Top Things to do in Hudson River Valley
Top Hotels in Hudson River Valley
- 1. Hampton Inn Albany-Western Ave/University Area
- 2. Homewood Suites by Hilton Albany
- 3. HYATT Place Poughkeepsie
- 4. Hampton Inn by Hilton New Paltz
- 5. Tarrytown House Estate
- 6. Homewood Suites by Hilton Poughkeepsie
- 7. Homewood Suites by Hilton Newburgh-Stewart Airport
- 8. Hilton Garden Inn Albany Airport
- 9. Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown
- 10. Hotel Nyack
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The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Hudson River Valley, Hudson River Valley
Discover the best top things to do in Hudson River Valley, United States including Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Lyndhurst, Kykuit, Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Van Cortlandt Manor, Olana State Historic Site, Boscobel House and Gardens, Schuyler Mansion.
Restaurants in Hudson River Valley
1. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,511 reviews
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. Lyndhurst
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 543 reviews
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.
3. Kykuit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 748 reviews
Grand home and grounds of this former Rockefeller estate offer a marvelous collection of modern sculptures, Chinese and European ceramics, fine furnishings and beautifully landscaped terraces and gardens. KYKUIT IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL MAY 3. Please continue to check this listing or go to our website for updates.
Reviewed By LJL1974 - Middletown, United States
While the "classic" tour is slightly shorter and more limited than the grand tour, we did not feel at all shortchanged. The classic is over two hours (including the shuttle ride to/from visitor center at Phillipsburg Manor to Kykuit) and includes an extensive amount of the mansion interior as well as a wonderful tour of gardens and grounds, and the coach house. Our guide (Helen?) was amazing in her ability to fascinate us with information on the three resident generations of the Rockefeller family, the architecture and renovations of the main structure as well as the coach house, and the artists who created the amazing sculptures and other artwork throughout the home and grounds. This is a wonderful tour!
4. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,097 reviews
Historically known as Hyde Park, Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is one of the region's oldest Hudson River estates. For nearly two centuries, this place has been home to socially prominent New Yorkers. A superb example of its type, Hyde Park represents the domestic ideal of the elite class in the late nineteenth-century America. It provides a glimpse of estate life, the social stratification of the period, and the world of the American millionaire during the era historians refer to as the Gilded Age.
Reviewed By PJCM744 - South Windsor, United States
If you are an architecture person, this home emulates good design and outstanding quality. Not as grand as the Newport Mansions, but this suites the area and owner's vision and lifestyle. Enjoyed our guide's knowledge and he was able to answer questions. Grounds are to be appreciated as well.
5. Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,205 reviews
"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.
6. Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 717 reviews
Val-Kill is a special place that serves as a window into Eleanor Roosevelt's private and public life. Its understated beauty, natural setting, and unpretentious amenities may appear surprising to first-time visitors because of its simplicity; a vision that seems incongruous with expectations for the home of one of the most influential women in American history. The only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady.
Reviewed By SherylS887 - Philadelphia, United States
This modest “retreat”home of Eleanor Roosevelt is so utterly charming - it reveals so much about the character of that remarkable woman. If you take a tour, there is a quite good film to start with, then you get to see the cottage where she lived and also the “stone house”. The guide was very informative and also entertaining.
7. Van Cortlandt Manor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
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.
8. Olana State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 767 reviews
Hudson River School painter Frederic E. Church designed Olana, his family home, studio, and estate, as an integrated environment embracing architecture, art, and landscape. Olana, a National Historic Landmark, is an icon of naturalistic landscape design, with five miles of carriage roads and a Persian-inspired house at its summit, embracing unrivaled panoramic views of the vast Hudson River Valley. Today, visitors can experience an array of activities, from meandering through the 250 acre artist designed landscape, to taking a tour of the house and surrounding landscape, to viewing the changing exhibitions both in the main house and a gallery devoted to contemporary photography. They can see a 17 minute award-winning video on the property and a permanent orientation exhibit. They can also participate in a variety of educational programs in the Wagon House Education Center, including a free backpack program that includes a variety of projects for children.
Reviewed By NewJerseyFred
A must see mansion on the Hudson River located in Hudson NY. The exterior has been lovingly restored and the interior is virtually untouched since it was built in near pristine condition. Fully furnished with all original furnishings and art work. A long and very informative tour of the whole house. The grounds and views might be the best of any of the mansions on the Hudson River.
9. Boscobel House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
Boscobel House and Gardens is an esteemed Historic House Museum containing one of the finest collections of decorative arts, including furniture, from the Federal period. Boscobel offers tours of the Neoclassical mansion and access to 68 acres of our grounds, featuring lush gardens and a woodland trail. Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Boscobel directly overlooks Constitution Marsh toward the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, showcasing dramatic views of the Hudson River. From mid-April through December, Boscobel hosts lively events, innovative exhibitions, talks by the world’s top design experts, and engaging programs and activities for families. Children are always welcome.
Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States
I had never heard of Boscobel before visiting the Mills Mansion and I decided to visit it. It is a very impressive house tour as it had it had been decorated for the holidays. The house had been built in 1806 after the Revolutionary War and was built in the Federalist fashion with American furnishings. The house is the home of the Dyckman family of New York (the same family of the Dyckman Farmhouse in Washington Heights) and the house had to be finished by States Dyckman's wife after his death. The house was built for living all year round and had a very impressive front entrance with a sweeping staircase and impressive rooms facing the river. The rooms were furnished with a combination of family heirlooms and period pieces that had been picked out by the curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The house was decorated with garlands and candles as they would have been for the holidays of that period. Our tour guide, Sam, gave us an excellent tour of the house putting us into the mind set of the family members who were living here at the time. The house was decorated elegantly and understated but still elaborate for the time. The furnishings were well designed and fit the period. Everything was a little showy but still it feels like a home and not a museum. The rooms were set for afternoon tea and for a holiday dinner in the dining room. It was an interesting look about how the family must have lived at the time. Four generations of family lived in the house and there must have been a lot of pride in this house. Our tour guide gave a very vivid view of what it must have been like to live here at the time and how they lived. It was an interesting look at the post-revolutionary war period in this country. Put this manor house on your bucket list to visit especially if you get Sam as your tour guide.
10. Schuyler Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Georgian style home of American Revolutionary War Major-General Philip Schuyler and his family. In general, tours begin at 11:00 a.m., are offered on the hour, with the last tour at 4:00 p.m. Site is currently CLOSED for the 2019 season and will re-open for general visitation May 2020. For information about special events, please visit https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/33/details.aspx or find us on Facebook.
Reviewed By R4252TRfranks - Brunswick, United States
This gives one a real good insight into the history of the Dutch and their importance to this area. Our guide Ian was great and provided a lot of information not heard in other sources.
