There's no shortage of things to see and do in the City of Hudson. We've got historic homes, riverfront parks, festivals, and cultural attractions, all within easy walking distance of the center of town.
Download the Historic Hudson Walking Tour (.pdf)
Henry Hudson Riverfront Park
Cross the railroad bridge at the intersection of Front and Allen Streets and you're at the Hudson Riverfront Park and boat launch. The park is family-friendly with plenty of walking paths and greenspace to take in the view. Free parking, public restrooms and food vendors. While you're there, take a ride on the 'Spirit on Hudson' paddleboat. See the 2010 Park Event Calendar »
Promenade Hill
The west side of Front street you'll find Promenade Hill (also known as parade Hill). Established in 1785 as a public space for viewing the scenic vista of the Hudson River. This vista includes "The Flats", the island where Henry Hudson dropped anchor in 1609, the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse (built in 1874), and the Catskill mountans beyond. Don't miss the 12-foot bronze statue of St. Winifred by sculptor George E. Bissell.
Hudson-Athens Lighthouse
The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse has been guiding ships around the Hudson River's Middle Ground Flats since 1874. Owned, preserved, operated and maintained by the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society Inc. Public tours are held 4x/year. Private tours and functions by arrangement. Go to HudsonAthensLighthouse.org »
Columbia County Courthouse
Located at 401 Union St., the Columbia County Courthouse was completed in 1908. It was designed by the famous architectural firm of Warren and Wetmore, who also designed Grand Central Station in New York City. The building is composed of Vermont Marble, and boasts a fabulous domed courtroom, grand staircase, and mural of Peter Van Ness painted by Charles Clark.
FASNY Museum of Firefighting
Located at 117 Harry Howard Ave., the the FASNY Museum of Firefighting contains the premiere collections of firefighting apparatus, equipment, gear and memorabilia in the world. Current exhibits include The Science of Fire, Robert Fulton and the Commercial Utilization of the Steam Engine, and Lest we Forget, honoring the memory of the Sept. 11th Firefighters. They are open 10am to 5pm daily, excluding major holidays. Go to FASNYFireMuseum.com »
Hudson Opera House
327 Warren St. Built in 1855 to be the city hall, and designed by local architect Peter Avery in the Greek Revival style. Over the years it has housed a bank, post office, library, and – as the name suggests – an auditorium. The Hudson Opera House, now owned by a not-for-profit, has been restored and is currently used as a performing arts center. Go to HudsonOperaHouse.org »
Hudson Area Attractions
Olana State Historic Site »
Clermont State Historic Site »
