Schenectady Attractions
Agnes Macdonald Music Haven
This gorgeous outdoor amphitheater
adorns Central Park and features free music, theater, movies and family
programs from June through August. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at
(800) 962-8007 for a free calendar of events.
American Indian Cultural Center
Situated on a 29-acre site on the
South bank of the Mohawk River in Rotterdam Junction. The center
presently houses a museum, gift shop and classrooms to educate the
public about American Indian culture, languages, arts and crafts. Future
plans for the Center include a nature trail, boat dock, an American
Indian Restaurant and an open-air theater. (518) 887-2590
http://www.keepersofthecircle.com
Boating
Pleasure boats cruise up and down the
wide and plentiful Mohawk River, anticipating the special thrill of
going through a lock. And if you decide to dock, there are plenty of
fishing and picnic spots everywhere along the river, including Gateway
Landing Park. (518) 386-2225
http://www.govt.co.schenectady.ny.us/bikehike.htm
Center City Sportsplex
A professionally managed arena and
trade show complex located conveniently in the heart of downtown
Schenectady. Host to 200 indoor soccer teams, a semi-professional soccer
team—the Electric City Shockers—a sports equipment store, and the
Electric City Rock Gym, the Sportsplex boasts an annual attendance of
more than 75,000 people. Recently benefiting from $800,000 in capital
improvements, the Center City Sportsplex is actively promoting
additional sports and entertainment opportunities, as well as seeking
trade show partners and civic events. (518) 382-5104
http://www.centercitysportsplex.org
Central Park
Our Central Parks has beautiful rose
gardens with more than 200 varieties of 4,500 roses in flower from June
until frost. While you’re in the Park, catch a concert at the Agnes
Macdonald Music Haven Stage, go for a swim, try your luck at fishing,
serve a game of tennis or just relax and enjoy the duck pond. Central
Park is also home to many festivals, including Tuesday in the Park, a
celebration of community life each August. (518) 382-5151
http://www.schenectady.net
The Chamber of Schenectady County
Schenectady County is at the center of
it all!! Located just a short ride from Saratoga Springs, Cooperstown or
Albany and less than 3 hours from Boston, Montreal and New York City, it
offers first class accommodations, wonderful attractions and has a
wealth of history and culture. Visit us online at
www.sayschenectady.org
Collins Park
Bordered by the Mohawk River, Collins
Park in Scotia has everything for a family outing: Picnic pavilions,
playground, tennis and basketball courts, ball fields and swimming in
Collins Park Lake. Watch for fireworks on the fourth of July or spend a
Tuesday evening watching the Coors Light Water Ski Show Team practice on
the Mohawk. And be sure to sample some original fast food at Jumpin’
Jack’s, a Schenectady County tradition. (518) 374-8611
The Costumer
Many of the costumes worn on Proctor’s
stage - and on stages throughout the world - are made at The Costumer,
the largest costume supplier in New York State with more than 40,000
garments in stock. To see the sometimes realistic, sometimes macabre,
but always fascinating world of costume design, stop by the retail store
on Barrett Street in Schenectady or arrange for a group tour. (518)
374-7442
http://www.thecostumer.com
Country Pleasures
While visiting, take time to explore
our highways and byways. You’ll discover antique shops scattered all
over, delight in country stores in the smallest of hamlets, fine
riverside picnic areas, and enjoy beautiful hills and meadows in
whichever direction you travel. Look for the Victorian homes in Delanson
and the beautiful and austere Quaker Meeting House, c. 1800, in
Duanesburg!
Electric City Rock Gym
A full-service rock climbing gym
unlike any other! Fun and challenging routes for climbers of all levels,
safe and instructive environment for beginning climbers,
state-of-the-art climbing wall, lead routes, top-level bouldering and a
traversing wall for hours of fun. Highly trained staff, locker room and
shower area, full rental gear. Located within Center City Sportsplex.
(518) 388-2704
http://www.centercitysportsplex.org/rockgym
Empire State Aerosciences Museum
New York State’s aviation history
soars at the Empire State Aerosciences Museum. Airplanes, models,
dioramas, photos and art are combined with “please touch” exhibits in
which emerging pilots can get a feel for flying. Saturday Aeroscience
Adventures introduce children to different topics in aviation. Take off
for the museum’s Flight Airshow, a major two-day event in which jet
teams, aerobatic demonstrations and prime exhibits of military and
private aircraft are showcased. (518) 377-2191
http://www.esam.org
Erie Canal and Mohawk River
The Erie Canal was called the greatest
engineering feat of its era and solidified our area’s place in
post-colonial development. The opening of the Canal in 1823, as well as
the rapid expansion of railroads, gave new stimulus to commerce and
industry in Schenectady County. This prompted Thomas Edison to establish
Edison Machine Works, soon to become General Electric Company and today
known to millions as GE, in Schenectady.
