10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Hudson River Valley That You Shouldn't Miss

December 2, 2021 Merry Kessler

Discover the best top things to do in Hudson River Valley, United States including Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Motorcyclepedia Museum, USS Slater DE-766, Lyndhurst, Mohonk Preserve, Storm King Art Center, Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Opus 40, Van Cortlandt Manor, New Croton Dam.
Restaurants in Hudson River Valley

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

4097 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538-1917 +1 845-486-7770 [email protected] http://fdrlibrary.org
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,511 reviews

Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

Historic site features the home and estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Springwood, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, the only Presidential Library used by a sitting president. It was conceived and built under President Roosevelt's direction and opened to the public in 1941.The Library's mission is to foster research and education on the life and times of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and their continuing impact on contemporary life. Our work is carried out by four major areas: Archives, Museum, Education and Public Programs.

Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States

I have been on the tour of Springwood many times but not at the holidays. The tour was really interesting of birthplace of FDR and the home of his mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt. The house was supposed to be decorated for the holidays but only a Christmas tree in the library and the dining room set for dinner were the only holiday decorations in the house. The mansion will be going through a full renovation in April and then will be closed for a year so tour it now! The park ranger gave us an informative tour of the family, when the house was built and the additions added on, how the family grew here and the role the house played in the history of the United States especially in World War II. FDR continued to visit here after he became President and used it as his summer White House. Still it was his mother's home and Sara's influences are all over the house. Unlike other mansions, you could tell this was someone's home that was used at all times of the year. You can really see the family influences all over the house as if someone was still living here. It is a great tour and take time to visit the museum and walk through all the exhibits. It really does take two or three days to tour the house.

2. Motorcyclepedia Museum

250 Lake St, Newburgh, NY 12550-5262 +1 845-569-9065 http://motorcyclepediamuseums.com
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 166 reviews

Motorcyclepedia Museum

Reviewed By juliemD1269RB

What an amazing place. So much to see so much to learn about. The most amazing collection information. Very knowledgeable staff that brought a lot of the information to life as well. Place is spotless the machines I just can’t say enough how amazing this collection is this is a must see!

3. USS Slater DE-766

Broadway and Quay Street, Albany, NY 12202-1002 +1 518-431-1943 [email protected] http://www.ussslater.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 432 reviews

USS Slater DE-766

During World War II 563 Destroyer Escorts battled Nazi U-Boats on the North Atlantic protecting convoys of men and supplies. In the Pacific, they stood first in line to defend naval task forces from Kamikaze attacks. Today only one remains afloat in America. Step back in time. Return to 1945 aboard USS SLATER. See how Sailors worked, hear the sounds of a living ship, touch a piece of American history, and walk the decks where hundreds of Sailors have walked before.

Reviewed By Q5053BDscotta

Having visited most of the WWII museum ships on the east coast (and some on the west), I can say that the USS Slater beat them all in terms of a restoration that made you feel as though you were on the ship when it was in service. My nine-year-old son, who only had a passing interest in WWII, loved the tour, which included tour guide (Austin) demonstrations as to how to get into a top bunk, direct an anti-aircraft gun, and use a signal light. My son particularly liked seeing and holding munitions that were near some of the armament on board because it gave him a greater appreciation for the effort that gun crews needed to expend when defending the ship. The guide answered my son’s many questions that ranged from medical care, living conditions, and general quarters patiently and clearly. My son has already made me promise to take him to see the U.S.S. Massachusetts at Falls River the U.S.S. Intrepid in New York.

4. Lyndhurst

635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591-6499 +1 914-631-4481 [email protected] http://lyndhurst.org
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 543 reviews

Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst mansion is closed but the grounds are open! Daily Grounds Passes are available through December 20th. Overlooking the Hudson River in Tarrytown, New York, is Lyndhurst, one of America’s finest Gothic Revival mansions. Designed in 1838 by Alexander Jackson Davis, its architectural brilliance is complemented by the park-like landscape of the estate and a comprehensive collection of original decorative arts. Its noteworthy occupants included: former New York City mayor William Paulding, merchant George Merritt, and railroad tycoon Jay Gould. Lyndhurst is a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Reviewed By an0nym0us9999 - Memphis, United States

Lyndhurst was a dream estate built by Mr. Pauling that was sold to Jay Gould that overlooked the Hudson River. During Halloween, the house was decorated with Halloween decorations that took away from the overall historic feel of the house but was entertaining. I took the tour of the house it lasted about an hour and a half and get a good look at the furniture that was in the house during Jay Gould’s life. The house itself wasn’t anything extremely impressive. The most memorial piece of information about the estate for me was that the TV series, Dark Shadows, was filmed at Lyndhurst, and Barnabas’ and Angelique’s paintings from the TV series were displayed in one of the rooms. The house was built in a gothic revival style where ever door, window, room, furniture and et cetera had a parallel matching accompaniment. It was a enjoyable historic site to explore.

