20 Attractions to Explore Near Art Omi

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site is located in Columbia County, New York and is the home of the 8th president of the United States, Martin Van Buren. The site encompasses the former home and grounds of Van Buren, as well as the nearby office building and museum. Visitors to the historic site can explore the grounds that were once home to Van Buren, including his library, law office, and the 1841 Lindenwald Mansion.

The Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse is an historic one-room schoolhouse located in the town of Claverack, Columbia County, New York. Built in 1875, the schoolhouse served as an educational center for the local community until it closed in 1958. The building is a significant example of 19th century rural architecture, featuring a gable roof, clapboard siding, and wood-sash windows. The interior of the schoolhouse features an original blackboard and a recitation bench.

The Luykas Van Alen House is an historic 18th century stone house located in the town of Kinderhook in Columbia County. Built in 1737, the house is one of the earliest surviving examples of Dutch Colonial architecture in the United States. The house is a two-story, five-bay structure, constructed of stone and capped with a gambrel roof. The house was the home of Luykas Van Alen, a local Dutch settler, who built the house on land granted to him by Dutch patroon Stephen Van Rensselaer.

The Columbia Land Conservancy Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Columbia County that is dedicated to protecting and preserving natural resources and open spaces in the area. Founded in 1990, the Conservancy works with a variety of organizations and individuals to protect land and water, protect wildlife and habitat, manage and restore natural resources, and provide recreational and educational opportunities for the community.

James Vanderpoel's House of History is a well-known and beloved collection of art and artifacts located in the heart of Columbia. Founded by James Vanderpoel in 1882, the House of History showcases a unique selection of objects from Native American and African-American culture, along with examples of art and everyday items from various historical periods. Visitors to the House of History can take a self-guided tour to learn more about the history of the area and the people who shaped it.

The Columbia County Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Columbia County. The society was founded in 1975 and is based in the Village of Valatie. It promotes and fosters historical education and research by collecting and preserving documents, books, photographs, and artifacts related to the history of the county. They also host educational events, tours, and field trips to historical sites in Columbia County.

Hudson River Islands State Park, Columbia is a stunning nature preserve located on the west bank of the Hudson River. The park is known for its unique combination of scenic views, cultural history, and recreational opportunities. Visitors to the park can explore the diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and meadows. The park offers more than two miles of trails meandering through its 845 acres, providing excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, and bird-watching.

High Falls Conservation Area, located in Columbia County, NY, is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature. Spanning over 300 acres, the area is composed of three distinct areas: a lake, a marsh, and a wooded section. The lake is home to a variety of bird species, and the surrounding marsh and woodlands provide ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Sleepy Hollow Lake is a picturesque reservoir located in Greene County, New York. It is a private, man-made lake spanning approximately 324 acres and situated in the town of Athens. Known for its serene beauty and recreational opportunities, Sleepy Hollow Lake attracts residents and visitors alike. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and offers a tranquil setting for various outdoor activities. Boating is a popular pastime on Sleepy Hollow Lake.

FASNY Museum of Firefighting, located in Columbia County, New York, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of firefighting and the service of firefighters. It is the largest fire service museum in the United States, and features an array of artifacts from the early days of firefighting up to the present. The museum's collections include uniforms, tools, helmets, documents, photographs, paintings, and other items related to firefighting.

The Hudson Historic District in New York is a National Historic Landmark District, located between Albany and New York City. The district includes a variety of historic buildings, from the stately homes of the wealthy to the smaller, more modest dwellings of working-class families.The district is renowned for its collection of Federal-style architecture, with many buildings dating back to the early 19th century.

The Hudson Athens Lighthouse is a historic structure perched atop a small island, providing breathtaking views of the Hudson River. Dating back to 1874, this lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding ships through the treacherous waters of the river. Today, visitors can explore the museum inside the lighthouse, taking a step back in time to imagine life as a lighthouse keeper. The lighthouse is open to the public during the summer months.

The Bronck Museum in Greene County is truly a hidden gem of New York State. This historic farm complex dates back to 1663 and was the first home of Pieter Bronck, one of the area's earliest Dutch settlers. Today, visitors can explore the meticulously restored property and learn more about the fascinating history of the region. From the beautiful gardens to the furnished interiors of the Bronck farmhouse, there's plenty to discover at this charming museum.

Scenic Hudson's Long View Park is a beautiful outdoor recreational area located in Greene County, New York. Owned and managed by the non-profit organization Scenic Hudson, the park offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying scenic views of the Hudson River and its surroundings. Long View Park is situated on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River, providing panoramic vistas of the waterway and the surrounding landscape.

Mount McGregor is located in Columbia County, New York and is part of the Adirondack Mountains. It is the site of the former Mount McGregor Prison Camp and is now part of the Moreau Lake State Park. Mount McGregor is a popular spot for tourists, due to its scenic views and hiking trails. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bear, deer, bald eagles, and more.

Beebe Hill State Forest in Columbia County, New York is a popular destination for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities. Situated in the Hudson Valley region, the 8,000-acre forest offers a diverse landscape of mountain ridges, lush woodlands, and winding creeks. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife such as bald eagles, deer, black bear, turkey, grouse, and the elusive bobcat. It also features a number of scenic trails.

Olana House in Columbia, South Carolina is a two-story antebellum home built in 1836. It is one of Columbia's oldest and most iconic historic homes, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house was built by John Olana, who was a successful planter and businessman in the early 19th century. The house is an excellent example of the Greek Revival style of architecture, featuring a classical portico with four Ionic columns.

Olana State Historic Site is the former home of Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church. Located in Columbia County, New York, the 250-acre estate features the painter’s ornate Persian-style home and extensive landscape views. The main house is a National Historic Landmark and features intricate Moorish-style architecture across two stories, and interiors filled with the artist’s original furnishings.

Steepletop is an historic estate, once the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, who purchased the property in 1925. The estate is comprised of an expansive main house, numerous outbuildings, and over 200 acres of land. The main house is a two-and-a-half story Colonial Revival structure, with wide porches, a two-story portico, and two imposing brick chimneys. The interior features a mix of hand-crafted Arts and Crafts furniture, original artwork, and antique furnishings.

The Rip Van Winkle Bridge is a historically significant bridge in Columbia County. The bridge spans the Hudson River between Hudson and Catskill, and connects New York State Route 23 to US Route 9W. The bridge was completed in 1935 and took its name from Washington Irving's character, Rip Van Winkle, who appears in the author's short story of the same name. The bridge was designed by engineer Stephen H. Wood, Jr., and was the first bridge of its type built in New York State.