Dutchess County - 55 Attractions You Must Visit

Types of Attractions in Dutchess County

Iconic Buildings (22)

Outdoors - Other (22)

Old Ruins (18)

Museums (9)

2-5 Day Treks (8)

Viewpoints (7)

Lake/ River/ Ponds (6)

Mountain Peaks (5)

Popular Activities And Trips in Dutchess County

List of Attractions in Dutchess County

Artists' Collective of Hyde Park

Outdoors - Other

Parks

The Artists' Collective of Hyde Park is a vibrant, passionate, and diverse art collective in Dutchess County. Our mission is to promote, share, and celebrate the work of local artists and to provide educational opportunities to the community through art. We provide ongoing classes, workshops, and exhibitions on a wide range of topics for both adults and children. We also host a variety of special events for the community, such as art shows, performances, and fundraisers.

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Bannerman Castle

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

Bannerman Castle is a unique ruin on the banks of the Hudson River. Built in 1901 by Francis Bannerman VI, the castle was originally an ammunition storage facility and operated until 1967. After the accidental explosion of powder stored in the castle in 1920, it fell into disrepair, and the remaining structure is now a popular tourist destination. The grounds are open to the public for guided tours, and visitors can explore the ruins, view exhibits, and learn about the castle's history.

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Barton Orchards

Outdoors - Other

Botanical Gardens

Barton Orchards is a beloved family-owned farm in Dutchess County, New York. It's been in operation for over 80 years, and offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages. During the summer and fall months, visitors can pick their own apples, berries, and vegetables from the farm. There are also plenty of fun activities for kids, like hayrides, pony rides, and a giant jumping pillow.

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Beacon Mountain

Viewpoints

2-5 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Beacon Mountain, located in Dutchess County, NY, is a mountain peak and nearby town that offer breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities. The mountain is part of the Hudson Highlands, and is a popular spot for hikers and campers. From the peak, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Hudson River and the Taconic range. The town of Beacon is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

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Blithewood Garden

Botanical Gardens

Blithewood Garden is a historic garden located in Providence, Rhode Island. This 3.5-acre gem has been recognized as a place of outstanding natural beauty and offers a wealth of horticultural delights. The garden features a variety of diverse plant collections, including a Japanese Garden, rose garden, and several other themed areas. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and hawks.

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Brace Mountain

Viewpoints

2-5 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Brace Mountain is located in the town of Dover. It is the highest peak in the county and is part of the Appalachian Mountain Range. It stands at an elevation of 1,731 feet and is the sixth highest peak in the state. It is made up of Brace Mountain itself and several other peaks nearby, including the nearby Stissing Mountain. It offers breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley, the Catskills, and the Berkshires, and is a popular spot for hikers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

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Camp Kinder Ring

Outdoors - Other

Camp Kinder Ring is a premier sleepaway camp located in the beautiful Hudson Valley of Dutchess County, New York. Established in 1923, the camp has been offering top-notch outdoor programs and activities for children ages 7-16, from all over the Tri-State area and beyond, for over 90 years. The campers are housed in air-conditioned cabins and enjoy exciting activities such as sports, swimming, creative arts, music, and drama.

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Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park

Outdoors - Other

2-5 Day Treks

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park in Dutchess County, New York is a scenic park located on the banks of the Hudson River. The park, which is on the site of a former Revolutionary War era farm, offers visitors a chance to view the area's rich historical past. In addition to the farmhouse and outbuildings, visitors can explore the old-growth forest and wetlands, catch a glimpse of bald eagles, hike the trails, and experience the tranquility of the Hudson Valley.

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Clinton House State Historic Site

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

The Clinton House State Historic Site is a historic landmark located in Dutchess County, and was designated as a New York State Historic Site in 1975. It was the home of the first U.S. President, George Clinton, who served from 1809 to 1817. The Clinton House is also the birthplace of his granddaughter, Julia Clinton Jones. The home has been restored to its mid-19th century glory and the grounds feature a rose garden, an ice house, and a restored 19th century Cold Spring House.

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Dia Beacon

Museums

Dia:Beacon, located in Dutchess County, New York, is a renowned contemporary art museum housed in a former Nabisco box-printing factory. The museum's permanent collection encompasses works from the 1960s to the present day, with a focus on Minimal, Conceptual, and Post-Minimal art. Dia:Beacon's galleries, which span over 240,000 square feet, offer visitors an immersive experience in which to explore the expansive collection of works by artists such as Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt, and Carl Andre.

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Dover Stone Church

Outdoors - Other

Old Ruins

Dover Stone Church is a historic church located in Dover Plains. The building was built in 1763 and is a one-story rectangular stone structure measuring approximately 50 feet by 40 feet. It is believed to have been built by the local Quaker community and is one of the oldest Quaker congregations in the country. Today, the church is a New York State Historic Site and is open to the public. The building has been well preserved and features a two-story bell tower, a simple interior, and a cemetery.

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Dutchess Rail Trail

Viewpoints

Outdoors - Other

2-5 Day Treks

The Dutchess Rail Trail is a 25-mile, multi-use recreational path in Dutchess County, New York. The trail begins at the Putnam County border in the town of Dover and extends south through East Fishkill, LaGrange, Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, and Pleasant Valley, before ending at the Ulster County border. The trail is best enjoyed by walking, biking, and roller blading, and offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the Hudson Valley landscape.

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Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site (ERNHS) is located in Hyde Park, New York, and is the home where Eleanor Roosevelt lived and worked for more than 40 years. The National Park Service administers the site and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the life and legacy of the former first lady. Visitors can take part in a variety of interpretive programs, including guided tours, educational programs, and special events.

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Ferncliff Forest

Viewpoints

2-5 Day Treks

Forests

Ferncliff Forest in Duchess County is a forest that spans over 1000 acres and is the largest and oldest remaining tract of old growth forest in the Hudson Valley. It is home to many species of animals, including owls, woodpeckers, coyotes, and deer, and various endangered plants. It is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, bird watching, and boating and also provides access to the Hudson River.

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Fishkill Creek

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Outdoors - Other

Fishkill Creek is a tributary of the Hudson River. It is the largest tributary in the county, and is an important source of natural beauty and recreation for the local community. The creek winds through the county, surrounded by forest and meadowlands and is home to an abundance of wildlife. Fishkill Creek is also a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. It is also a popular destination for wildlife viewing, providing an opportunity to observe birds, turtles, and beavers.

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Fishkill Farms

Outdoors - Other

Fishkill Farms, is a family-run, sustainable farm that grows a range of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Founded by brothers-in-law Joshua Morgenthau and Andrew Gerson, Fishkill Farms has been in operation since 1909, and is now run by the 4th and 5th generations of the Morgenthau family.

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Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Vassar College

Iconic Buildings

Museums

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College is an influential art museum located in Poughkeepsie, NY. It houses a collection of over 17,000 works of art, ranging from ancient to modern times, including American, European, African, and Asian art, and works by contemporary artists. The museum also provides educational programming and opportunities for research, with a wide variety of lectures, artist talks, symposia, and workshops.

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Hessel Museum of Art

Museums

The Hessel Museum of Art is located in Dutchess County, New York, and is part of the Bard College campus. It is one of the most important contemporary art museums in the region, featuring works from renowned national and international artists. The museum focuses on collecting and exhibiting contemporary art, with an emphasis on emerging and under-recognized artists.

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