Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from City of Amsterdam, NY to City of Albany, NY
Amsterdam, NY - A road trip can be a fun and exciting adventure. It gives you the opportunity to explore new places, try new things, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Starting your journey from Amsterdam, NY, you'll be heading towards Albany, NY, a distance of approximately 30 miles. Along the way, you'll come across breathtaking sceneries, historic landmarks, and other attractions that make this trip worth the effort. After about 15 miles in, you'll reach the halfway point of your journey at Schenectady, NY.
Here are the top five things to do on this road trip:
1. Saratoga National Historical Park
Located in the town of Stillwater, Saratoga National Historical Park is a must-visit destination for any history buff. The park offers a unique window into the events that led to the American Revolution. Visitors can explore the park's museum exhibits, walk the battlefield, or take a guided tour to learn more about the American Revolution's events. The park is open year-round, and admission is free for all.
Interesting Fact:
The Saratoga Battlefield is the site of the first significant American military victory during the American Revolution.
2. Howe Caverns
If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, consider exploring Howe Caverns in Howes Cave, NY. Howe Caverns is a fascinating natural attraction that has been open to the public since 1842. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caverns, which includes a boat ride on the underground river that runs through the cave. In addition to the cave tour, the park offers gemstone mining, zip-lining, and other outdoor activities.
Interesting Fact:
Howe Caverns is the second most visited natural attraction in New York State, with over 200,000 visitors annually.
3. Waterford Flight
Waterford Flight is a series of five interconnected locks on the Erie Canal that lifts boats up 169 feet. This historic landmark is located in the town of Waterford, approximately 10 miles north of Albany. Visitors can watch the locks in action and experience the awe-inspiring sight of boats being lifted to higher levels along the canal. Waterford Flight offers a beautiful view of the Hudson River and has plenty of picnic areas and walking trails.
Interesting Fact:
Waterford Flight is one of the most visited locks on the Erie Canal, with over 2,000 vessels passing through each year.
4. USS Slater
The USS Slater is a museum ship located in the city of Albany. The ship was commissioned in 1944 during the closing stages of World War II and is one of the last surviving World War II-era destroyer escorts. Visitors can take a guided tour of the ship, which offers an unparalleled insight into the daily life of sailors during wartime. The museum ship is open from April to November and charges a nominal admission fee.
Interesting Fact:
The USS Slater was sold to the Greek Navy in 1951 and served in the Hellenic Navy until 1991, after which it was donated to the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association.
5. Empire State Plaza
Empire State Plaza is a vast government complex located in downtown Albany. The plaza features a beautiful reflecting pool, a massive underground art collection, and several iconic state buildings, including the New York State Capitol and the Corning Tower. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Capitol building or explore the plaza's outdoor public art installations and walking trails.
Interesting Fact:
Empire State Plaza was designed by architect Wallace K. Harrison and opened in 1976 at a cost of $2 billion, making it one of the costliest government complexes ever built.
Conclusion
This road trip from Amsterdam, NY, to Albany, NY, is a perfect way to experience the beauty, history, and culture of upstate New York. The journey takes about 30 minutes, but with so much to see and do along the way, you could easily extend your trip to a full day. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just in search of some adventure, this road trip has something for everyone.