Fishing
Fishing is especially great at Collins
Park in Scotia and at the lock parks along the Mohawk River. Anglers
will also find excellent fishing at Central Park in Schenectady and at
Mariaville Lake. If you need bait, stop by Nick’s Bait Shop on Broadway
Hill, a fisherman’s paradise. Nick’s has a pictorial display of the
great fishing you’ll find in Schenectady County and will show you all
the big ones that didn’t get away.
Frontier Snow Riders Snowmobile
Trails
An organization dedicated to safe,
responsible snowmobiling in Schenectady County. A map of trails is
available for a $3 suggested donation.
http://www.frontiersnow.tripod.com
GE Realty Plot
First developed at the turn of the
century by a group of GE executives, the GE Schenectady Realty Plot
evolved into an imposing collection of upper-class homes along broad,
tree-lined streets. Essentially intact today, the Plot has numerous
examples of elegant early 20th century homes, including the
first fully “electric house” in the country, designed as a showcase for
General Electric products. Pick up a free walking tour map at the
Schenectady Heritage Area Visitors Center in the Schenectady Museum.
Glen Sanders Mansion
The Glen Sanders Mansion, an
architectural gem on the banks of the Mohawk River in Scotia, reflects
the area’s colonial Dutch heritage. The building still retains its
massive beams, raised panel doors, pegged banisters, and hand-wrought
hardware. The Mansion survived the raids of the French and Indian wars.
During the 1690 raid across the river in Schenectady, Glen’s family and
possessions were not harmed by order of the Governor General of Quebec
in return for Glen’s kindness to Jesuit missionaries. Now a public
Restaurant and Inn, the Glen Sanders is known for its wonderful food and
hospitable surroundings. (518) 374-7262
http://www.glensandersmansion.com
Golf
Get in the swing of things with a
little golf at one of our beautiful courses. After all, whether you’re
here for a weekend or a week, you want to work on your game.
Briar Creek Golf Course (518) 355-6145
Hill Crest Golf Course (518) 355-9817
Schenectady Municipal Golf Course (518) 382-5155
Whispering Pine Executive Golf Course (518) 355-2724
Stadium Golf Club (518) 374-9104 or
http://www.stadiumgolfclub.com
Hamilton Hill Arts Center
This Cultural Arts Center is the only
one of its kind in the region with changing exhibits of works by
talented African-American and minority artists. (518) 346-1262
Heritage Area Visitor Center
Housed at the Schenectady Museum, the
visitor center features exhibits that emphasize the history of
Schenectady and its importance to the electrical and railway industries.
The Center also makes available a recorded tour of the Stockade, a
dramatic guide to which you can listen to as you walk the quaint streets
and examine the architecture of this early settlement. Transportation is
a major theme of Schenectady’s Heritage Area, for the world’s first
steam passenger train and America’s first intercity rail route linked
Schenectady and nearby Albany in 1831. A more modern train, the RS-3
diesel locomotive, built in 1953 at ALCO (American Locomotive Company),
is also on display at the Visitor Center. The ALCO RS-3 was one of the
first highly successful general purpose locomotives. (518) 382-7890
http://www.schenectadymuseum.org
Jackson’s Garden
Jackson’s Garden may be Union
College’s best-kept secret. Designed by Captain Issac Jackson in the
1830s, it has eight acres of woodland and gardens tucked behind a
beautiful iron gate. In contrast to architect Ramee’s classical design
for the Union College campus, Jackson’s Garden is natural and informal
in character.
http://www.union.edu/Tour
Mabee Farm
In a storybook setting of productive
fields along the Mohawk River sits the Jan Mabee farm - the oldest
continuously lived-in farm in the Mohawk Valley. The stone house is the
centerpiece of this historic site where, for more than 300 years, the
Mabee family adapted to the changes that the growth of the nation
brought. Representing a typical early family of the area, the Mabee farm
tells a story that is unique; the story of an ordinary family who came
out to the edge of the wilderness and how its eight generations were
instrumental in the development of the Mohawk Valley. You’ll see ongoing
archaeological digs, Dutch and English barns, an 1888 Westinghouse
thresher, early buildings, the family cemetery and typical 19th
century farm crops. (518) 887-5073
http://www.timesunion.com/communities/mabeefarm
Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway
Hikers, bicyclists, and roller bladers
love this hike/bike path. It’s perfect for catching glimpses of the
river and you don’t have to look over your shoulder for oncoming
traffic. There isn’t any.
