New York City’s hidden history stretches far beneath our feet—from speakeasies turned storage rooms to subway stations left to decay.
But one of the city’s most intriguing secrets lies below one of its most iconic hotels.
Beneath the luxurious Waldorf Astoria, tucked away from the public eye, there’s a secret train platform that once played a mysterious role in presidential history!
The story of NYC’s hidden Track 61 👀
If you’ve ever strolled past the Waldorf Astoria on Park Avenue, you likely had no idea there’s an abandoned train platform hidden below.
Known as Track 61, this little-known relic is part of Grand Central Terminal’s underground network—and it’s long been the subject of urban legends and spy movie fantasies.
But the truth might be even cooler than the myths.
Originally built as part of a power station siding, the track was later adapted to connect directly to the Waldorf Astoria’s basement—turning the hotel into a secretive gateway for elite guests arriving by private rail.
Yes, FDR really used it 🛤️
The most famous use of Track 61? President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
In an effort to conceal the extent of his polio from the public, FDR reportedly used the platform to discreetly enter the Waldorf via a specially designed elevator that could carry both him and his armored car from train to hotel.
While some details remain debated, historians agree that the setup allowed the president to bypass public scrutiny—and that he did indeed use the platform at least once during his presidency in the 1940s.
What’s down there now?
Today, the platform is no longer in service and isn’t open to the public (sorry New Yorkers 😔).
But its lore lives on, fueled by reports of secret parties hosted by Andy Warhol in the ’60s and whispers of celebrity guests slipping in unseen.
And while you can’t exactly hop down there yourself, knowing it’s beneath your feet next time you pass Grand Central or the Waldorf makes the city feel that much more magical.
Because in NYC, the coolest secrets aren’t always locked behind doors—they’re buried deep below the street.