5. Mohonk Preserve

3197 State Route 55, New Paltz, New York, New Paltz, NY 12561 +1 845-255-0919 http://www.mohonkpreserve.org
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 422 reviews

Mohonk Preserve

Mohonk Preserve is the largest private nature preserve in New York. The Preserve protects 8,000 acres of the Shawangunk Ridge and inspires people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. Preserve lands are open sunrise to sunset every day for hiking, climbing, biking, skiing, horseback riding, and nature study. A current membership or day pass is required to access the lands. Admission to the Visitor Center is always free.

Reviewed By UrbanMonkey48 - Langhorne, United States

Aside from the Mohonk Mountain House hotel itself, you can visit as a day guest, pay a fee and enjoy miles of hiking or cross country skiing on beautidul trails that go through the woods and/or cliffs. The scenic biews are spectacular.

6. Storm King Art Center

1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553-8883 +1 845-534-3115 [email protected] http://www.stormking.org/
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 823 reviews

Storm King Art Center

Widely celebrated as one of the world's leading sculpture parks, Storm King Art Center has welcomed visitors from across the globe for fifty years. It is located only one hour north of New York City, in the lower Hudson Valley, where its pristine 500-acre landscape of fields, hills, and woodlands provides the setting for a collection of more than 100 carefully sited sculptures created by some of the most acclaimed artists of our time.

Reviewed By IamZozo - Tel Aviv, Israel

A large and beautiful outdoor museum for Japanese’sculptures You can easily spend more than 2 hours at the place

7. Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site

4097 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538-1917 +1 845-229-5320 http://www.nps.gov/hofr/index.htm
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,205 reviews

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site

"All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on the Hudson River" FDR This quote captures FDR's connection to Springwood, the estate that he loved & the place he considered home. The first US Presidential Library was started by FDR here. Visit the Home of FDR and Presidential Library & Museum to learn about the only President elected to four terms.

Reviewed By marcopolopaloalto - Palo Alto, United States

Area is open to visitors to walk around on the exterior during this pandemic time. While we cannot get into Presidential Library or the home where FDR was born and adored, , it is still worthwhile stopping here and walking the grounds of the home and estate where FDR came to relax, and where he raised his young family. FDR donated 33 of the acres from his family estate to this Park, where his home is, and where the library is, and where there is a prolific vegetable garden growing today. The vegetables grown there are given to an outreach program. FDR was a beacon of light as President during WWII. There are story boards and photos posted throughout the grounds about the exceptional history; busts of Churchill and FDR; and views of the Hudson. Gardner’s were friendly and helpful.

8. Opus 40

50 Fite Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477-3260 +1 845-246-3400 http://www.opus40.org/
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 238 reviews

Opus 40

This sculpture park was intended to house the works of the designer, but the setting itself became the artist's masterwork. It is possible to visit by appointment on non-open days.

Reviewed By DebbieC867 - Silver Spring, United States

It was part of my Month long fall color trip to New England area and I was looking for something to do while in Poughkeepsie NY. Opus 40 is amazing place lots of hard work put into build the stone walls and the monument by oneman! The place is not very big but this is the place where you can take a walk and has picnic table so you can pack your picnic and enjoy.

9. Van Cortlandt Manor

500 S Riverside Ave, Croton on Hudson, NY 10520-3031 +1 914-366-6900 [email protected] http://www.hudsonvalley.org/historic-sites/van-cortlandt-manor
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 396 reviews

Van Cortlandt Manor

Explore the stone manor house and brick ferry house, wander through the heritage gardens, and stroll down a quiet country road along the Croton River. There, you'll experience the domestic life of a patriot family living in the years just after the American Revolution - the New Nation period. Site is open for tours on weekends during July and August. Property also hosts the popular events LIGHTSCAPES in the spring and the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze in the fall.

Reviewed By 361MrT - Laconia, United States

Set within the Hudson Valley is a manor straight out of the 18th century and on its property is a breathtaking display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’ lanterns. As you meander through the paths that are pumpkin lit, victors will come upon multiple themes filled with illuminated carved pumpkins—complete with spooky music, lighting, and some low-lying fog. Themes vary from spiders, cats, astrological signs, dinosaurs, circus trains, etc. However, my favorite was the overhead tunnel called “the Planetarium” which was totally made up pumpkins carved and grouped together to form a night sky. Music and “shooting stars” just made this theme even more exciting. Best time to go is when the chill in the air is just enough for your breath to be seen. Of course, make sure its dark when you go—preferably after 6:30PM.

10. New Croton Dam

Croton on Hudson, NY http://parks.westchestergov.com/croton-gorge-park
Excellent
68%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 215 reviews

New Croton Dam

Reviewed By womenofgod111 - New York City, United States

This is a hidden gem the waterfall is beautiful once you go over the bridge there's a beautiful waterfall right there is a perfect area to have a picnic they have a barbecue grill right there they have a nice walking trail they have a river trail and the trail that would take you over a nice bridge in a walking trail is like you walking in the forest. It's something you must see before the end of the summer I will definitely go again

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.