“I had a wonderful experience on the Powering NYC: Inwood’s Hidden Power & Transit Infrastructure tour with Cullen Brown. Cullen is a master tour guide, and he opened my eyes to the hidden infrastructure that powers and moves NYC. Highly recommend this (and the other “Infratours”) to anyone and everyone curious about how daily life in NYC is made possible… and who want to see parts of the city most folks rarely see!” – F7312NYfelixs, TripAdvisor
At Manhattan’s northernmost tip, the vital infrastructure of Inwood keeps the city moving and connected to the rest of the world, often unnoticed. Led by an expert energy professional, this tour will reveal what’s behind the scenes of daily life in NYC.
Discover how Inwood helps power NYC when you view equipment at a Con Edison substation and visit the former site of a humongous coal plant considered cutting edge at the time. See how our massive transit networks are kept running smoothly by the 207th St Repair Yard, one of only two places where heavy repairs are made to subway cars, and the Kingsbridge Bus Depot, where a plethora of Bronx and Upper Manhattan buses are stored and fixed up.
Finally, learn about important crossings, from the University Heights (207th St) Bridge which was floated down the river, to the subway-carrying-Broadway Bridge, which brings the 1 train to the Bronx. We will cross the bridge into the Bronx…and then back into Manhattan?…as we unravel the bizarre story of Marble Hill, pass over the Harlem River Ship Canal, and take in gorgeous views of the water from the Marble Hill Metro North stop.
Ear pieces are provided to each guest, ensuring everyone hears the guide perfectly, even from a distance!
Cullen Brown is a licensed New York City guide who translates his passion for energy, engineering, and the environment into tours that bring you face-to-face with the infrastructure that makes our lives in NYC possible. His tours (including Powering NYC: East River Ferry Tour and Hidden Steam Systems of the East Side Tour) focus on electricity, water, steam, transit, and the people who built and maintain those very systems, and he is thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with Untapped New York. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Cullen was inspired by the natural and industrial history of Niagara Falls, as well as his historic preservationist parents, to learn and share knowledge about our natural and built environment.
100% refund up to 24 hours prior to the start of your tour.
When canceled less than 24 hours before the start of your tour, we will do our best to reschedule you or issue you a credit to use on any of our upcoming tours. This credit won’t expire until you use it!
The group meets on the sidewalk at the exit of the Dyckman St. 1 Train station (There is only one exit.)
By Subway: 1 to Dyckman Street
How long is the tour?
This tour is 2.5 hours long.
Where does this tour end?
This tour ends at the Marble Hill Metro North Station. Google Map pin.
How strenuous is this tour?
We will be walking over 2 miles. Our route will take us over potentially uneven sidewalks and over bridges. Please reach out to us if you have any questions about your ability to participate in this tour.
Is this tour ADA accessible?
This takes place on public sidewalks which are technically ADA accessible but may be difficult to navigate. Please reach out to us at [email protected] to best prepare for your experience.
Is this tour mostly indoors or outdoors?
This tour is all outdoors.
