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Rensselaer County, Rensselaer County, NY

Photo: Tyler A. McNeil, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingOutdoor AdventureLocal Gem

Rensselaer County

· Rensselaer County, NY

Why you should go…

Rensselaer County Tourism is the official tourism department for Rensselaer County, New York, based in East Greenbush. It promotes year-round recreation such as swimming, boating, hiking, biking, skiing, and ice fishing, along with local dining, lodging, and events. The department publishes visitor guides including a Summer Activity Guide and a Farm Fresh Product Guide.

  • #hiking
  • #farms
  • #outdoor
  • #family
  • #hudson valley

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Rensselaer County, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Saratoga Spa State Park

    Under $25

    Sample mineral springs, hike about 12 miles of trails and swim in historic pools at this landmark park.

    23 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Saratoga Race Course

    Under $25

    Watch summer thoroughbred racing from the grandstand or a backyard picnic spot at a track opened in 1863.

    24 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

    $25–$50

    Tour Robert Todd Lincoln's Georgian Revival summer home, its formal garden, goat dairy farm and a restored Pullman car.

    42 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Lake George, New York

    Free

    Adirondack lake town with a mountain-ringed lake, historic forts, and a lively lakeside strip.

    46 mi awayMore like this

  • Theatre & Events
    Date Night

    Weston Theater Company

    $25–$50

    A professional regional theatre marking 90 seasons in a Vermont village.

    60 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Ludlow, Vermont

    Free

    Green Mountain ski town built around Okemo Mountain Resort.

    68 mi awayMore like this