Hudson Historic District (New York) - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

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 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.

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.

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.

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.