🏆 Official Guide: Marsha P. Johnson State Park — A waterfront park on the East River in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York — the first state park in the United States named for an LGBTQ+ person. Stunning Manhattan skyline views and a powerful civil rights legacy.
Marsha P. Johnson State Park is a 7-acre waterfront park on the East River in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. Originally opened as East River State Park in 2007, it was renamed in 2020 to honor Marsha P. Johnson (1945–1992), a Black transgender woman who was a pivotal figure in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and a lifelong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and people living with HIV/AIDS.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York |
| Size | 7 acres |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk, year-round |
| Transit | L train to Bedford Ave; G train to Nassau Ave; NYC Ferry East River route |
| Managed By | New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation |
Who Was Marsha P. Johnson?
Marsha P. Johnson (August 24, 1945 – July 6, 1992) was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and became one of the most prominent figures in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. She was a key participant in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising — the rebellion against police raids on the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village that catalyzed the modern gay rights movement.
Legacy
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1945 | Born Malcolm Michaels Jr. in Elizabeth, NJ |
| 1966 | Moved to Greenwich Village, New York City |
| 1969 | Participated in the Stonewall Uprising |
| 1970 | Co-founded STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) with Sylvia Rivera |
| 1980s–90s | HIV/AIDS activism with ACT UP |
| 1992 | Died on July 6; found in the Hudson River |
| 2020 | East River State Park renamed in her honor on her 75th birthday |
Park History
From Rail Yard to People’s Waterfront
The park site was originally Lenape land before being developed as the Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal — a rail yard and shipping terminal that opened in 1870 as Palmer’s Dock. After the rail yard was abandoned in the 1980s, local residents claimed the waterfront as an informal community space, calling it “The People’s Waterfront.” Community activists fought for decades to protect the site from commercial development.
New York State acquired the land in 1996 and opened it as East River State Park on May 26, 2007. On February 1, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the renaming. The park was formally rededicated on August 24, 2020 — what would have been Johnson’s 75th birthday.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Manhattan Skyline Views | Panoramic views of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Midtown skyline |
| Williamsburg Bridge | The bridge frames the southern edge of the park |
| Ornamental Gateway | Designed to reflect Johnson’s love of nature and flowers |
| Park House | Recently renovated community facility |
| Waterfront Promenade | Paved path along the East River |
| Green Lawns | Open space for picnics, sunbathing, and relaxation |
Getting There
The park is exceptionally accessible by public transit — no car needed.
- L train: Bedford Avenue station (walk north to Kent Avenue and N. 8th Street)
- G train: Nassau Avenue station (walk west)
- NYC Ferry: East River route stops at North Williamsburg/N. 6th Street
- Citi Bike: Multiple docking stations within one block
Insider Tips
Sunset spot: The park faces west across the East River — the Manhattan skyline at sunset is spectacular. Pro tip: Visit on a clear evening for the best photos. History: Walk south along Kent Avenue to see the remaining industrial architecture of Williamsburg’s waterfront, then cross the Williamsburg Bridge on foot for a full Brooklyn-to-Manhattan experience.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Warm evenings, waterfront breezes. Fall: Clear skies for skyline photography. Spring: Flowers bloom in the gateway garden. Winter: Quieter — dramatic winter light on the skyline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marsha P. Johnson State Park in New Jersey or New York?
The park is in New York — specifically in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, on the East River waterfront. Marsha P. Johnson was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, but the park that bears her name is a New York State Park. It was formerly known as East River State Park before being renamed in 2020.
Why was the park renamed for Marsha P. Johnson?
The park was renamed in 2020 to honor Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender woman who was a key figure in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising — the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. She co-founded STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) and was a tireless advocate for homeless LGBTQ+ youth. It is the first state park in U.S. history named for an LGBTQ+ person.
Can I see the Manhattan skyline from the park?
Yes. The park faces west across the East River with unobstructed panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and One World Trade Center. The Williamsburg Bridge frames the southern edge. Sunset is the best time for skyline viewing and photography.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Hudson River Park is a short drive away, and Gantry Plaza State Park is a short drive away.
Park Location
Top Tours & Activities Near New York City
from $53
from $1,700
from $48