There’s no question that this area is rich in history. Hudson Valley historic sites are one of the most visited attractions in the area.
We, here, in the Hudson Valley are lucky to have many State Historic Sites, as well, as National Historic Sites that we can visit and learn all about our nation’s and state’s history.
COVID-19 NOTICE
Although some of these locations are open to the public, please follow these guidelines:
Please be safe.
Practice social distancing, wear a mask, wash hands thoroughly and follow all mandates and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (cdc.gov) and NY State and local Governments.
Some of these Hudson Valley historic sites are exceptional marvels and some are tiny treasures tucked away in neighborhoods. You’ve probably passed a few yourself and weren’t aware that they were there.
- What is the difference between a State Historic Site & a National Historic Site?
- Visiting Hudson Valley Historic Sites
- Where are these Hudson Valley Historic Sites?
- Hudson Valley Historic Sites in Westchester County
- Hudson Valley Historic Site in Rockland County
- Hudson Valley Historic Site in Dutchess County
- Hudson Valley Historic Site in Orange County
- Hudson Valley Historic Site in Ulster County
- Hudson Valley Historic Site in Columbia County
- Hudson Valley Historic Site in Rensselaer County
- Hudson Valley Historic Site in Albany County
What is the difference between a State Historic Site & a National Historic Site?
A Historic Site can also be called a Heritage Site. These locations are given this title and are protected because these areas played an important part in political, military, cultural or social history.
A Hudson Valley historic site may be a State Historic Site or a National Historic Site but is typically not both. Although some state historic sites are also National Historic Landmarks.
National Historic Landmarks are often places determined by the Secretary of the Interior to be nationally significant. Most historic places are national landmarks and can also be cited as State Historic Sites, so there is an overlap.
Visiting Hudson Valley Historic Sites
Things to know before visiting a Hudson Valley Ice Skating Rink:
- Some of these historic sites are open seasonally. It’s a good idea to check their websites/social media accounts before making a visit.
- Advanced reservations are sometimes needed to visit these locations.
- Although grounds are open at some locations, tours may be suspended.
- Confirming information for these Hudson Valley Historic Sites is necessary because information may change quickly
Where are these Hudson Valley Historic Sites?
Before I get into the complete list of Hudson Valley State Historic Sites and National Historic Sites, you’re probably wondering what counties they are in, so you can plan accordingly.
The sites listed here are in:
- Westchester County
- Rockland County
- Dutchess County
- Orange County
- Ulster County
- Columbia County
- Rensselaer County
- Albany County
Hudson Valley Historic Sites in Westchester County
Jay Estate, Rye
Part of the Boston Post Road Historic District, New York State’s Path Through History, and on the Westchester County’s African American Heritage Trail, Jay Estate played an important part in history.
This 23-acre park and historic site is also part of the 10,000+year old Paleo-Indian archaeological site. It is one of the few national landmarks devoted to educating others on the history of the seven Founding Fathers.
Grounds are OPEN from sunrise to sunset
Tours are SUSPENDED
Website: jayheritagecenter.org
John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, Katonah
Located in Katonah, NY, John Jay Homestead is not only only where one of the Founding Fathers lived, but 5 generations there after. The 62-acre property is a great place to explore. Bring a picnic and spend the day there.
Bedford House was added to the African American Heritage Trail of Westchester County along with the Jay Estate.
Grounds are OPEN from sunrise to sunset
Tours are SUSPENDED
Website: johnjayhomestead.org
Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, Yonkers to Cortlandt
This historic park is a great place to take a walk, run or bike ride. The 26-mile stretch starts at Van Cortlandt Park at the Yonkers Border and runs up to the Croton Dam in Cortlandt.
Although there is no designated parking lots along the Park, there are various points of entrance along the 26-mile stretch. This makes it one of the biggest and most interesting of the Hudson Valley Historic Sites.
Grounds are OPEN from sunrise to sunset
Website: parks.ny.gov/parks/oldcrotonaqueduct
My good friend, Jessie, wrote a great article about the Old Croton Aqueduct. Take a look at it HERE
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, Yonkers
Located in Getty Square in Yonkers, NY, Philipse Manor Hall is the oldest standing building in Westchester County. This museum showcases history, art and architecture. It also houses portraits of six presidents from New York State.
Typically open year-round, the museum offers self-guided tours, but closed at this time due to COVID-19.
CLOSED to the public
Website: parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/37
Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site, Mt Vernon
Located in Mount Vernon, Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site is one of New York’s oldest parishes. The history of this building is amazing, as it was used as a military hospital during the American Revolutionary War.
