Top 12 Activities to Enjoy in the Hudson Valley

For years, writers, artists, and presidents have been captivated by the Hudson Valley in New York.

Its stunning four seasons, historic landmarks, and quaint towns continue to enchant visitors today. Situated over two hours north of downtown Manhattan, enhance your visit to the Hudson Valley with this guide to the region's must-do activities.

Explore Bear Mountain State Park

Covering more than 5,000 acres, Bear Mountain State Park is located just seven miles from the US Military Academy in the rugged highlands. Enjoy a variety of hiking trails, including six miles of the famous Appalachian Trail.

There’s also a paved trail suitable for everyone around Hessian Lake, along with a challenging 1,000-foot ascent to the summit of Bald Mountain. Hikers in this area are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Hudson River and beyond.

Explore the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

As the first presidential library and museum in the United States, it set the benchmark for preserving a legacy. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library covers the 12 years of FDR’s presidency, from the depths of the Great Depression in 1933 to his passing in 1945.

Notable artifacts include handwritten speeches explaining America’s entry into WWII, as well as remnants from the USS Arizona battleship, which was sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941.

Explore Val-Kill Cottage, the residence of Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt was not just a first lady; she was a passionate activist and advocate during FDR’s presidency and later served on the United Nations General Assembly following his death.

The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site is a 181-acre estate located in Hyde Park, where the first lady resided whenever President Roosevelt was not at the Springwood estate. This served as her primary residence until 1962.

This is the only National Historic Site honoring a first lady, and visitors can explore the space where Eleanor Roosevelt hosted notable figures such as Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy.

Tip for visitors: Val-Kill Cottage can only be accessed through a complimentary guided tour. Be sure to check online for the tour schedule.

Dine at the Culinary Institute of America

The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park is a food lover’s dream, featuring world-class restaurants operated by students from the leading culinary school globally. Enjoy their unique takes on renowned cuisines from around the world.

Dishes inspired by French, Italian, and American cuisines are prepared using fresh Hudson Valley ingredients. Be sure to save space for dessert and indulge in a delectable tart, streusel-topped Dutch apple pie.

Experience the art at Dia

Immerse yourself in contemporary art at Dia, housed in a former Nabisco box factory. The collection features works like Dan Flavin’s fluorescent light installations, Michael Heizer’s “negative” sculptures, Richard Serra’s monumental steel pieces, and multimedia installations by Louise Bourgeois.

Tip for visitors: Andy Warhol’s Shadows (1978–1979) will return to Diain December 2023. This expansive exhibit reflects Warhol’s iconic NYC studio, The Factory, and invites visitors to contemplate the repetitive imagery displayed on 72 vibrant canvases.

Discover the New York State Museum

Be awed by the shining tusks of a 13,000-year-old Ice Age mastodon skeleton unearthed just upstream from the oldest and largest state museum in the United States. Then, take a ride on one of 40 hand-carved carousel animals, including horses, donkeys, or deer, on the 110-year-old carousel crafted by western New York’s Herschell-Spillman Company.

Bring the kids to Legoland New York

The first new theme park in the northeast in 40 years bursts with vibrant colors in Goshen. It features larger-than-life models of dinosaurs, animals, and playful characters, along with miniature versions of well-known landscapes and landmarks made from countless tiny plastic Lego bricks.

Children aged 2 to 12 will love the attractions at Legoland New York, including the groundbreaking ride that turns your physical features into a Lego Minifigure.

Join the line at the West Point Museum

Curious about the life of a cadet at the US Military Academy? Visit the West Point Museum, where interactive displays showcase a day in a cadet's life, featuring uniforms, a full-size barracks room, and insights into their classes and responsibilities.

The museum also boasts one of the premier collections of military artifacts, including a pair of pistols belonging to General George Washington, Napoleon Bonaparte’s short sword, General George S. Patton’s Thompson machine gun, and the very first tank used by the US military. Alongside its military exhibits, this free museum offers stunning views of the Hudson Valley.

Soar through the skies at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

Have you ever fantasized about barnstorming like Flying Ace Eddie Rickenbacker and hunting down the Red Baron? Visit the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome for an exhilarating open-air biplane flight that lets you feel the rush of the wind.

Step inside to explore one of the nation's largest collections of early aircraft. Noteworthy planes include a 1902 Wright Glider, the 1917 Sopwith Camel, and the 1909 Bleriot, which is America’s oldest plane still in the air. You'll also find several German WWI Fokker Triplanes (1917), like the one piloted by the infamous Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen.

Planning tip: Every weekend, the Aerodrome hosts thrilling WWI “dog fights” high above.

Feel dwarfed at Storm King Art Center

Visualize a giant child’s play area scattered with colossal building blocks across the landscape, and you’ll grasp the essence of the Storm King Art Center. This 500-acre outdoor museum showcases large-scale sculptures that harmonize with the natural environment. For instance, Alexander Calder’s sculpture Five Swords (1976) stands as a vibrant, bold reddish-orange steel monument reaching nearly 20 feet, resembling pieces from a giant's forgotten game of jacks.

Each of the 100 enormous sculptures is set within its own unique “gallery landscape,” distributed across the grounds, walkways, pathways, and wooded trails.

Reconnect with nature at Thomas Cole National Historic Site

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site protects the six-acre homestead and studio where Cole established the Hudson River School of landscape painting. From the porch of the main house, the distant misty mountains appear framed like one of Cole’s masterpieces.

Planning tip: Touring the grounds is free. You can reserve tickets for a self-guided exploration of the studio buildings and main house or join a themed guided tour online in advance.

Discover the Olana State Historic Site

Frederic Church was a leading figure from the Hudson River School. His portrayal of Niagara Falls sparked a movement that ultimately led to the establishment of the Niagara Reservation as the nation’s first state park.

The Olana State Historic Site was Church’s residence, featuring a mid-19th century mansion, art studio, and 250 acres of beautifully designed landscapes. Perched on a hill, the house provides breathtaking views of the Hudson River Valley and the Catskill mountains that inspired the artist throughout his life.