Experience 7+ Free Things to do in Ulster County NY: A Local’s Guide
The Hudson Valley is filled with natural beauty, rich history, a vibrant arts scene and plenty of free things to do in Ulster County NY. Often overshadowed by its more popular neighbor, Dutchess County and Orange County, Ulster County offers a wide range of free activities that are perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
From hiking in the Catskill Mountains to exploring the Hudson River, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Ulster County.
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Where is Ulster County?
Ulster County is a hidden gem that offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. Sandwiched between Orange County and Greene County, the Hudson River is on its East side.
The county’s largest city, Kingston, was founded by Dutch settlers in the late 17th century and is steeped in history. Today, the city of Kingston is an important transport hub, with easy access to major highways ideal for exploring the county.
The city’s unique architecture, including the many historic houses and buildings, gives it a charming, small-town feel.
Beyond Kingston, Ulster County is home to a wide range of unique places to explore. Whether you’re interested in hiking in the Catskill Mountains, visiting art galleries, or tasting local wines and craft beers, there’s something for everyone in Ulster County.
Are there really Free Things to do in Ulster County NY?
Yes, there are many free things to do in Ulster County NY.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking in the Catskill Mountains, visiting state parks, and exploring the Hudson River. The county is also home to a number of cultural attractions, such as art galleries and museums, which often have free admission or free days.
Visitors can also take advantage of the many farmers’ markets. With its rich history, natural beauty, and cultural diversity, Ulster County is a budget-friendly destination for those looking for an escape from New York City without breaking the bank.
Outdoor Activities
The many state parks in the county offer an extensive range of outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, bird watching and so much more. Being outdoors may be one of the best free things to do in Ulster County NY.
– Forsyth Nature Center
Located in Forsyth Park in Kingston, the Forsyth Nature Center is one of the best places to visit any time of the year and, honestly, one of my favorite free things to do in Ulster County NY. The best part is that unlike other small, free places to see animals, like Bear Mountain State Park, Forsyth Nature Center allows for a connection to be made with the animals.
Forsyth Nature Center is a great place to visit. As a non-profit organization, it is dedicated to educating the public about animals. The center features a variety of farm animals, including chickens, goats, sheep, and cows, that visitors can interact with, feed and learn about.
These interactive exhibits makes this one of the top fun things to do. The center is open daily and offers visitors a chance to explore all year long. There is a picnic area where you can enjoy lunch and spend time with your whole family.
READ MORE
A Visit to Forsyth Nature Center is a Good Idea Any Time of the Year
– Hiking in Ulster County
- Overlook Mountain: Located in Woodstock, this 3.8-mile hike is considered one of the most popular in the area, and takes hikers up to a summit with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide: Located near Phoenicia, this 9-mile hike is a strenuous hike that takes hikers through the heart of the Catskill Mountains, offering breathtaking views and a challenging climb to the summit of Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills.
- Mohonk Preserve: Located in Gardiner, this popular hiking destination offers over 8,000 acres of hiking trails, including the popular Lemon Squeeze Trail, a challenging hike through a narrow crevice that rewards hikers with stunning views from the top.
- Minnewaska State Park: Located in Kerhonkson, this state park offers more than 40 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Awosting Falls hike, which takes hikers to a beautiful waterfall.
- The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail: Going through the towns of Gardiner, New Paltz, Rosendale and Kingston, this is a flat and easy trail, that’s perfect for a family hike or bike ride.
Tips for planning a hike
Keep in mind that it is important to be prepared, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, bring enough water and snacks, and be aware of the trail conditions before starting your hike.
READ MORE
Visit these Popular Hudson Valley Hiking Trails on your Next Outing
– Visiting Farmers’ Markets
Ulster County, New York is home to a number of farmers markets that offer a wide variety of local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and other products. These markets provide an opportunity for visitors to purchase fresh, locally-sourced products and support the local farmers and producers.
Some of the popular farmers markets in the area include:
- Kingston Farmers Market: This market is held on Saturdays, weekly or every two-weeks, year-round and features a wide variety of products, including fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more.
- New Paltz Farmers Market: This market is held on Sundays from June to November and features a wide variety of products, including fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more.
- Stone Ridge Orchard Farmers Market: This market is held on Sundays from May to December and features a wide variety of products, including fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more.
- Rosendale Farmers Market: This market is held on Sundays from June to October and features a wide variety of products, including fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more.
Visiting a farmers market is one of the best free things to do in Ulster County NY. Many people believe that the months with warmer weather is the perfect time to visit these markets, but the truth is that several are open year round and are just as fun in the winter as in spring, summer and fall.
Visitors are encouraged to visit these community events early in the day for the best selection of products, and bring their own bags to carry their purchases (like these that I make for my Etsy Shop). Additionally, some markets offer live music, cooking demonstrations, and other special events throughout the season.
These farmers markets provide an opportunity to purchase fresh, locally-sourced products, support nearby farms and producers, create an educational family trip and experience the local culture.
