Saugerties New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Saugerties, New York.
1. Catskill Animal Sanctuary
COMPASSIONATE ANIMAL HAVEN
The Catskill Animal Sanctuary is a must-visit destination in the Hudson Valley, offering weekend tours from April to October and year-round access for guests of The Homestead. Visitors can meet and interact with rescued farm animals in a compassionate environment dedicated to animal welfare and education. The sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to connect with animals and learn about their stories in a peaceful rural setting.
2. Saugerties Lighthouse
HISTORIC RIVER BEACON
The Saugerties Lighthouse stands as an iconic landmark on the Hudson River, offering a picturesque destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk along the trail leading to this historic structure, particularly beautiful on sunny afternoons. The lighthouse provides stunning views of the Hudson River and serves as a reminder of the area's rich maritime heritage.
3. Opus 40
MONUMENTAL BLUESTONE SCULPTURE
Opus 40 is an awe-inspiring bluestone sculpture that stands as a testament to one man's artistic vision and determination. This massive environmental sculpture park features intricate stonework created over decades, forming a mesmerizing landscape of ramps, terraces, and pools. Visitors can explore this remarkable artistic achievement while learning about its creation through information presented in various formats including writings, pictures, videos, and artifacts.
4. Woodstock Museum
CULTURAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Woodstock Museum preserves and celebrates the rich cultural history of the famous 1969 music festival and its ongoing legacy in American culture. Exhibits feature authentic memorabilia, photographs, and multimedia displays that transport visitors back to this pivotal moment in music history. The museum offers an immersive experience that captures the spirit of peace, music, and counterculture that defined the Woodstock generation.
5. Seamon Park
TRANQUIL FLORAL OASIS
Seamon Park is a beautifully landscaped hilly park located in the Northeast corner of Saugerties Village, offering visitors a tranquil retreat throughout the year. The park, deeded to the Village in 1909 by John Seamon, features stunning chrysanthemum displays that reach their peak in September and October during the Chrysanthemum Festival. Visitors can enjoy the historic Children's Statue, cast bronze fountains, picnic areas with fireplaces built by Camp Fire Girls in 1929, and numerous flowering shrubs and trees that enhance the natural beauty of this peaceful sanctuary.
6. Saugerties Farmers Market
LOCAL HARVEST GATHERING
The Saugerties Farmers Market showcases the finest products from throughout the Hudson Valley region, creating a vibrant community gathering space. Visitors can browse stalls filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, artisanal cheeses, eggs, maple syrup, honey, and freshly baked goods. The market also offers prepared lunch options, making it an ideal destination for both shopping and dining while supporting local producers.
7. Saugerties Performing Arts Factory
CREATIVE ARTS VENUE
The Saugerties Performing Arts Factory (SPAF) is a dynamic cultural hub located at 169 Ulster Avenue in the Village of Saugerties, housed in what many locals formerly knew as the 'Liquidators Building.' This versatile venue serves as home to various artistic performances and provides an excellent location for weddings and other special events. SPAF offers a dedicated 1,000 square foot space that unites various performing arts under one roof, enriching the cultural landscape of the Saugerties community.
8. Esopus Bend Nature Preserve
RIVERSIDE WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Esopus Bend Nature Preserve encompasses 155 acres of forever-wild land along the Esopus Creek, offering visitors a pristine natural environment to explore. The preserve features diverse ecosystems including forests, meadows, and wetlands that support a wide variety of plant and animal species. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy walking trails that wind through this protected landscape while experiencing the peaceful sounds and sights of undisturbed wilderness.
9. HITS Showgrounds
PREMIER EQUESTRIAN EVENTS
HITS Showgrounds in Saugerties hosts world-class equestrian competitions that attract top riders and spectators from across the country. The facility features multiple competition rings, stabling areas, and viewing spaces designed to showcase the beauty and athleticism of horses and their riders. Visitors can witness impressive jumping competitions, dressage performances, and other equestrian events in a picturesque Hudson Valley setting.
10. Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
AROMATIC CULINARY CELEBRATION
The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival transforms Saugerties into a fragrant food lover's paradise celebrating all things garlic. This popular annual event features numerous vendors offering garlic-infused foods, fresh garlic varieties, cooking demonstrations, and live entertainment. Visitors can sample unique garlic dishes, learn about garlic cultivation, and enjoy the festive atmosphere that draws thousands of garlic enthusiasts to this community celebration.
11. Shopping
UNIQUE LOCAL TREASURES
Shopping in Saugerties offers a delightful experience with destinations like the Saugerties Antiques Gallery where visitors can browse unique collectibles and vintage treasures. The charming village streets are lined with independent boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stores offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to locally made products. Treasure hunters will appreciate the diverse shopping options ranging from antiques and art to clothing and home decor, all within the quaint atmosphere of this historic Hudson Valley community.
12. Dining
CULINARY DELIGHTS ABOUND
Dining in Saugerties presents a diverse culinary landscape with establishments like 'The Local' hosting special concert and music events alongside delicious menu offerings. The village features an array of restaurants ranging from casual cafes and farm-to-table eateries to international cuisine and fine dining experiences. Food enthusiasts can savor fresh, locally-sourced ingredients transformed into memorable meals, often accompanied by craft beverages from nearby Hudson Valley producers.
13. Hiking
SCENIC NATURAL TRAILS
Hiking in Saugerties offers outdoor enthusiasts access to breathtaking natural landscapes including the stunning Falling Waters Preserve with its cascading streams and river views. Trails wind through diverse terrain from the forested paths of Esopus Bend Nature Preserve to scenic routes around the Blue Mountain Reservoir. Adventurers can explore these well-maintained paths while enjoying spectacular Hudson Valley vistas, abundant wildlife, and the peaceful solitude of Saugerties' preserved natural areas.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S WATERFRONT PARADISE
Fishing in Saugerties centers around the productive waters of Esopus Creek and the majestic Hudson River, offering anglers diverse opportunities to catch various freshwater species. Popular fishing spots include Tina Chorvas Waterfront Park, Sojourner Truth Waterfront Park, and areas near the Cantine Dam where fishermen can cast their lines in peaceful surroundings. Seasonal fishing attracts both locals and visitors who enjoy the serene waterfront settings while pursuing bass, trout, and other game fish in these historic waterways.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
Camping near Saugerties provides outdoor enthusiasts with several options including the nearby Ulster Landing County Park where visitors can enjoy riverside camping with scenic Hudson Valley views. The area surrounding Saugerties offers both developed campgrounds with amenities and more rustic sites for those seeking a genuine connection with nature. Campers can use these overnight accommodations as a base for exploring the region's numerous attractions while enjoying starry nights and the peaceful ambiance of the Catskill Mountain foothills.