At the southern tip of Roosevelt Island on the East River, this stark concrete monument was built to architect Louis Kahn's plan long after his death. The park honors America's 32nd president and his 1941 State of the Union speech, in which he spoke of the freedoms of speech and worship and the freedoms from want and fear. There are great views of Midtown (though partly blocked by concrete walls) and lush cherry trees in spring.
Near the entrance to the park, the Gothic ruins of a 19th-century smallpox hospital only serve to accentuate the contemporary architecture beyond.
Although the F subway line will get you to Roosevelt Island, it's much more fun catching the aerial tram, which glides above the East River. The monument is a 15-minute walk south of both the tram and subway stations. The Astoria line ferry also stops on the east side of the island.
