The many faces of Schenectady will charm, delight and amaze
you. Enjoy the meandering Mohawk River. Experience the history that lives on in
our architecture and the community that thrives in our neighborhoods. Take in
our version of off-Broadway at Proctor’s Theatre or groove to the jazz in
Central Park. Whatever your pleasure, you’re sure to find it here.
Agnes Macdonald Music Haven
This gorgeous outdoor amphitheater adorns Central Park and
features free music, theater, movies and family programs from June through
August. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (800) 962-8007 for a free calendar
of events.
American Indian Cultural Center
Situated on a 29-acre site on the South bank of the Mohawk
River in Rotterdam Junction. The center presently houses a museum, gift shop
and classrooms to educate the public about American Indian culture, languages,
arts and crafts. Future plans for the Center include a nature trail, boat dock,
an American Indian restaurant and an open-air theater. (518) 887-2590 http://www.keepersofthecircle.com
Boating
Pleasure boats cruise up and down the wide and plentiful
Mohawk River, anticipating the special thrill of going through a lock. And if
you decide to dock, there are plenty of fishing and picnic spots everywhere
along the river, including Gateway Landing Park. (518) 386-2225 http://www.govt.co.schenectady.ny.us/bikehike.htm
Center City Sportsplex
A professionally managed arena and trade show complex
located conveniently in the heart of downtown Schenectady. Host to 200 indoor
soccer teams, a semi-professional soccer team—the Electric City Shockers—a sports
equipment store, and the Electric City Rock Gym, the Sportsplex boasts an
annual attendance of more than 75,000 people. Recently benefiting from $800,000
in capital improvements, the Center City Sportsplex is actively promoting
additional sports and entertainment opportunities, as well as seeking trade
show partners and civic events. (518) 382-5104 http://www.centercitysportsplex.org
Central Park
Do all Central Parks have beautiful rose gardens? Ours
does, with more than 200 varieties of 4,500 roses in flower from June until
frost. While you’re in the Park, catch a concert at the Agnes Macdonald Music
Haven Stage, go for a swim, try your luck at fishing, serve a game of tennis or
just relax and enjoy the duck pond. Central Park is also home to many
festivals, including Tuesday in the Park, a celebration of community life each
August. (518) 382-5151 http://www.schenectady.net
Collins Park
Bordered by the Mohawk River, Collins Park in Scotia has
everything for a family outing: Picnic pavilions, playground, tennis and
basketball courts, ball fields and swimming in Collins Park lake. Watch for
fireworks on the fourth of July or spend a Tuesday evening watching the Coors
Light Water Ski Show Team practice on the Mohawk. And be sure to sample some
original fast food at Jumpin’ Jack’s, a Schenectady County tradition. (518)
374-8611
The Costumer
Many of the costumes worn on Proctor’s stage – and on
stages throughout the world – are made at The Costumer, the largest costume
supplier in New York State with more than 40,000 garments in stock. To see the
sometimes realistic, sometimes macabre, but always fascinating world of costume
design, stop by the retail store on Barrett Street in Schenectady or arrange
for a group tour. (518) 374-7442 http://www.thecostumer.com
Country Pleasures
While visiting, take time to explore our highways and
byways. You’ll discover antique shops scattered all over, delight in country
stores in the smallest of hamlets, fine riverside picnic areas, and enjoy
beautiful hills and meadows in whichever direction you travel. Look for the
Victorian homes in Delanson and the beautiful and austere Quaker Meeting House,
c. 1800, in Duanesburg!
Electric City Rock Gym
A full-service rock climbing gym unlike any other! Fun and
challenging routes for climbers of all levels, safe and instructive environment
for beginning climbers, state-of-the-art climbing wall, lead routes, top-level
bouldering and a traversing wall for hours of fun. Highly trained staff, locker
room and shower area, full rental gear. Located within Center City Sportsplex.
(518) 388-2704 http://www.centercitysportsplex.org/rockgym
Empire State Aerosciences Museum
New York State’s aviation history soars at the Empire
State Aerosciences Museum. Airplanes, models, dioramas, photos and art are
combined with “please touch” exhibits in which emerging pilots can get a feel
for flying. Saturday Aeroscience Adventures introduce children to different
topics in aviation. Take off for the museum’s Flight Airshow, a major two-day
event in which jet teams, aerobatic demonstrations and prime exhibits of
military and private aircraft are showcased. (518) 377-2191 http://www.esam.org
Erie Canal and Mohawk River
The Erie Canal was called the greatest engineering feat of
its era and solidified our area’s place in post-colonial development. The
opening of the Canal in 1823, as well as the rapid expansion of railroads, gave
new stimulus to commerce and industry in Schenectady County. This prompted
Thomas Edison to establish Edison Machine Works, soon to become General
Electric Company and today known to millions as GE, in Schenectady.
