Hudson Valley, New York: Culture and Nature

To get a sense of the size of this area, visit the exciting Walkway Over the Hudson. The former railway bridge over the mighty Hudson River is raised at about a height of 64.6 meters and provides stunning views of the surrounding nature. From the middle of the bridge, stop to enjoy the vistas.

The picturesque, riverside Village of Cold Spring, just 80 kilometers north of Manhattan, is the perfect destination for a day trip. A train runs through frequently and stops just a short walk away from an array of boutique shops, sidewalk restaurants and art galleries.

From here, visit Bear Mountain State Park. On a clear day, this nature reserve with forests and a large lake provides views all the way to Manhattan from the top of the mountain. The park offers over 298 kilometers of hiking trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail, one of the longest hiking trails in the world. In winter you can also enjoy cross-country skiing, and every October the park is transformed into a small German Oktoberfest. The park is also perfect for families; in addition to the beautiful carousel, there is a small zoo. For those that might want to spend the night, rooms can be rented at the romantic and historic inn right in the park.

Art and architectural attractions are plentiful in the Hudson Valley. Head to the Storm King Art Center, which spreads over 202 hectares of woodland, hills and fields, and is home to more than 100 sculptures created by internationally known artist, including Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, Louise Nevelson and Roy Lichtenstein. There is a cafe and a minibus, so you can always hop on and off. For aesthetic reasons, there are no signs on any of the pieces spread throughout the park, so be sure to pick up an audio guide tour from the visitor center.

See John D. Rockefeller's estate, which is known as Kykuit, translating to "view" in the Dutch language. The beautiful 40-room building houses an exquisite and versatile art collection. Stroll through the romantic gardens and enjoy a look onto the majestic Hudson Valley.

Don’t miss a visit to Mohonk Mountain House, a Victorian-era resort. The magnificent property, which has been family owned and operated since 1869, sits at the edge of a pristine glacial lake and is surrounded by unspoiled countryside. Throughout the grounds along the numerous trails, you can find small wooden outlooks, which provide wonderful unobstructed landscape views and a place to rest.

One hour north of Mohonk, visit Olana State Historic Site, the 101-hectare historic estate of famed mid-19th century landscape artist, Frederic Edwin Church. Church’s work flourished here, which is no surprise. The Eastern-inspired mansion is filled with original sketches, studies and paintings by the artist, and the richly decorated interior of the house remains as it was when Church was in residence. Be sure to reserve a ticket in advance of your visit.

Check out the exhibits at the New York State Museum in Albany, which dates to 1836. The museum explores New York’s natural and geological development, as well as its cultural diversity, and has more than 10 exhibitions each year on varied subjects.

The range of breathtaking scenery and impressive culture in the Hudson Valley will surprise and enchant you. From a quick day-trip on the train, to a weeklong visit by car, the Hudson Valley region of New York is well worth a visit, and has something for just about everyone.