READ MORE
The Ultimate List of Hudson Valley Farmers Markets (Even the ones open during the winter)
– Exploring the Hudson River
Exploring the Hudson River in Ulster County is one of the top things to do in the area. The Hudson River has played an important role in the history and culture of the region, and there are many ways to experience it.
Visitors can take a boat ride on the river, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains. Although not necessarily free things to do in Ulster County NY, it can be affordable when planned correctly.
Veterans and Active Duty Military can visit the Hudson River Maritime Museum for free. The museum offers exhibits on the maritime history of the Hudson River, including the boats and ships that have plied its waters. Visitors can learn about the history of the river and the people who have lived and worked along its banks.
There are also several historic sites along the river that offer visitors a glimpse into the past. The Rondout Lighthouse, for example, is a historic lighthouse located at the mouth of Rondout Creek that offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of the river and the role of lighthouses in navigation.
You can see the lighthouse from the shores of the river and is one of the most beautiful free things to do in Ulster County NY.
With parks lining the Hudson River, it is no wonder that these gems are special places for many visitors. From the waterfront in Milton, NY to Esopus Park, these places are one of the best free things to do in Ulster County NY.
TIP
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– Walkway over the Hudson
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Ulster County has to be the Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park. On the National Register of historic places, the park is home to a pedestrian bridge that spans the river and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The bridge is accessible to visitors year-round, and it is free to walk, jog or bike over it. The park also offers a visitors center that provides information about the history of the bridge, the surrounding area, and the river itself.
The visitors center is open year-round and offers free events, such as guided tours and educational programs. They also host special events throughout the year, so its best to check their social media for updated information. From the Walkway, you can also see:
- the children’s museum
- The Mid-Hudson Bridge (which has a special feature that you can read about here)
- surrounding area of Poughkeepsie
- the Metro North Train system (a passenger rail service taking people from Poughkeepsie to Cold Spring, Westchester County and New York City).
READ MORE
The Walkway over the Hudson: Unlike any other place in the United States
– Visiting State Parks
State Parks in Ulster County, New York are perfect places for a cheap family trip, offering a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. As one of the best free things to do in Ulster County NY, these state parks may get crowded during the warmer months.
From hiking to cross-country skiing, there is no shortage of free things to do in Ulster County NY parks.
Franny Reese State Park – It offers a great opportunity to enjoy nature and the beautiful views of the Hudson River. The park has a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking and fishing.
Visitors can hike along the trails that lead to the river and take in the scenic views of the Hudson River, the Catskill Mountains, and the Mid-Hudson Bridge.
Minnewaska State Park – Minnewaska State Park is located in the Shawangunk Mountains of New York, near the town of Kerhonkson. The park offers a wide range of recreational activities and scenic views for visitors to enjoy.
The park features over 50 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Awosting Falls trail, which takes visitors to a beautiful waterfall. There are also several lakes, including Minnewaska and Peter’s Kill, which offer swimming and boating opportunities.
Cultural Attractions
The county is also home to a number of hidden gems, such as the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, which is one of the best art museums in the region.
– Kingston Area
Kingston, New York offers a wide range of free things to see and do, from exploring the city’s rich history to browsing its many antique shops.
The city is known for its historic districts, such as the Kingston Uptown Historic District, which is home to many of the city’s most important historical sites, such as the Senate House State Historic Site. This site was built in the 18th century, as New York’s first capital.
Kingston annual O+ Festival, which is a free event that features live music, food and vendors, and it is a great opportunity to explore uptown Kingston.
– New Paltz Area
- Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz is a National Historic Landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century American life. The street is home to a collection of older buildings, many of which have been preserved and restored to their original condition.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the street and learn about the history of the Huguenot settlers who founded the town in the late 17th century. The tour includes a visit to several of the street’s historic homes, including the DuBois Fort, which is the oldest structure on the street.
In addition to the tours, Historic Huguenot Street also features several history museums, including the DuBois Fort Visitor Center, which offers exhibits on the history of the Huguenot settlers and their impact on the area. The street also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and gifts related to the history of the street and the Huguenot settlers.
- Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art located on the campus of the SUNY New Paltz campus, is one of the best things to see in Ulster County. The museum features a diverse collection of art including American art, Asian art, contemporary art, and art of the Hudson River School.
It also has the largest collection of works by the prominent artist and printmaker, Leonard Baskin. The museum also offers a range of educational programs for visitors of all ages, such as lectures, tours, and workshops. The museum is open to the public and is one of the best free things to do in Ulster County NY.
While visiting New Paltz, don’t forget to walk up and down Main Street and patron the restaurants and shops. New Paltz is one of the trendiest towns in New York State.
Conclusion
Ulster County, New York is a diverse and unique place, with a rich history, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or art enthusiast, you’ll find something to suit your interests in Ulster County.
Until the Next Adventure….
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