Hudson River Valley, New York State Attractions
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One of North America's loveliest landscapes begins immediately behind the northern city boundary of New York City. On the west side are Bear Mountain State Park, and the famous West Point Military Academy (guided tours). On the east side, near Kingston, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's birthplace and residence can be visited. Further towards Albany is Olana, a Moorish-style palace, built by Frederic Church, a protagonist of the Hudson River School.
Beacon, New York
Francis Rombout bought all the land he could see from the top of Mount Beacon in 1663, he purchased from the natives living there. Fires burning on the summit of Mount Beacon warned George Washington of British movement up the Hudson River during the Revolutionary War. Madame Brett's Homestead was home to seven generations of the family. It was built in 1709 and is said to be the oldest home in Dutchess County.
Neversink Valley Area Museum, Cuddebackville, New York
Located within the D & H Canal Park, this one mile portion of the canal features the remains of the Neversink River Aqueduct, a freight basin, one mile section of water-filled canal, a locktenders' house, canal grocery store, blacksmith's house and carpenter's house. The exhibits, photographs, replicas and artifacts highlight the history of the area and the canal's importance.There is also an exhibit on early film making in the area.
Museum Village, Monroe, New York
The Museum Village in Monroe is a living history museum preserving a vast collection of 19th century artifacts for educational purposes. The artifacts and reproductions are used to provide hands-on experiences and exhibits illustrating the transition from a rural to an industrial culture and economy in America. Exhibits include a blacksmith shop, weaving, farm life, a mastodon skeleton, firehouse, school house, and log cabin.
Klyne Esopus Museum, Ulster Park, New York
In 1791 the petition was approved for the people of Klyne Esopus to build their own church. In 1826, it was decided to build a larger place of worship and the pews from the smaller church were transferred over. There were eighteen pastors at Klyne Esopus Church from 1799 until 1961. Klyne Esopus Museum is housed in this former Dutch church offering a variety of exhibits about the culture, commerce and history of The Town of Esopus.
Hill-Hold Museum and Brick House, Campbell Hall, New York
An 1830's Hudson Valley farm, Hill-Hold includes a stone farmhouse built in 1769 that features wide plank floors, paneling, a large fireplace and original furnishings.The Brick House was built in 1786 and features a Georgian parlor furnished in 18th century style and another room furnished in the style of the Civil War period.
Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, New York
Clermont was the home of seven generations of the socially prominent Livingston family of New York. Since 1728, each family left its imprint on Clermont through the architecture, interior and landscape. The 485 acre historic site appears much as it did in the early twentieth century.Nature trails and restored formal gardens are located throughout the grounds of Clermont State Historic Site.
Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site, Vails Gate, New York
During the Revolutionary War, John Ellison's 1754 Georgian-style house served as the military headquarters for Major General Henry Knox. The Ellison family were noted for milling and trade, remains of their mill are part of this historic site. The Jane Colden Native Plant Sanctuary is also located on the property and may be visited.
Cornwall-on-Hudson - Museum of the Hudson Highlands
The Museum of the Hudson Highlands began in 1959, it tells the natural and cultural history stories of the Hudson Valley. Live native animals, art exhibits, films and lectures are presented along with the opportunity to travel the nature trails over the 75 acre grounds.
Boscobel Restoration, Garrison, New York
Boscobel is an example of Federal architecture that was built in 1804 and has stood the test of time. Originally located in Crugers, New York - the United States government auctioned off the house in 1941. The present location was found, the house reassembled, and Boscobel was opened to the public in May of 1961.
Delaware and Hudson Canal Museum, High Falls, New York
The Delaware and Hudson Canal Museum displays the history of the 108 mile canal through photographs, artifacts, dioramas, a working model of a lock and gravity rail car. Over 4,000 items are housed in the late 19th century Gothic chapel and parish house.
Ossining Historical Society Museum, Ossining, New York
The Ossining Historical Society Museum features exhibits including Indian artifacts, memorabilia from Sing Sing Prison, framed portraits of early residents, as well as maps and atlases that date back to 1785. The Ossining oral history project, 1977-1987 includes taped interviews with 105 Ossining residents.
