Columbia County - 25 Attractions You Must Visit

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.

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.

Clermont State Historic Site is located in Columbia County, New York. It comprises of a large estate of buildings, gardens, and grounds that are a reminder of the past 300 years of the Livingston family's legacy. The estate has been open to the public since 1975 and is a National Historic Landmark.Visitors to the Clermont State Historic Site will find the main house, the oldest house in the Hudson Valley. It was built in 1710 and is a fine example of colonial architecture.

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.

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.

Copake Iron Works Historic Site is located in Columbia and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1845, this former iron ore smelting plant is one of the oldest surviving industrial sites in the United States.The Copake Iron Works Historic Site is a reminder of the importance of the iron industry in the development of Columbia County. Operated by the Columbia Iron Works Company, the site was part of the Columbia-Catskill region's industrial growth in the 19th century.

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 Harlem Valley Rail Trail (HVRT) is a multi-use, shared-use path in the greater Columbia County region of New York. It passes through the towns of Ancram, Copake, Hillsdale, Pine Plains and Milan, as well as connecting to the Doansburg Rail Trail. The trail follows the course of the Harlem Valley Railroad, a historic railway line that operated from 1851 to 1970. The trail is a 9.3 mile long route, providing a scenic and enjoyable experience for hikers, cyclists, equestrians and others.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Lake Taghkanic State Park in Columbia County, New York, is a stunningly beautiful park that offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Spanning 1,872 acres of lush forest, Lake Taghkanic is the largest park in Columbia County. It is home to a variety of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons, and waterfowl. The park features a variety of activities such as camping, fishing, swimming, biking, and hiking.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.