: 10 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301

Like New York City Hall, Staten Island's very own municipal building is recognized as a NYC landmark. Constructed in 1906 in the French Renaissance style, this historic building is home to a number of civic offices, including the President's Office. Instead of flipping through a textbook, opt to get your daily dose of Staten Island history with a tour of the beautiful works of art painted across the walls of the hall.

Staten Island Light

Where: 200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point, Staten Island, NY 10301

The light of this 90-foot lighthouse first glimmered in 1912, and since then it has shined brightly across the waters of the Ambrose Channel. Guiding ships to safer waters since the early 20th century, the Staten Island Light wasn't recognized as an historical landmark until 1968. Interested in learning more about Staten Island's very own lighthouse? Take a trip to the National Lighthouse Museum to learn more about the Staten Island Light and other prominent lighthouses in American history.

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