Exploring Morningside Heights: Tallest Church in U.S. to Presidential Tomb

While the Manhattan neighborhood of Morningside Heights might be small in size, its architectural, academic, and religious contributions to the country and world are oversized. How did this compact neighborhood sandwiched between the Upper West Side and Harlem come to be, and how did it become home to a number of world-class institutions? It's time to hit the streets and explore one of New York City's most fascinating neighborhoods like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the neighborhood of Morningside Heights, which has become of one New York's most important thanks to being home to iconic houses of worship, a top university, and the final resting place of one of the country's greatest heroes.

Led by licensed New York City tour guide Leigh Hallingby, our on-the-ground tour of this incredible neighborhood will include:

• A brief overview of the neighborhood's early days, from how it got its unlikely name to what the area was once known for
• A trip to the campuses of several institutions of higher learning such as Columbia University, which have given Morningside Heights the nickname of "Manhattan's academic acropolis"
• A walk past important religious institutions including the Cathedral of St. John the Divine — the world's largest cathedral and 6th largest church — and Riverside Church, the tallest church in the United States
• A look at important Revolutionary War and the Civil War monuments scattered throughout the neighborhood
• A visit to the General Grant National Memorial — the final resting place of Civil War General and U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia Grant, and the largest mausoleum in North America

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!

**Our experience will conclude at General Grant National Memorial at W. 122nd Street and Riverside Drive

About Leigh

Leigh is a licensed NYC tour guide who specializes in Harlem, Morningside Heights, and the Upper West Side. She is passionate about exploring all five boroughs and beyond on foot, mostly through organized walking tours. Leigh is retired from a 36-year career as a non-profit librarian in New York City. She loves doing research about the neighborhoods in which she gives tours and sharing the information about them with attendees. Leigh is a feminist, collector, genealogist, and lover of arts, culture, and travel. She lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Testimonials

"The guide was professionsl, knowledgeable and very pleasant!" -Margaret

"Small size. Informative. Well planned...Guide did a good job..." -Jeanie

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

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Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours