20 Attractions to Explore Near James Baird State Park

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College is an influential art museum located in Poughkeepsie, NY. It houses a collection of over 17,000 works of art, ranging from ancient to modern times, including American, European, African, and Asian art, and works by contemporary artists. The museum also provides educational programming and opportunities for research, with a wide variety of lectures, artist talks, symposia, and workshops.

Innisfree Garden is a breathtaking landscape of 8 miles of trails and meadows situated in the foothills of the Hudson River Valley in Dutchess County, New York. The garden's 200-acre property features enchanting rock outcroppings, vibrant gardens, rare and endangered plants, and a variety of sculptures, one of which is a giant granite dragon.

Sylvan Lake is a hamlet located in the town of Beekman in Dutchess County, New York. It is situated on the eastern end of Sylvan Lake and is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities. It also has several marinas, restaurants, and stores. The area is known for its abundance of wildlife, especially birds, and is home to several endangered species. The lake is enjoyed year-round by locals and visitors alike.

Camp Kinder Ring is a premier sleepaway camp located in the beautiful Hudson Valley of Dutchess County, New York. Established in 1923, the camp has been offering top-notch outdoor programs and activities for children ages 7-16, from all over the Tri-State area and beyond, for over 90 years. The campers are housed in air-conditioned cabins and enjoy exciting activities such as sports, swimming, creative arts, music, and drama.

The Dutchess Rail Trail is a 25-mile, multi-use recreational path in Dutchess County, New York. The trail begins at the Putnam County border in the town of Dover and extends south through East Fishkill, LaGrange, Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, and Pleasant Valley, before ending at the Ulster County border. The trail is best enjoyed by walking, biking, and roller blading, and offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the Hudson Valley landscape.

The Clinton House State Historic Site is a historic landmark located in Dutchess County, and was designated as a New York State Historic Site in 1975. It was the home of the first U.S. President, George Clinton, who served from 1809 to 1817. The Clinton House is also the birthplace of his granddaughter, Julia Clinton Jones. The home has been restored to its mid-19th century glory and the grounds feature a rose garden, an ice house, and a restored 19th century Cold Spring House.

The Hopewell Depot Museum in Dutchess County is a non-profit museum dedicated to preserving the history of the New York Central Railroad system and its impact on the region. The museum contains a variety of artifacts, including a restored New York Central caboose, a vintage train depot, and exhibits about the area’s rail history. Visitors of all ages can learn about the area’s vibrant past through a variety of interactive displays, activities, and educational programs.

Barton Orchards is a beloved family-owned farm in Dutchess County, New York. It's been in operation for over 80 years, and offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages. During the summer and fall months, visitors can pick their own apples, berries, and vegetables from the farm. There are also plenty of fun activities for kids, like hayrides, pony rides, and a giant jumping pillow.

Springside Landmark is a historic mansion located in Dutchess County, New York. Built in the late 19th century, it was the home of William B. Astor, the grandson of John Jacob Astor, one of the wealthiest men in America at the time. The mansion is now owned by the Dutchess County Historical Society and is open for tours and special events. It is renowned for its Greek Revival architecture, opulent furnishings, and beautiful landscaping.

Locust Grove Estate is a historic site located in Dutchess County, New York. It was originally owned by the Livingston family, and George Washington was a frequent visitor. The main house, which was built in 1760, is a two-story, mid-Georgian structure that features two wings that extend from the main house. The estate also includes a cider mill, a schoolhouse, an orangery, and other outbuildings.

Top Cottage is an iconic Gothic Revival summer home located in the historic hamlet of Hyde Park in Dutchess County, New York. Owned by Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, it served as the president's personal retreat during his time in office. With its picturesque setting and historic significance, Top Cottage is a favorite destination for visitors from around the world.

The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site (ERNHS) is located in Hyde Park, New York, and is the home where Eleanor Roosevelt lived and worked for more than 40 years. The National Park Service administers the site and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the life and legacy of the former first lady. Visitors can take part in a variety of interpretive programs, including guided tours, educational programs, and special events.

The Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum in Dutchess County, New York offers visitors of all ages an educational and entertaining experience. From rotating exhibits exploring the natural world, to interactive displays that bring the area's history to life, the museum has something for everyone. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and displays about local history, the natural world, the environment, and more.

The Mid-Hudson Bridge is a steel suspension bridge that spans the Hudson River in Dutchess County, New York. Constructed in 1930, it carries the New York State Thruway across the river, connecting Poughkeepsie on the east side to Highland on the west side. The bridge is 3,000 feet long and has a main suspended span of 1,638 feet, making it the longest suspension bridge in the state and the sixth longest in the United States.

Walkway Over the Hudson is a pedestrian bridge, Built in 1888 as a railroad bridge, it has been restored and opened as a linear park for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized traffic since 2009. Spanning 1.28 miles over the Hudson River, Walkway Over The Hudson is the world's longest pedestrian bridge, offering spectacular views of the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains, the Hudson River Valley, and the iconic Mid-Hudson and Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridges.

Wappinger Lake, is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, particularly boating and fishing. It is a naturally occurring lake, formed approximately 12,000 years ago, surrounded by over 250 acres of pristine forest. The lake is home to a variety of fish, amphibians, and aquatic plants, and is also home to a diverse array of bird species. The lake’s scenic beauty, wooded shoreline, and abundance of wildlife make it an ideal spot for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers.

Franny Reese State Park is a beautiful and serene park located in Ulster County, New York. It is named after Franny Reese, a local environmental activist and philanthropist who played a vital role in preserving the parkland.The park is situated on the banks of the Hudson River and offers visitors breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscapes. It encompasses over 250 acres of green space, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.

The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site preserves the home, library, and gardens of the 32nd President of the United States. Located in Hyde Park, New York, the site covers 80 acres and includes the Springwood estate, the Roosevelt family estate, and the Roosevelt Library and Museum. Visitors to the site can take guided tours of the home and gardens, listen to recordings of the president's speeches, and learn about the life and legacy of the Roosevelt family.

The Hudson Valley Rail Trail is a picturesque recreational trail located in Ulster County, New York. It follows the path of the former New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad, which was once an essential transportation route in the region.The trail stretches approximately 4 miles, providing a scenic and accessible route for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and inline skaters. It is designed to be family-friendly and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

The Artists' Collective of Hyde Park is a vibrant, passionate, and diverse art collective in Dutchess County. Our mission is to promote, share, and celebrate the work of local artists and to provide educational opportunities to the community through art. We provide ongoing classes, workshops, and exhibitions on a wide range of topics for both adults and children. We also host a variety of special events for the community, such as art shows, performances, and fundraisers.