Built in 1902, Macy’s Herald Square was the first building in the world to have a modern day escalator. Today, most of them have been replaced, but you can see still see Macy’s Wooden Escalator in use today.

Now the question is, where the heck are they? As America’s largest Department Store, Macy’s covers an entire city block with ten and a half levels. Yes, there is half a level. I wonder if it’s like the secret Platform 9¾ from Harry Potter? Anyway, most of the historic wooden escalators have been replaced in recent years by standard metal escalators. Apparently a series of accidents (someone lost a finger) resulted in the old wooden stairs or treads being removed but leaving the wooden sides intact.

So hearing that one actually still existed, I rode the escalators looking for it. And between 10 and half levels, I found the original wooden escalator going from Floors 8 to 9 in the middle of the building. The best time to go the escalator is during the week as this place jets rammed on the weekend and you’ll have Macy’s employees situated on almost all levels telling you to watch where you’re going and to take care. I guess they don’t want anymore missing fingers.

Macy’s 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001