Visitors can visit the church and the cemetery, as well as, carriage grounds with the highlight being a ranger-guided tour of the church tower (when open). These have been suspended due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Building is CLOSED at this time
Website: www.nps.gov/sapa
Hudson Valley Historic Site in Rockland County
Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, Stony Point
Located in Stony Point, NY, This historic site is the significant in history. It is the site of the Battle of Stony Point and one of the last battles in the North East.
The site features a museum, that offers exhibits and is also a cemetery of Revolutionary War Soldiers. The site typically offers reenactments of military life, cooking demonstrations and children’s activities. Unfortunately, programs are suspended due to COVID-19.
Grounds are OPEN Wednesday – Sunday
Museum, Living history camp & Lighthouse are CLOSED
Website: parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/8
Hudson Valley Historic Site in Dutchess County
Clinton House State Historic Site, Poughkeepsie
Located in the city of Poughkeepsie, Clinton House was names for George Clinton, the first governor of New York and fourth vice-president of the United States. It is now used for offices and for the library of the Dutchess County Historical Society.
Typically, visits may be scheduled by appointment only from Tuesday – Fridays between the hours of 10am – 3pm. The building is now closed due to the COVID Pandemic.
Building is CLOSED at this time.
Website: parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/1
Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh
Located in Staatsburgh, NY, this mansion looks like something out of Downton Abbey. Overlooking the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains, Staatsburgh is a place you think you only see in movies.
Boasting 65 rooms and 14 bathrooms, this mansion is gigantic and sits on a sprawling 192 acres. Typically open for tours and special programs, Staatsburgh is a favorite in the Hudson Valley. Tours are unfortunately suspended at this time.
Buildings are CLOSED and tours SUSPENDED
Grounds are OPEN from sunrise to sunset
Website: parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/25
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Hyde Park
To commemorate the life and accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt, Val-Kill was listed as a National Historic Site. Located in Hyde Park, it features 181 acres and is located just two miles away from Springwood, the Franklin D Roosevelt home. Used as a more relaxed setting for entertaining, Val-Kill then became Eleanor Roosevelt’s private residence.
The only National Historic Site dedicated to a First Lady, Val-Kill can be toured virtually until further notice.
Buildings are CLOSED and tours SUSPENDED
Grounds are OPEN from 8am – 6pm
Website: www.nps.gov/elro
Home of FDR National Historic Site, Hyde Park
Located in Hyde Park, Springwood Estate was the birthplace, lifelong home and burial place of Franklin D Roosevelt, our 32nd President of the United States. He visited the home often and was inspired by the scenery.
Typically open for tours, Springwood, the museum and presidential library are currently closed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The expansive grounds are open to the public.
Buildings are CLOSED and tours SUSPENDED
Grounds are OPEN from 8am – 6pm
Website: www.nps.gov/hofr
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Hyde Park
Located in Hyde Park, this is one of several homes owned by Frederick Vanderbilt and his wife Louise Anthony. The 54-room mansion overlooks the Hudson River and features expansive grounds (211 acres) that features beautiful lawns, formal gardens, woodlands and several buildings.
Typically open for several tours of the mansion but the tours are now suspended due to COVID-19. If you want to know what the inside of one of the most popular Hudson Valley Historic sites, then I recommend you read this post and be surprised by what it actually looks like inside.
Buildings are CLOSED and tours SUSPENDED
Grounds are OPEN from 8am – 6pm
Website: www.nps.gov/vama
Hudson Valley Historic Site in Orange County
National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, New Windsor
Located in New Windsor, the Purple Heart Hall of Honor is one of the most unique of the Hudson Valley Historic Sites. The Purple Heart Hall of Honor underwent a complete makeover in 2020. This favorite of the Hudson Valley Historic Sites showcases photos and information about the armed forces and the Purple Heart recipients.
They also have computer stations in the back where you can look up any recipient of the Purple Heart. It’s an experience that you will not soon forget.
OPEN to the Public
Tues – Sat: 10am – 5pm & Sun: 1pm – 5pm
Website: www.thepurpleheart.com
Read my article all about the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, New Windsor
Located in New Windsor, NY, right next to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site. The site is another example of how special the Hudson Valley Historic Sites truly are. Featuring a reconstruction
Visitors Center & Grounds are OPEN
Museum and Grounds open year round – Tues – Sat: 10am – 5pm & Sun 1pm – 5pm
Website: parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/newwindsor
Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery
Located in Fort Montgomery, this is the site of the scene of an epic Revolutionary War battle for control of the Hudson River. This fort was built on the west bank of the Hudson River by the Continental army and is a favorite attraction amongst visitors to the region.
Visitors learn all about the importance of Fort Montgomery in history by visiting the museum.
Museum & Grounds are OPEN Seasonally
Wednesday – Sunday: 9am – 5pm
Website: parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/28
Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Site, New Windsor
Henry Knox used the Ellison family home, in New Windsor, as his headquarters during the Revolutionary War. At the location there are remains of the mill used by the family. Visiting the Knox Headquarters helps you become educated on how 18th century families lived.