http://www.govt.co.schenectady.ny.us/bikehike.htm
Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway
The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway seeks
to increase awareness, enjoyment and linkage of the wide variety of
scenic, recreational and historic resources along the Mohawk River and
Erie Barge Canal corridor from Waterford to Schenectady. The Byway is a
regional partnership of communities that will balance the promotion of
local interests with the protection of heritage resources.
http://www.homestead.com/mohawktowpath/index.html
Mohawk Valley Skydiving
A United States Parachute Association
(USPA)-affiliated skydiving center! USPA is the national certifying
organization for all skydiving activities in the United States. All
instructors hold valid and current certifications with an average of
more than 3,000 dives and 18 years’ experience. Mohawk Valley Skydiving
uses state-of-the-art equipment and the most current instructional
methods available. Experience Tandem Skydiving or Accelerated Freefall!
http://www.mohawkvalleyskydiving.com
Nature Preserves
Schenectady County offers many
beautiful nature preserves for hiking and picnicking where you can learn
to identify the wildflowers of early spring, rustle through the fall
leaves, and just appreciate the quiet of nature. Enjoy the Indian Kill
Preserve, Plotter Kill Preserve, Schenectady County Forest, or Gateway
Landing Park.
http://www.govt.co.schenectady.ny.us/bikehike.htm
New York Folklore Society Gallery of
New York Traditions
A consignment gallery specializing in
affordable folk art from throughout New York State. Folk or traditional
artists are those who pursue arts rooted in a community’s history and
culture - arts intimately linked to a community’s sense of identity,
pride and self-determination. (518) 346-7008
http://www.nyfolklore.org
Niskayuna Train Station
This restored 19th century
brick station served the Troy-Schenectady railroad route. The Niskayuna
Historical Society, which maintains the facility, presents various
exhibits at the station, which can be viewed on Sundays from April
through October. Picnic area, fishing, boat launch, and bike path are
also located at the station.
Proctor’s Theatre
They don’t make them like this
anymore! Built by famed impresario F.F. Proctor to be the crown jewel in
his chain, Proctor’s is one of the most impressive Schenectady
attractions and vaudeville theaters in the country! Built in 1926 at a
cost of a $1.5 million. Restored and gleaming today, Proctor’s is a
vision of early 20th century neo-classic theatre architecture
with a Louis XV marble fireplace, a delicate pastoral mural by Lundberg
and large gilt and crystal chandeliers. In use more than 300 days a
year, Proctor’s features a year-round season of Broadway touring shows,
dance and music. If you want to see shows like Angels in America, West
Side Story, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, there’s no
better setting. According to Hal Holbrook, “You couldn’t replace this at
any price.” Proctor’s beautiful setting is complemented by fine
acoustics, perfect for listening to Goldie, its Mighty Wurlizter organ.
Proctor’s also features films all year long the way they were meant to
be seen - on the big screen. (518) 346-6204
http://www.proctors.org
Rexford Aqueduct
A remnant of the aqueduct of the old
Erie Canal, which supported a water-tight wooden trough and canal
towpath, is still present in the Niskayuna region of Schenectady County.
Schenectady City Hall
In the heart of downtown Schenectady
and on the National Register of Historic Places, this Federal-style
structure was built between 1931 and 1933 by world-renowned architects
McKim, Mead & White, whose credits also include Boston Public Library,
New York City’s Penn Station, and the Rhode Island State Capitol. Robert
F. Kennedy is rumored to have called this structure “the prettiest City
Hall in the United States.” Of special interest is its landmark gold
leaf dome. (518) 382-5199
http://www.schenectady.net
Schenectady Civic Players
Five plays per season, but, oh what
performances! The Foreigner. Mister Roberts. Crimes of the Heart. The
Schenectady Civic Players, the oldest continually performing theater
group in the Capital Region, will capture hearts and minds as they
perform from their home, a redesigned former Masonic Temple located in
the historic Stockade. (518) 382-2081
Schenectady County Community College
Schenectady County Community College
is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York (SUNY)
system, the nation’s largest comprehensive system of higher education.