Annandale-on-Hudson - Montgomery Place
Montgomery Place, built in 1804-05, was designed by Alexander Jackson Davis. The 434 acre estate features furnishings within the manor, perennial and herb gardens, woodland trails, orchards, and hamlet.
Goshen, New York
Historical artifacts are found at the Goshen Public Library, included in the collection are the signatures of Alexander Hamilton and Benedict Arnold. The Historic Goshen Track is one of the oldest racetracks in the United States.
Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame
The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame is housed in the Tudor-style building, that was once William Cane's Good Time Stable built by George Ford in 1913. The museum's collection features 1,500 works of art, 5,000 photographs, trophies and uniforms. The Hall of Fame honors the men, women and horses who were involved in harness racing.
Hudson, New York
Hudson is named for Henry Hudson who landed in 1609. It is known to have a diversity of 19th century architecture.Visitors to Hudson will enjoy numerous activities such as cycling, fishing, golfing, hiking, boating, bird watching and swimming.
American Museum of Firefighting
The American Museum of Firefighting houses fire engines and firefighting equipment dating from 1725 to the present. Fire related paintings, photos, trophies and memorabilia are also on display.
Hudson Opera House
The Hudson Opera House is located in the building that began as the city hall in 1855. By the 1870s the citizens of Hudson began calling it the Hudson Opera House. Theatrical and musical presentations as well as plays were offered.
Olana State Historic Site
Construction of the Victorian Estate began in 1870 and was completed in 1876. It was the home of landscape artist, Frederic Edwin Church. Hiking and cross country skiing are possible on the grounds.
Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah, New York
The Katonah Museum of Art is housed in a building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes. Six major exhibitions are presented annually in its main galleries as well as the Sculpture Garden.
Storm King Art Center, Mountainville, New York
Storm King Art Center has 500 acres of landscaped lawns, fields and woodlands with postwar sculptures by internationally renowned artists. The collection of American and European modern sculpture dates back to the 1960's.
New Paltz, New York
Established by the French Huguenots, New Paltz was settled on land purchased from the Esopus Indians. Some of the stone houses from the original settlement, built 1692-1894, still stand.
Huguenot Historical Society Tours
Huguenot Street is home to a reconstructed 18th century stone church and other historical buildings. Many of the houses contain family furnishings from various periods of ownership. The architectural styles range from Colonial to Victorian.
Locust Lawn Federal Mansion and Stone House
Many of the original furnishings are found in this home that dates from 1814. This Federal-style mansion features marbelized plaster in the center hall. Locust Lawn was the home of Col. Josiah Hasbrouck.
Thomas Paine Museum, New Rochelle, New York
The museum is a tribute to Thomas Paine as the pre-eminent founder of the United States of America. Documents and artifacts are housed in the museum to detail his life.
Newburgh, New York
During the Revolutionary War, Newburgh was the site of George Washington's headquarters. In later years, it based its economy on whaling and then other trading with its ships, there is still evidence today of its seafaring tradition.
Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site
This historic site was General George Washington's headquarters from 1782 to 1783 and the site where Washington ordered the end of the Revolutionary War. The Huasbrouck House, built 1750, is set up as a military headquarter. Nearby is a 6 acre park with the 1887 Tower of Victory monument.
Hudson River Adventures
Pride of the Hudson or Pollepel offer two hour narrated sightseeing cruises that depart from Newburgh Landing from May through October. Some of the sights included on the cruise include Bannerman Castle, Storm King Mt. and West Point.
New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site
This was the site of the last winter encampment of George Washington's Continental Army. Demonstrations by costumed interpreters provide a look at 18th century military life.
Port Jervis, New York
Port Jervis served as a transportation center for hundreds of years. It was a 19th century railroad and river hub. One of its railroad turntables, built in the early 20th century, is still in operation.
Gillinder Glass Factory
Skilled craftspeople use century-old techniques to produce commercial and decorative glass products at Gillinder Glass. Visitors can watch pouring, pressing and cooling of molten glass.
