Location: Cold Spring
Top Things to do in Cold Spring
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Cold Spring, United States
Cold Spring is a village in the town of Philipstown in Putnam County, New York, United States. The population was 1,983 at the 2010 census. It borders the smaller village of Nelsonville and Garrison. The central area of the village is on the National Register of Historic Places as the Cold Spring Historic District due to its many well-preserved 19th-century buildings, constructed to accommodate workers at the nearby West Point Foundry (itself a Registered Historic Place today). The town is the birthplace of General Gouverneur K. Warren, who was an important figure in the Union Army during the Civil War. The village, located in the Hudson Highlands, sits at the deepest point of the Hudson River, directly across from West Point. Cold Spring serves as a weekend getaway for many residents of New York City.
Restaurants in Cold Spring
1. Storm King Art Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 619 reviews
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 Joan S - Monroe
We actually went to Storm King Art Center on a cloudy/rainy day and it was an enjoyable experience. The ground are so beautiful and the massive sculptures and exhibits defies the imagination. Means of getting around the grounds are provided if walking is difficult. Make sure you spend time in the museum (especially when the sun is not shining). Make it a whole day.
2. United States Military Academy Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 608 reviews
The premier US military academy.
Reviewed By Sharon L - Palo Alto, California
The Visitor's Center offers a multitude of services. One can pick up reserved tickets for the Academy Tour and shop at the Gift Store. The best part of the center, though, was the exhibit featuring West Point. The explanation of the history of the Academy, a description of the 4 years that the Cadets experience, a replica of a Cadet's room, the importance of the honor code, and more.
A great visit!
3. Boscobel House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 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 TravelerAtTimes - New York
We'll, we found ourselves in this area and decided to finally visit the much spoken about Boscobel that I've had on my list for years and years.
End result: Not worth the $11 PP paid for grounds only admission.
In a nutshell: if you aren't into architecture, specifically Federal, you can really give this a pass. The views onto the Hudson are great but there are many other free options for similar views ( a quick search for Hudson Valley trails will get you a nice list).
The only saving grace for the place (my reason for 3/5 rating) is the cute and informative audio or guided tours which teach you a bit about the area history, so this really depends on what you are looking for.
Need a quite secluded garden for a date or a romantic outing? Not worth it in my opinion. The gardens were sub par (your local Lowes or Homedepot has more flowers showing in the garden dept...).
The house itself could use a washing with obvious weathering and mold showing at the back exterior walls. The lawn is a hodgepodge of different grass varieties.
The front pick-nick area next to the pond has some cheap picnicking tables which were covered in sap spots - a fact we realized only after seeing the stains on our clothing ($15 for the cleaners). The fountain was not operational. Shall I go on...?
4. West Point Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By Brian0ntheGo - Bradenton, Florida
Even if you have lots of time and are going to tour West Point Military Academy on your own, invest in this excellent tour to get started - you'll get lots of great information you wouldn't get on your own. The buses are comfortable and modern, and there is a nice balance between riding on the bus and walking. Our guide, Sara, was outstanding. She had lots of valuable information, was easy to understand, and had lots of pride in the Academy. The tour is well organized, the perfect length, and a great value. If you are visiting West Point, take a West Point Tour!
5. Stonecrop Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Originally the home of Anne and Frank Cabot, Stonecrop became a public garden in 1992 under the direction of Caroline Burgess. At its windswept elevation of 1,100 feet in the Hudson Highlands, Stonecrop covers approximately 12 acres and incorporates a diverse collection of gardens and plants. Included are woodland and water gardens, a grass garden, raised alpine stone beds cliff rock gardens and an enclosed English-style flower garden. Additional features include a conservatory, display alpine house, pit house with an extensive collection of choice dwarf bulbs, and systematic order beds representing over 50 plant families. OPEN FOR VISITATION APRIL - OCTOBER.
Reviewed By believefairy26 - New York
They have done a wonderful job here! Beautiful location, well laid out gardens, you can wander for hours. They provide a listing of all numbered plants and a map. MORE than worth the $5 admission fee! Will go back!!
6. West Point Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 366 reviews
The mission of the West Point Museum is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret historically significant artifacts pertaining to the United States Military Academy, United States Army and the Profession of Arms. The Museum supplements cadet academic, cultural and military instruction and provides educational programs and services for military and civilian personnel. As a public institution, the museum stimulates interest in the United States Military Academy, the United States Army and the Military profession. In addition to the main museum building in Olmsted Hall, the Museum also administers Fort Putnam which it operates seasonally. The Museum also maintains part of its collection on display on Post with the cannon collection on Trophy Point, The superintendant portraits in the Cadet Mess and artwork in many of the academic and administrative buildings. All visitors to the United States Military Academy are encouraged to tour the Museum to view what is considered to be the oldest and largest diversified public collection of miltaria in the Western Hemisphere. The Museum does not require ID to visit. ID for everyone over 16 will be needed if you plan to tour the Academy grounds. Please visit the West Point Garrision webpage for further visitor information.
Reviewed By Laszlo K - Los Angeles, California
West Point incredible history is displayed in this newly renovated museum. A must see for your kids, yourself and all history buffs
7. Breakneck Ridge Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By redmeatandwhisky - New York City, New York
This loop will be closed to the general public for the 2018 season as renovations are made to the trailhead, Metro North railroad station and thus allowing the trailside's regrowth. We have seen firsthand the increased popularity of Breakneck Ridge and although it truly is a wonderful view from the top, there are more dangers along the roadway, train tracks and parking than on the trail, hence the need for new infrastructure. Rumor has it there will also be ADA compliance for mass transit but I am not sure how that construction could finalize without additional mechanical structures built.
If you are lucky enough to get a pass for the 2018 season, I look forward to viewing the trail's regrowth and maintenance. Otherwise, see y'all in 2019!
8. Bannerman Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Mitchell F - New York City, New York
We booked by telephone a few days before (after checking the weather forecast) and the young man was polite and very helpful and capable. We were escorted from the dock in Beacon to the island. Our host was the executive director of the Bannerman Castle Trust. He was passionate about the island and the project to restore the home and explained everything. Wear a hat if it is hot and sunny. The email was explicit concerning the time to arrive prior to departure and where the dock was located, near the Beacon metro north station. The boat ride is 30 minutes each way and lovely by itself. Explore the island with the guide and ask questions. Have fun.
9. Storm King State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By waverider681 - Detroit, Michigan
What an invigorating way to spend a day escaping from NYC. I truly enjoyed hiking Storm King Mountain and would definitely recommend the 2-2.5 hour trek to others. The initial ascent is the most challenging as it involves hiking up some rather steep rock faces, but it begins to level off after about a half hour. At the peak, there are expansive views of the river and valley below. Overall, it is a great hiking option for even the semi-fit as it is not immensely rigorous. However, this certainly isn't a leisurely stroll that can be accomplished in sandals - shoes with decent traction are a must during the first portion - and this advice is coming from someone who climbed the 850+ steps of Petra in flip flops. I would recommend researching your route in advance (we read a blog, which proved to be an immense help at one or two turns) as the posted map at the start of the trail is hard to read due to significant sun fade.
10. West Point Foundry Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Kathy Z - Dumont, New Jersey
Nice well maintained trails to walk and learn a little local history. There is a large parking lot with restrooms and trail maps. The park is undergoing some renovations to bring back it's history and make it an educational destination. There are posts along the paths with info for an audio tour.
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