Kinderhook New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kinderhook, New York.
1. Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY COMES ALIVE
The Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, also known as Lindenwald, preserves the estate of the eighth U.S. President in Kinderhook. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored mansion and learn about Van Buren's life and political career through guided tours offered from May through October. The grounds of the estate are open year-round and provide a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century presidential life.
2. Jack Shainman Gallery: The School
CONTEMPORARY ART SHOWCASE
Jack Shainman Gallery: The School is a renowned contemporary art venue housed in a former middle school building in Kinderhook. The gallery hosts impressive exhibitions featuring internationally acclaimed artists during its five-month season, with public access available on Saturdays. Private showings can be arranged for visitors Monday through Friday through local accommodations like the Old Dutch Inn.
3. Samascott Orchards
PICK-YOUR-OWN FARM EXPERIENCE
Samascott Orchards offers a delightful agricultural experience where visitors can pick their own seasonal fruits and vegetables in Kinderhook. The farm provides a family-friendly environment with various crops available throughout the growing season, including apples, berries, and pumpkins. Beyond fruit picking, visitors can enjoy farm animals, a country store, and homemade ice cream that showcases the orchard's fresh produce.
4. Art Omi
OUTDOOR SCULPTURE PARADISE
Art Omi presents an impressive 120-acre outdoor sculpture park near Kinderhook where art and nature blend seamlessly. Visitors can wander along trails discovering remarkable large-scale contemporary sculptures set against beautiful natural landscapes. The center also offers weekend workshops, school break programs, and popular summer camps for children, plus hosts special opening parties and benefit events throughout the year.
5. Columbia County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
The Columbia County Historical Society Museum showcases the rich heritage and history of Kinderhook and surrounding areas. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits that tell the story of the region's Dutch colonial past and subsequent development. Visitors can explore the museum's library and rotating exhibits that highlight various aspects of local history and culture.
6. Luykas Van Alen House
DUTCH COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE
The Luykas Van Alen House stands as an exceptional example of early Dutch colonial architecture in Kinderhook dating back to the 1730s. This meticulously preserved historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the daily life of Dutch settlers in the Hudson Valley through period furnishings and authentic artifacts. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the construction techniques, cultural practices, and agricultural methods of New York's early European inhabitants.
7. Kinderhook Cemetery
HISTORIC FINAL RESTING PLACE
Kinderhook Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many notable historical figures and offers a peaceful setting for contemplation. Visitors can stroll among centuries-old gravestones while learning about local history through the epitaphs and monuments of prominent citizens. The cemetery's well-maintained grounds and historical significance make it both a cultural landmark and a place of remembrance in the Kinderhook community.
8. Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse
LITERARY LEGEND'S NAMESAKE
The Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse preserves a piece of educational history while connecting to Washington Irving's famous character who was reportedly inspired by a local Kinderhook schoolteacher. This historic one-room schoolhouse offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century education with authentic period furnishings and teaching materials. Though temporarily closed at times for preservation work, when open it provides an immersive experience into early American education methods and rural school life.
9. Vanderpoel House of History
FEDERAL-ERA ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Vanderpoel House of History stands as an elegant Federal-style mansion showcasing the refined lifestyle of prominent Kinderhook residents during the early 19th century. Visitors can admire the architectural details, period furnishings, and decorative arts that reflect the tastes of the era when Martin Van Buren was rising to political prominence. The house also serves as a venue for special exhibitions and educational programs about local history and culture.
10. Dutch Farming Heritage Trail
AGRICULTURAL HISTORY PATHWAY
The Dutch Farming Heritage Trail guides visitors through Kinderhook's agricultural landscape that has been shaped by centuries of farming traditions. Travelers along this self-guided route will discover historic barns, farmhouses, and fields that showcase the region's Dutch colonial influence on American farming practices. Interpretive markers along the trail provide fascinating insights into crop cultivation, livestock management, and the rural lifestyle that has defined this area since the 17th century.
11. Shopping
LOCAL TREASURES AND FINDS
Shopping in Kinderhook offers visitors charming retail experiences including specialty stores and gift shops housed in historic buildings. The Kinderhook Farmers' Market showcases local artisans and producers, while nearby antique stores feature unique collectibles reflecting the area's rich history. Visitors can also browse Samascott's Garden Market for fresh farm produce and locally made food products all year round.
12. Dining
CULINARY DELIGHTS AWAIT
Dining in Kinderhook presents visitors with delicious options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants serving farm-to-table cuisine. Popular establishments like The Flammerie offer wood-fired specialties, while Dyad Wine Bar provides excellent wine pairings with seasonal small plates. Visitors can also enjoy fresh ice cream and baked goods at Samascott's Garden Market after exploring the town's cultural attractions.
13. Hiking
NATURAL EXPLORATION OPPORTUNITIES
Hiking around Kinderhook provides outdoor enthusiasts with beautiful trails through diverse landscapes including Beebe Hill and Harvey Mountain State Forest. Harrier Hill Park offers well-maintained paths with stunning views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains in the distance. The nearby High Falls Conservation Area features trails leading to impressive waterfalls, making it a perfect destination for nature photographers and wilderness lovers.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S PARADISE NEARBY
Fishing near Kinderhook offers anglers excellent opportunities to catch various species in Kinderhook Creek, a tributary that eventually flows to the Hudson River. The nearby Hudson River itself provides more extensive fishing possibilities with striped bass, catfish, and numerous other species depending on the season. Local fishing spots are well-maintained and accessible, making them suitable for both experienced fishermen and families looking to introduce children to the sport.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
Camping options near Kinderhook include the well-appointed facilities at Taconic State Park where visitors can enjoy comfortable sites amid beautiful natural surroundings. Lake Taghkanic State Park, just a short drive away, offers both tent and cabin camping with access to swimming, boating, and hiking trails. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Beebe Hill State Forest provides primitive camping opportunities that allow nature enthusiasts to truly immerse themselves in the peaceful woodland environment.