Typically only open seasonally, from Wednesday – Sunday. Unfortunately, I was unable to find updated information as to whether or not the tours are presently taking place.
Grounds are OPEN Seasonally (Memorial Day – Labor Day)
Wednesday – Sunday: 9am – 5pm
Unknown whether tours are taking place.
Website: parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/5
Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, Newburgh
Located in Newburgh, NY, the Hasbrouck House overlooks the Hudson River and served as George Washington’s Headquarters while he was in command of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
The site is home to the Hasbrouck House, Museum and the Tower of Victory.
Grounds are OPEN
Wednesday – Saturday: 11am – 5pm & Sunday: 1pm – 5pm
Tours are by reservation only. Call 845-562-1194
Website: parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/17
Hudson Valley Historic Site in Ulster County
Senate House State Historic Site, Kingston
Located in Kingston, this simple stone house is where the elected representatives met to form the new state government. This is where the First Constitutional Convention met and where they adopted the first New York State Constitution.
The Senate House is offering tours at a limited capacity. The museum building is limited to 23 people and tours are limited to 4 people,
Grounds are OPEN everyday from sunrise to sunset
Buildings are open SEASONALLY (April – October)
Wednesday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm & Sunday: 1pm – 5pm
Website: parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/18
Hudson Valley Historic Site in Columbia County
Olana State Historic Site, Hudson
Located in Hudson, Olana is one of those places that’s hard to believe exists in the Hudson Valley. It looks like it belongs in another land. The estate was home to Frederic Edwin Church, one of the figures in the Hudson River School of landscape painting.
The grounds are majestic. In addition to a free audio tour on site you can also view the landscape using the Olana Eye on their website.
Grounds are OPEN everyday from 8:30am to sunset
Buildings are currently CLOSED
Outdoor tours are available with reservation only
Website: www.olana.org
Clermont State Historic Site, Clermont
Located in Germantown, this former estate of the Livingston family was used by seven generations of the family. This beautiful estate appears as it did in the early 20th century. The gorgeous views of the Hudson River can be seen from the South Spring Garden, just one of the four gardens on the estate.
Although the mansion is closed and tours suspended, the grounds are wonderful to visit year-round.
Grounds are OPEN everyday from 8:30am to sunset
Buildings are currently CLOSED
Website: www.friendsofclermont.org
Hudson Valley Historic Site in Rensselaer County
Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, Walloomsac
Located in Walloomsac, this is the location of the Battle of Bennington, a Revolutionary War battle. Located approximately 2.5 miles of the New York – Vermont Border. Visitors will find a 2.7 mile trail system and a series of interpretive signs.
Grounds are OPEN SEASONALLY (May 1 – Labor Day)
8:00am to sunset
Website: parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/12
Crailo State Historic Site, Rensselaer
Located in Rensselaer, Crailo is a museum dedicated to the Colonial Dutch. Also known as Fort Crailo, this is reportedly the place where the song, “Yankee Doodle” was written.
Tours of the museum and historic home are by reservation only and are self-guided.
Museum & Historic Home are OPEN SEASONALLY (July – October)
Wednesday – Sunday by reservation only
Website: parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/30
Hudson Valley Historic Site in Albany County
Schulyer Mansion State Historic Site, Albany
Located in Albany, the brick mansion is now a museum. The Schulyer Mansion was home to Philip Schuyler, a general of the Continental Army and a US Senator. He and his wife raised eight children in the home.
The wedding of daughter Elizabeth Schulyer to Alexander Hamilton took place in the home. Tours of the home are by advanced reservation only with limited capacity (10 people).
Museum & Historic Home are OPEN SEASONALLY (July – October)
Wednesday – Sunday: 11am – 5pm (by reservation only)
Website: parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/33
Tips for a Successful Visit to these Hudson Valley Historic Sites
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Many of these sites are rather large and entail a lot of walking.
- Be prepared for any type of weather, as the weather in the hudson valley may be unpredictable.
- A hat and sunblock may be necessary during warm, sunny days. A hat, gloves & scarf may be necessary on cold, windy days. These are my personal favorites.
- Many of these Hudson Valley Historic Sites are open seasonally. Confirm information on websites (links provided in article)
Where to Next???
Now that you have learned all about Hudson Valley Historic Sites, let’s see where you should go next…
Until the Next Adventure…
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Jacqueline Ramirez
Jackie is one of the top bloggers in the Hudson Valley. A solo entrepreneur, she has been featured (along with some of her photos) in several publications, locally and nationwide. Read Jackie’s crazy story, “From a Naive NYC Girl to Popular Hudson Valley Blogger & Author“. Feel free to send Jackie a message here.