From museums to parks: The best things to do in Albany, NY.
Albany, New York, is the state capital and the oldest continuously chartered city in the United States. Located in the eastern part of the state, Albany has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century, making it a hub of culture, education, and politics.
The city has many tourist attractions, from historical sites and cultural landmarks to natural scenery and recreational activities.
One of the most prominent features of Albany is its architecture. The city has many buildings and structures that showcase different styles and periods of American architecture, including the Georgian, Federal, and Art Deco styles.
Visitors can take a self-guided walking or guided bus tour to see some of the most notable buildings, such as the New York State Capitol, the Empire State Plaza, and the Corning Tower.
Albany is also known for its cultural attractions, such as the Albany Institute of History and Art and the Palace Theatre. The Albany Institute has a vast collection of art and artifacts that tell the story of Albany and its surrounding areas.
At the same time, the Palace Theatre is a historic performing arts venue that hosts concerts, shows, and other events throughout the year. Other cultural attractions in Albany include the Albany Symphony Orchestra, the Capital Repertory Theatre, and the Times Union Center.
For those who love the outdoors, Albany offers many opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The city is located on the Hudson River and has several parks and nature preserves, such as the John Boyd Thacher State Park, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Hudson Valley.
The city is also home to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, a unique natural area with rolling dunes and rare plant and animal species.
New York State Museum
The New York State Museum (NYSM) is one of the largest state museums in the country. It is located at the southern end of Governor Nelson Rockefeller Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY.
The museum offers educational programs and public programs for children and adults. The exhibits at the museum explore the culture and history of New York.
In addition to the museum’s permanent collections, many exhibitions are borrowed from other national museums.
There are four major exhibitions at the New York State Museum. These include Ancient Life of New York: A Billion Years of Earth History, a natural history exhibition.
Also, the museum features a 9/11 exhibition. The museum’s Adirondacks section covers the region’s natural and industrial history.
The First Peoples exhibit focuses on the Native Americans of New York. It includes artifacts, dioramas, and a full-size replica of an Iroquois longhouse.
Finally, the Emergence of a State explores the people and events that define the Empire State. This exhibition also examines how state culture is reflected in the arts and architecture.
Other notable exhibits are the Cohoes Mastodon and the Iroquois Longhouse. Both of these artifacts are permanent displays in Albany. Another popular exhibition is the historic working carousel.
The New York State Museum has 100,000 square feet of exhibition space and welcomes visitors worldwide. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts twelve new exhibitions each year.
Thacher State Park
One of the most popular things in Albany, NY, is walking through Thacher State Park. This area has abundant natural beauty and is excellent for any outdoor enthusiast.
The most important thing to remember is to arrive early so you have plenty of time to enjoy the park. There are over 25 miles of trails, ball fields, volleyball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, and more.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, the park has ziplines, rope bridges, and obstacle courses in the treetops. You can even enjoy a tour on a log ladder!
You can also try exploring the paint mine, visiting the Pear Orchard, and hiking the Overlook. Of course, it’s also possible to go caving.
New York State Capitol
The state’s government seat is the New York State Capitol in Albany, NY. This awe-inspiring building was built in the late 19th century.
It’s a landmark of architectural splendor and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. In addition, it’s been a house of government for New York since 1880. Self-guided tours are available, and you can take one on weekdays and Saturdays.
A team of five architects designed the State Capitol Building. The designers were Leopold Eidlitz, Henry Hobson Richardson, Thomas Fuller, Issac Perry, and Louis J. Hinton.
Visitors must pass through metal detectors and have their bags scanned. You can’t carry any sharp objects or weapons in the Capitol.
The building’s interiors feature a mural of the Five Nations of the Iroquois. A woman in the center is known as the Spirit of New York. Another notable feature is the sculpture garden.
Self-guided tours are available and are a great way to explore the Capitol. Highlights of a self-guided tour include the Hall of Governors, Senate Staircase, and the Governor’s Reception Room.
A visit to the Capitol is a must-do for any visitor to Albany. During October, the building holds a unique Hauntings Tour. The tour includes unfinished carvings, ghost stories, and famous inhabitants.
Washington Park
Washington Park is a beautiful park located in Albany, New York. It is considered the finest park in the state of New York. In addition, it was named one of the top 100 parks in the country by the American Association of Architects in 1998.
The park has many amenities, including a croquet lawn, a playground, a tennis court, and a 5.2-acre lake. Also, it has a variety of flower gardens and trees and is a popular spot for recreation.
It was created in 1870 and is the city’s main green space. The lake in the park’s center has a calming effect and often hosts theater productions.
There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops to keep you entertained. In addition, a seasonal farmers’ market is also held near the 19th-century King Memorial Fountain.
USS Slater
The USS Slater was a battleship and destroyer escort, initially constructed in 1944, and now a museum ship that is docked in Albany, NY. This World War II ship is a floating museum and a National Register of Historic Places site.
Slater was commissioned by the Navy in May of 1944 and was used as an escort ship during the Second World War. It accompanied five convoys across the Atlantic to Europe. After Germany surrendered, it returned to the United States.
Destroyer Escorts were built during WWII to help protect shipping from U-boat attacks. They were also used to train naval cadets. These ships were armed with small guns, torpedo tubes, and depth charges.
The USS Slater is on the Hudson River in downtown Albany, NY. Visitors can take guided tours of the ship and learn about the history of this famous vessel. In addition, veterans of the Navy often conduct guided tours.
Guided tours are available from April through November. You can explore the ship’s weaponry, berthing space, mess rooms, and radio rooms. In addition, you can enjoy an overnight camping experience.
For the 82nd anniversary of ‘OXI’ Day, a ceremony was held to commemorate the Hellenic heritage of the ship. The event included speakers and performances from Greek-Americans, including Tim Rizzuto, who spoke about parallels between Greeks and Ukrainians. Also, 14 members of the Slater family attended the ceremony.
The museum has been restored to its WWII appearance and is open for public tours. The ship is also a popular location for naval reunions.