6 Towns in Upstate New York With Rich History
New York has the distinction of being the 11th of the USA’s 13 original colonies to join the Union, an event that took place in 1788. In the nearly 240 years since, countless small towns in Upstate New York – the region that encompasses pretty much everything outside of New York City – have played important roles in shaping America and its history.
From the sporting heritage of towns like Cooperstown, famous for its baseball museum, and Lake Placid where the Winter Olympics have been held twice, to the horseracing roots of Saratoga Springs and the human rights legacy of Seneca Falls, many smaller communities in the “Empire State” have played pivotal roles in the nation’s development. Learn more about them in this list of six towns in Upstate New York with rich history.
Kingston
Its role as the first capital of New York State guarantees Kingston's place at the top of this list of key historic towns. Just 59 miles south of Albany, the current state capital, Kingston was first settled in 1652 by the Dutch and then later by the British before being declared New York’s first capital in 1777, a role it served for 20 years. Its strategic position on the Hudson River saw the town grow rapidly not just as a political hub but also for trade, evidence of which can still be seen the Kingston’s Stockade District. Highlights include a collection of well-preserved Dutch Colonial stone houses, as well as historic churches and museums. One of the best museums here is the Senate House State Historic Site where the first New York State Senate met.
Other fun things to do in Kingston include exploring the Rondout–West Strand Historic District. Located along the waterfront, this former maritime village features a lively promenade with restaurants, galleries, and boutique shops, while the must-visit Hudson River Maritime Museum showcases the town’s rich maritime history. The Kingston Arts District hosts numerous galleries and studios and is a hub for artists and creative types with regular art walks and cultural events throughout the year.
Cooperstown
Baseball fans will certainly be familiar with the small town of Cooperstown. Located mid-way between Albany and Syracuse on pretty Otsego Lake, Cooperstown’s deep connections to America's favorite sport are celebrated at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. A pilgrimage site for sports enthusiasts since 1939, this iconic institution chronicles the history of baseball through memorabilia and the much-revered Hall of Fame Gallery which honors the game's greatest contributors.
Other important cultural attractions in Cooperstown include the Fenimore Art Museum. Among the museum’s prized collections are examples of American folk art, Native American artifacts, and 19th-century landscape paintings, all set in an elegant Neo-Georgian mansion built in 1933 that’s surrounded by spectacular gardens. Other must-sees include the Farmers' Museum which provides a window into 19th-century rural life that’s centered around a working farmstead, a recreated historic village, and interactive exhibits that bring history to life. Try to time a visit to coincide with annual events including craft workshops and agricultural demonstrations for a fully immersive experience.
Saratoga Springs
Its handy location just 40 minutes’ drive north of Albany makes Saratoga Springs an ideal New York State day trip destination. Sports fans will want to start their adventure at Saratoga Race Course. One of the oldest horse racing tracks in the United States, it opened in 1863 and is famous for its summer racing season, attracting visitors from around the world. Another significant attraction is Saratoga Spa State Park, a sprawling 2,379-acre site that’s popular for its naturally carbonated mineral springs (which can be sampled at the Roosevelt Baths and Spa) as well as for its classical architecture and walking trails.
Saratoga National Historical Park is another great place to visit. It was here the Battle of Saratoga took place during the American Revolutionary War, a pivotal event commemorated with a visitor center and a scenic driving tour of the battlefield. The city is also home to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), a premier venue for music and dance performances, including the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The city's downtown area is also worth exploring, especially along Broadway, the main street, with its Victorian-style buildings.
Seneca Falls
Seneca Falls, a small town founded in 1831 in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, is famous as the birthplace of the women's rights movement and is home to the Women's Rights National Historical Park. It was here in 1848 that the country’s first Women's Rights Convention was held and where pioneers like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott ignited the fight for women's suffrage and equality. The park includes the Wesleyan Chapel, where the convention was held, and a state-of-the-art visitor center presenting exhibits detailing the movement’s struggles and triumphs.
The National Women's Hall of Fame is another must-visit. Located next door to the park, this important institution was established in 1969 and celebrates women who have made significant contributions to various fields, from science and politics to arts and education. Other historically significant attractions include the Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry which showcases the town's role in the industrial development of the United States. The town's connection to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal is also worth noting and is a reminder of its important role in the 19th-century transportation and trade networks that passed through the area.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles is another picturesque town located in the Finger Lakes region that should be included on any Upstate New York travel itinerary. Founded in 1830, the main attraction here is Skaneateles Lake, one of the cleanest and most scenic of the Finger Lakes. The lake not only provides a stunning backdrop but also offers a variety of recreational activities including boating, swimming, and fishing. The town's public pier and Clift Park provide lovely spots for lakeside picnics and watching sunsets.
Visitors are also drawn to Skaneateles's historic downtown area. In addition to its many well-preserved 19th-century buildings, the streets are lined with unique boutique and antique shops, art galleries, cafés, and restaurants, and is especially fun to visit during the popular Skaneateles Festival, an annual summer event that brings together world-class musicians for concerts in both indoor and outdoor settings. Skaneateles is also the gateway to the Finger Lakes wine region, with several wineries and vineyards, including the top-rated Anyela's Vineyards, offering wine tours and tastings.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid’s Adirondack Mountain setting has served the town well. Settled in the 1840s, its popularity as an all-season holiday destination was cemented by the 1932 Winter Olympics, an act it followed up by hosting the event again in 1980. Little surprise, then, that the sporting spirit is palpable throughout the village, particularly at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. Located in the Olympic Center, this fascinating museum offers an interactive journey through the town's Olympic history, including memorabilia and stories from the famous 1980 "Miracle on Ice" hockey game.
Another must-visit, the Olympic Jumping Complex, allows visitors to watch ski jumpers train or even experience the thrill themselves on the Sky Flyer zipline. The nearby Olympic Sports Complex at the base of Mount Van Hoevenberg offers the unique opportunity to ride a bobsled, regardless of the season. The lake itself is perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming in the summer, and numerous trails surrounding the village provide excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The Final Word
Upstate New York, a region renowned not only for its scenic beauty but also its historical significance, is home to numerous towns that display a unique blend of American heritage, cultural richness, and natural splendor. Sometimes overlooked by travelers to places like Albany, Syracuse, or even New York City, these towns made significant contributions to the historical and cultural tapestry of the United States and offer visitors plenty of good reasons to want to explore the region’s past. Find out more with this list of six towns in Upstate New York with rich histories.