SCCC’s Elston Hall is the site of the former Van Curler Hotel which is
listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. A true
treasure in the Capital Region, SCCC offers more than 35 transfer
degree, career degree and certificate programs, as well as a myriad of
special business training, community service and specialty programs.
http://www.sunysccc.edu
Schenectady County Historical Society
In the heart of the old Stockade area,
the Schenectady County Historical Society and its museum houses three
floors of furniture, paintings, costumes, toys, and household and
military items. Its display of original 18th century
furniture is especially notable. Organized in 1905, the Society also has
an extensive historical library with a genealogical section and
thousands of original documents. The Historical Society is also home to
the Grems Doolittle Library, which houses a large selection of books on
history and genealogy, 19th and early 20th century
newspapers and documents belonging to the late John Glen and Charles
Proteus Steinmetz. (518) 374-0263
http://www.schist.org
Schenectady County Public Library
Nine branch locations provide
informational, educational and recreational resources to residents of
Schenectady, Fulton, Montgomery and Schoharie Counties. (518) 388-4500
http://www.scpl.org
Schenectady Light Opera Company
Hear the drama of opera in an intimate
270-seat theater. The Schenectady Light Opera produces four shows a
year, all volunteer, all passion. Over its more than 70-year history,
Schenectady Light Opera Company has popular shows such as A Chorus Line,
Godspell, The Secret Garden, and Into the Woods. (518) 393-5732
http://www.sloctheater.com
Schenectady Museum
Visit the all-new Schenectady Museum,
featuring state-of-the-art interactive exhibits that tell the story of a
community with the power to change the world...and itself. See the
“Think Tank,” which explains innovations in which Schenectady has played
a major role, including refrigeration, radio and television.
“Collections” presents artifacts and images from the Hall of Electrical
History, costumes, and the electric car. And don’t miss the MVP Kids’
Place, where learning is child’s play. (518) 382-7890
http://www.schenectadymuseum.org
Schenectady Symphony Orchestra
Great music deserves great acoustics
and an elegant setting. Proctor’s is home to the Schenectady Symphony
Orchestra, which has a program of four major concerts each year. This
critically acclaimed community-based orchestra with 100 musicians
continues a 60-year tradition of bringing fine music to the Capital
Region. (518) 372-2500
Skiing
Downhill. Cross-country. You decide.
Schenectady County usually has a real winter, complete with snow, so be
sure to bring your skis. We also have plenty of snow for sledding and
snowshoeing, whether you’re in town or out in the country. For downhill
swooshing try Maple Ski Ridge (518) 381-4700 or
http://www.mapleskiridge.com,
or go cross-country at one of the county nature preserves.
http://www.govt.co.schenectady.ny.us/bikehike.htm
Stockade Historic District
Schenectady’s Stockade is one of the
few places in this country where a thriving residential community has
occupied the same site for 300 years. The original settlement was
founded in 1661. After it was razed by the flames of the 1690
Indian-French massacre, the Dutch rebuilt the town. Today, the
handsomely preserved and restored Stockade historic features homes from
the very early 1700s, dozens more built before the Revolution, and
scores from the early 1800s. Historic markers indicate construction
dates and early owners. Pick up a copy of the Stockade Self-Guided Tour
from the Chamber’s Visitor Center and stroll through the intimate
streets of the Stockade. You’ll see stone stoops and high Dutch gables,
Colonial doorways, half-hidden gardens, and an outstanding collection of
Dutch, Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, and Victorian residential
architecture. Watch for the annual Walkabout, a Stockade house and
garden tour held each September.
http://www.historicstockade.com
Union College
Union College, one of only 21
institutions of higher education in America founded before 1800, has
always reflected its founders’ forward-thinking passion for a truly
liberal education, free of narrow thinking. The beautiful 100-acre Union
College is renowned as the first architecturally designed campus in
America, and a tour absolutely delights the eye. Its emphasis on the
arch as an architectural element is readily apparent. Be sure to see the
16-sided Nott Memorial, a National Historic Landmark and a prime example
of High Victorian Gothic.
http://www.union.edu
Union Street Historic District
Walk along the Union Street Historic
District and you’ll see Victorian towers and turrets stand out against
the sky, the landmark St. John the Evangelist Church, the beautiful
gates to Union College, and a wealth of 19th and early 20th
century architecture. One of the most delightful Schenectady
attractions.
Other nearby
attractions include:
The
Saratoga Race Track
is
located in
Saratoga Springs,
NY.
(just 30 min. away).
The National
Baseball Hall of Fame
is
located in
Cooperstown, NY.
(just 40 min. away).
Albany,
the Capitol of New York State is less than 20 mintues from Schenectady.
Schenectady is about
three hours from New York City, Boston
and Montreal.
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