Madison Square Park is a small public park in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, at 11 Madison Ave, near the Flatiron Building. Its lawns, flower beds, mature trees and public art make it an easy place to pause between city walks. Look for views of the Flatiron and Empire State buildings, or visit the playground and dog run. The park is also home to the original Shake Shack, where you can pick up a burger, hot dog or frozen custard.
A public park since 1847
Named for James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, the park became an official public space in 1847. It sits in the Flatiron District, where busy commercial streets and notable buildings meet a patch of lawns, trees and gardens.
The park’s scale makes it suited to a pause during a day on foot, rather than a long outing. People use its benches and grassy areas to eat lunch, rest or watch neighborhood life. Flowers and mature trees add color and shade, and a reflecting pool with water lilies gives the grounds another place to linger.
Art, play and city views
Public art is a regular part of the park. Temporary installations change over time, alongside permanent works, so the displays can give a repeat visit a different focus. The Flatiron Building is especially visible from the southwest corner; the Empire State Building can also be seen from within the park.
Families can stop at the Police Officer Moira Ann Smith Playground, which has play equipment for younger and older children. In summer, its waterwheel and sprinklers are activated. The dog run, known as Jemmy’s Dog Run, is south of the West 25th Street entrance and has separate areas for large and small dogs.
A stop for a burger
The original Shake Shack is inside the park. It began as a food cart in 2001 and became a permanent location in 2004. The menu includes burgers, hot dogs and frozen custard, with outdoor seating nearby. Lines can form, so plan for a wait if you are visiting when the stand is busy.
The park’s position also makes it convenient to continue on to the surrounding Flatiron streets, where cafes, restaurants and shops are close by. Eataly is a few steps away, across from the Flatiron Building.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is Madison Square Park?
It is at 11 Madison Ave in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, near the Flatiron Building.
What can you see at Madison Square Park?
The park has gardens, public art, a reflecting pool with water lilies and views of the Flatiron and Empire State buildings.
Is there a playground at Madison Square Park?
Yes. The Police Officer Moira Ann Smith Playground has equipment for different ages, and its waterwheel and sprinklers are activated in summer.
Is Shake Shack inside Madison Square Park?
Yes. The park is home to the original Shake Shack, which serves burgers, hot dogs and frozen custard.
