NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

The castle crowns the highest point in Central Park, Vista Rock, permitting fine views in all directions. Designed by Calvert Vaux in 1867, it is a masterfully scaled-down version of a storybook fortress. Kids love it for its hilltop setting and medieval style; so do adults after they realize how the diminished scale makes it appear far larger and more distant from other parts of the park. The amusing interplay of architectural styles includes Norman, Gothic and even Moorish elements. At the Nature Observatory located adjacent to the castle, visitors can learn how to identify the flora and fauna of the park. There's also an aquarium populated by species inhabiting Turtle Pond, which lies at the foot of the castle. The castle has been a meteorological data-gathering site since 1919. Today, this aspect of its operation is overseen by the U.S. Weather Service.

• Landmark Status: National Register of Historic Places, New York City Landmark

• Disability Access: None