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
The River stretches 73.4 miles (118.3 km) along the New York-Pennsylvania border. Almost all land along the Upper Delaware River is privately owned.The Upper Delaware was an important route for American Indians and early settlers.
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Rhinebeck, New York
Antique airplanes, ground vehicles and aircraft engines from 1900-1940 are on display at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Barnstorming rides in a 1929 open-cockpit biplane are available.
Rosendale - Snyder Estate
The Snyder Estate consists of the the former residence of Andrew J. Snyder, dating back to 1809 and the Cement Industry Museum. The discovery of natural cement established substantial industrial growth until the 1970s.
Cold Spring, New York
Cold Spring offers historic places, a historic and picturesque Main Street, and is located close to West Point Military Academy.
Putnam County Historical Society Museum
The Putnam County Historical Society Museum features the world-renowned painting The Gun Foundry by John Ferguson Weir; the Foundry Room, exhibiting memorabilia of the West Point Foundry; The Parrot Gun of Civil War fame; the School Room of the original Foundry School, built in 1830; a 19th century Country Kitchen, and an Indian Dugout Canoe.
Stonecrop Gardens
Stonecrop consists of 63-acres of gardens, fields, and woodlands include woodland and water gardens, a grass garden, raised alpine stone beds, a cliff rock garden, perennial beds and an enclosed English-style flower garden.
Gomez Mill House, Marlboro, New York
The Gomez Mill House was built as a trading post by a Sephardic Jew in 1714. It is one of the oldest continuously lived in residences in the United States.
Mount Lebanon Shaker Village, New Lebanon, New York
This site was home to the Shakers from 1785-1947. Guided tours offer a glimpse of the lifestyle in this Utopian community. Trails are found throughout the village.
Saugerties, New York
Saugerties has maintained its rural atmosphere with Victorian houses and small shops.
Opus 40 and Quarryman's Museum
Opus 40 is a work of art that was created by one man, Harvey Fite who used his hands and traditional quarryman's tools, to build his masterpiece. The masterpiece took 37 years to complete.The Museum has 19th century folk tools and furniture that were used by quarryman and other tradesman.
Erika House Doll Museum
Erika House Doll Museum is 25 rooms with over 2,000 dolls and doll accessories. The collection spans 40 years and the tour is provided by Erika, the owner and museum creator.
Saugerties Lighthouse
The Saugerties Lighthouse was built in 1869 to guide ships away from nearby shallows and into the Esopus Creek when Saugerties was a major port. The lighthouse is furnished as it would have appeared at the turn of the 20th century.
Kykuit, Sleepy Hollow, New York
Kykuit is the Rockefeller estate that was home to four generations. Tour the formal gardens, view the fine furniture and the collection of automobiles.
Hudson River Museum, Yonkers, New York
Visitors can tour the Hudson River Museum, take in a show at the Planetarium, and view the art work on display.
Kinderhook, New York
Kinderhook is a historical area with many attractions.
Columbia County Museum
The Columbia County Museum is housed in a building that was originally built as a Masonic Temple in 1916. The museum features a regional art gallery, historical artifacts and a genealogical library.
Luykas Van Alen House and Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse
The farmhouse was built in 1737 and has been restored to represent 18th-century rural Dutch farm life. The one-room schoolhouse was built in 1850 and has been restored to its 1920s appearance.
Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
This land was purchased by Martin Van Buren, the 8th President of the United States, during his Presidency. The mansion dates from 1797 and was restored to the Italianate style.
James Vanderpoel House
The 1820 Federal-style mansion has period furniture and decorative arts on display.
West Point, New York
West Point is home the United States Military Academy.
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Bear Mountain State Park
The summit of Bear Mountain is 1,305 feet high with a tower and observation deck provided. Hiking, boating, picnicking, swimming, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating as well as a zoo and trailside museums are available.
Constitution Island
The Warner House and ruins of the Revolutionary War fortifications are the points of interest. The home of the Warner family from 1836 to 1915 features original family possessions.
