20 Attractions to Explore Near Columbia County Historical Society

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 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 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.

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.

Art Omi is an international art center located in Columbia County, New York. The center was founded in 1992 as an outdoor sculpture park and gallery. It is home to over 100 sculptures by some of the world's most renowned artists. In addition, it hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, as well as residency programs for international artists. The grounds of Art Omi offer visitors an experience of nature, sculpture, and art.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Schodack Island State Park is a 295-acre park situated on a peninsula at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. It features an array of recreational activities including camping, fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, and hiking. The park offers 11 tent and trailer sites, all with electric hookup, as well as a picnic pavilion and a playground. For anglers, the park has a boat launch and offers access to both the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, which are home to a variety of fish species.

The Alfred H. Smith Memorial Bridge, also known as the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Bridge, is a prominent and historically significant structure located in New York City, United States. This iconic bridge stands as a testament to engineering excellence and serves as a vital transportation link between the boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx.The bridge was named in honor of Alfred E. Smith, a renowned political figure and four-time governor of New York State.

The Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge is a historic bridge located in Castleton-on-Hudson, just a few miles away from the Ten Broeck Mansion, the Erastus Corning II Tower, Fort Orange, the Albany Rural Cemetery, Historic Cherry Hill, Albany City Hall, the Cathedral of All Saints, the Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence, and Rensselaer Lake. The bridge is the last remaining Whipple Cast and Wrought Iron Bowstring Truss Bridge in the state and is an important historic landmark in the area.

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.

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.

Henry Hudson Park in Albany County, New York is a picturesque park located along the Hudson River. Spanning five miles of shoreline, the park offers 11 acres of open space for visitors to explore. Recreational activities such as walking, biking, and picnicking can be enjoyed in the park, as well as boat launches, fishing access, and wildlife viewing. Turtles, hawks, and white tailed deer are some of the wildlife that can be seen in the preserve.

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.

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.

The Alcove Reservoir is a stunning body of water located in Albany, New York. It is situated just a few miles away from the historic Ten Broeck Mansion, the Erastus Corning II Tower, the Opalka Gallery, the Albany Center Gallery, the Albany Rural Cemetery, Historic Cherry Hill, Albany City Hall, and the Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence. The reservoir was created in 1851 as part of the Champlain Canal which linked the Hudson River to Lake Champlain.