Location: Rensselaer
Top Things to do in Rensselaer
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Top 10 Things to do in Rensselaer, United States
Rensselaer in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for History Museums. Discover best things to do in Rensselaer with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
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1. USS Slater DE-766
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
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 Koldslaw - Albany, New York
If you love military history or naval history this is your jam. Beautiful ship with tons of character.Check er out!
2. Amtrak
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By patsyannie - Northern CA
We took the Amtrak Maple Leaf from Toronto to Buffalo. Toronto's train station is under construction. The Amtrak waiting area is quite dismal. After being in business class on Via Rail, Amtrak's business class did not include food. Food from the snack bar was pretty pedestrian at best -- like a convenience shop at best. However, the staff members were very kind and helpful. They assisted us with our luggage when noticing that my husband used a cane. You must exit the train with all belongings when entering the US Customs. Although our train was not full, there was about 75 minute wait after the train had cleared customs. A new staff comes on board.
It was an interesting way to visit family in Buffalo. Although it was a rainy day, we were able to experience the beautiful fall colors in upstate New York. When arriving at our station in Buffalo, the staff assisted us off. They also quickly hailed a waiting taxi for us.
3. Hudson Valley
Overall Ratings
4 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By kcashbourne - Crich, United Kingdom
We knew the journey would take 11 hours but add an hour and a half for the tortuous last 2 and a quarter hours. Something to do with the heat!
The scenery is lovely but not stunning.
Waited over an hour at the passport check station.
After about 9 hours the toilets were dirty, no toilet paper and no soap - yet there were three Amtrak staff sitting in the buffet bar doing nothing!
Food was expensive and nothing special.
Good thing is there is free wifi and you can charge your devices at you seat.
4. New York State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 680 reviews
The New York State Capitol has served as the seat of government for New York since the 1880's. Over 125 years old, the building is a marvel of late 19th-century architectural grandeur. Built by hand of solid masonry, it took 5 architects and 32 years to complete. Over the years meticulous restoration has been done to maintain and protect the Capitol for future generations of New Yorkers.
Reviewed By ProfessorOT - Hamilton, Canada
We went to the New York State Capitol for an advocacy event. The building was beautiful with its detailed architecture and stunning columns. A must is observing the Senate floor from the viewing gallery. Make sure that you have good walking shoes!
5. Crailo State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Museum detailing Hudson Valley Dutch lifestyles.
Reviewed By John I - Clifton Park, New York
In the Albany area, we take the Dutch background for granted. The spring "Tulip Festival" happens to cement that connection. However, this tour really shows the real beginning of the Dutch settlement, along with the background of Fort Orange, which is gone. I was stunned that the downstairs walls were 350 years old. Much of the building has been remodeled over the years but, the main floors and fireplaces were intact.
The history of Dutch slave holdings was also discussed in an exhibition on the second floor. I was not aware that slaves were held for domestic duties in the Albany area. This exhibit also connects the colonial holdings of the English, Dutch, French and Spanish in the New World. A great find for a history buff.
Note, that this is not a high traffic area, and the address is very unassuming. It is on a residential street and hours are limited. Best to call to confirm. Discounts are available in combination with the Schuyler Mansion.
6. New York State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 907 reviews
Under the leadership of the New York State Education Department, this museum and research center preserves New York State's artistic, social, historical and environmental legacies through such exhibits as "Native Peoples of New York," "The Cohoes Mastodont" and "Black Capital: Harlem in the 20s."
Reviewed By Connie R - Boston, Massachusetts
Spent several hours in this museum which is free to the public but accepts donations. Outstanding special exhibit on Women's Suffrage movement and the role played by New Yorkers. Powerful exhibit on NYC on Sept. 11. Incredibly moving. Also, interesting exhibit on the birds of New York State..
7. Palace Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By Disneybus - Pittsgrove, New Jersey
This is just a beautiful "old school" historic theatre. We had the pleasure of experiencing the Palace on a recent visit to see Lewis Black. Parking is available close by, the restrooms are fairly spacious and ample, and there is surprisingly ample legroom and seating size for an older theatre. Our usher pridefully took some time enlightening us to the theatre's history, design, and cultural value to Albany. The world's foremost theatre architect of the time - RKO spared no expense in the Palace's design, which boasted an ornate Austrian Baroque design with "atmospheric" elements in the auditorium. The Palace has retained most of its original design features, including an impressive brass chandelier in the main lobby, original murals painted by Hungarian artists and plaster beams in the fore-lobby painted to resemble carved wood. The Palace underwent extensive renovations in the early 2000's, including a state-of-the-art LED marquee, replicating the original 1931 design. To fully appreciate the grandiose design, we arrived early to walk around all levels. Magnificent!
8. Washington Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
Reviewed By mama_in_vegas - massachusetts
I walked around Washington Park on a lovely fall day. It is a pleasant place and you can easily traverse the whole park in 45 minutes with leisurely stops at the lake, bridge, boat house and views of the beautiful homes along its edges.
9. Albany Institute of History & Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Step inside one of the oldest museums in North America for a glimpse of what life was like in old Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley through an amazing collection of furniture, clothing, paintings, silver and photographs, all celebrating the importance of this region in American history.
Reviewed By jank1 - Williamson, New York
While not as large as the NYS Museum, it held a number of interesting exhibits. The temporary exhibit was early 1900's high society women's dresses and was spectacular. Over 100 gowns, probably 10 to 20 in a room along with some period furniture gave a real feel what society balls must have been like. The main permanent display is a large (~100) collection of Hudson River School paintings, really beautiful, plus a few smaller temporary exhibits.
10. Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza
Overall Ratings
4 based on 167 reviews
In June 1965, the cornerstone was laid for what would become The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza. Marketed at the time as a "Design for the Future," the Plaza exists today as an icon of 20th century Modernist architecture. The Empire State Plaza features 10 state government buildings set on a six-story platform connected by a quarter mile long underground concourse. The Empire State Plaza is complete with historical attractions, walking tours, modern paintings and sculptures, memorials and remembrances, a performing arts center, 42 story observation deck, ice skating rink during the winter and plenty of music and other entertainment in the summer and fall.
Reviewed By Mork001 - Melbourne, Australia
Really nice place for a walk no time of year.
We strolled around the plaza taking in the 4 Agencies, The Egg, Skating Rink, the statues and art pieces.
You can go up the tower to the observation deck, 42 floors up with a great view of Albany.
Like many thing in Albany, the Observation deck is free.
Park across the road after 3pm for free parking in the cathedral cark park.
