Skip to content The heroic sled dog New York loves — a life-sized bronze near East 67th Street, patted and climbed by families for a hundred years, and one of the park’s most touching stops.
Visit by Pedicab — from $30Of all the statues in the park, few are patted, hugged and climbed on as often as the Balto statue, Central Park’s tribute to one of the great animal heroes of the twentieth century. Standing proudly near the East 67th Street path, it is one of the most beloved family stops in the whole park.
It is free to visit, open year-round and cared for by the Central Park Conservancy — a happy, easy stop on any family route through the park’s southeast corner.
In the winter of 1925 a diphtheria outbreak threatened Nome, Alaska. Teams of mushers and dogs relayed the antitoxin 674 miles through blizzards — and Balto led the final team into town as the whole nation followed.
New York was so moved that sculptor Frederick Roth’s bronze was unveiled in December 1925 — with Balto himself at the ceremony. The inscription praises the “endurance, fidelity and intelligence” of the sled dogs.
One of the few statues visitors are welcomed to pet and climb — the dog’s back and head gleam bright gold, polished smooth by a century of loving hands. Children adore clambering up for a photo.
Balto’s story reached a new generation through the animated film that carries his name, so many young visitors arrive already knowing exactly who this brave bronze dog is.
The Balto statue stands on the east side of the park near 67th Street, close to the zoo. A pedicab brings you right to it without a long walk — an easy, happy stop on a family route.
Your local guide handles the route and shares Balto’s story along the way, with unlimited photo stops so the kids can climb up beside the brave bronze dog.
See the Family TourSea lions, penguins and the enchanting Delacorte Clock — just steps away from Balto.
The classic skyline view over The Pond, a short roll to the south.
The grand elm promenade to the north — cathedral-like and magical in autumn.
The Balto statue, Central Park sits in the park’s southeast corner near the East 67th Street path, only a short distance from the Central Park Zoo. It is one of the easiest landmarks to reach, but it is also hugely popular with families — so an early weekday morning gives you the calmest visit and the softest light for photos, before the school groups and zoo crowds arrive.
Children are welcome to climb right up onto the bronze, which is exactly why Balto’s back and head shine golden after a century of small hands. Sensible shoes help, and it is worth telling little ones the real story first — that Balto led the sled team carrying life-saving medicine to Nome — so the moment means a little more when they reach up to pat him.
Because the Balto statue, Central Park is tucked on the busy east side, it pairs perfectly with a short pedicab loop taking in the Zoo, Gapstow Bridge and the Mall — all close by and far more comfortable than walking between them. Come at golden hour for warm light through the trees, or just after snow, when the brave bronze dog looks straight out of his own winter story.
A pedicab brings you right to the Balto statue and on to the zoo and nearby landmarks — with a local guide, unlimited photo stops, and the price agreed upfront.
View Full PricingOn the east side near 67th Street, close to the Central Park Zoo.
Yes — it is one of the few statues in the park made to be touched and climbed, which is why it is so shiny and gold.
A sled dog who helped deliver life-saving medicine to Nome, Alaska, during the 1925 “Great Race of Mercy.”
A private pedicab tour brings you right to the statue and on to the zoo and nearby landmarks. Rides start at $30.
Worn gold by generations of admirers, the Balto statue, Central Park is one of the park’s most touching stops — and an easy favourite on a family pedicab tour, from $30.
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