Fishing
Fishing is especially great at Collins Park in Scotia and
at the lock parks along the Mohawk River. Anglers will also find excellent
fishing at Central Park in Schenectady and at Mariaville Lake. If you need
bait, stop by Nick’s Bait Shop on Broadway Hill, a fisherman’s paradise. Nick’s
has a pictorial display of the great fishing you’ll find in Schenectady County
and will show you all the big ones that didn’t get away.
Frontier Snow Riders Snowmobile Trails
An organization dedicated to safe, responsible
snowmobiling in Schenectady County. A map of trails is available for a $3
suggested donation. http://www.frontiersnow.tripod.com
GE Realty Plot
First developed at the turn of the century by a group of
GE executives, the GE Realty Plot evolved into an imposing collection of
upper-class homes along broad, tree-lined streets. Essentially intact today,
the Plot has numerous examples of elegant early 20th century homes,
including the first fully “electric house” in the country, designed as a
showcase for General Electric products. Pick up a free walking tour map at the
Schenectady Heritage Area Visitors Center in the Schenectady Museum.
Glen Sanders Mansion
The Glen Sanders Mansion, an architectural gem on the
banks of the Mohawk River in Scotia, reflects the area’s colonial Dutch
heritage. The building still retains its massive beams, raised panel doors,
pegged banisters, and hand-wrought hardware. The Mansion survived the raids of
the French and Indian wars. During the 1690 raid across the river in
Schenectady, Glen’s family and possessions were not harmed by order of the
Governor General of Quebec in return for Glen’s kindness to Jesuit
missionaries. Now a public restaurant and inn, the Glen Sanders is known for
its wonderful food and hospitable surroundings. (518) 374-7262 http://www.glensandersmansion.com
Golf
Get in the swing of things with a little golf at one of
our beautiful courses. After all, whether you’re here for a weekend or a week,
you want to work on your game.
Briar Creek Golf Course (518) 355-6145
Hill Crest Golf Course (518) 355-9817
Schenectady Municipal Golf Course (518) 382-5155
Whispering Pine Executive Golf Course (518) 355-2724
Stadium Golf Club (518) 374-9104 or http://www.stadiumgolfclub.com
Hamilton Hill Arts Center
This Cultural Arts Center is the only one of its kind in
the region with changing exhibits of works by talented African-American and
minority artists. (518) 346-1262
Heritage Area Visitor Center
Housed at the Schenectady Museum, the visitor center
features exhibits that emphasize the history of Schenectady and its importance
to the electrical and railway industries. The Center also makes available a
recorded tour of the Stockade, a dramatic guide to which you can listen to as
you walk the quaint streets and examine the architecture of this early
settlement. Transportation is a major theme of Schenectady’s Heritage Area, for
the world’s first steam passenger train and America’s first intercity rail
route linked Schenectady and nearby Albany in 1831. A more modern train, the
RS-3 diesel locomotive, built in 1953 at ALCO (American Locomotive Company), is
also on display at the Visitor Center. The ALCO RS-3 was one of the first
highly successful general purpose locomotives. (518) 382-7890 http://www.schenectadymuseum.org
Jackson’s Garden
Jackson’s Garden may be Union College’s best-kept secret.
Designed by Captain Issac Jackson in the 1830s, it has eight acres of woodland
and gardens tucked behind a beautiful iron gate. In contrast to architect
Ramee’s classical design for the Union College campus, Jackson’s Garden is
natural and informal in character. http://www.union.edu/Tour
Mabee Farm
In a storybook setting of productive fields along the
Mohawk River sits the Jan Mabee farm – the oldest continuously lived-in farm in
the Mohawk Valley. The stone house is the centerpiece of this historic site
where, for more than 300 years, the Mabee family adapted to the changes that
the growth of the nation brought. Representing a typical early family of the
area, the Mabee farm tells a story that is unique; the story of an ordinary
family who came out to the edge of the wilderness and how its eight generations
were instrumental in the development of the Mohawk Valley. You’ll see ongoing
archaeological digs, Dutch and English barns, an 1888 Westinghouse thresher,
early buildings, the family cemetery and typical 19th century farm
crops. (518) 887-5073 http://www.timesunion.com/communities/mabeefarm
Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway
Hikers, bicyclists, and roller bladers love this hike/bike
path. It’s perfect for two or more, side by side, for catching glimpses of the
river. And you don’t have to look over your shoulder for oncoming traffic.
There isn’t any. http://www.govt.co.schenectady.ny.us/bikehike.htm
Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway
The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway seeks to increase
awareness, enjoyment and linkage of the wide variety of scenic, recreational
and historic resources along the Mohawk River and Erie Barge Canal corridor
from Waterford to Schenectady. The Byway is a regional partnership of
communities that will balance the promotion of local interests with the
protection of heritage resources. http://www.homestead.com/mohawktowpath/index.html
Mohawk Valley Skydiving
A United States Parachute Association (USPA)-affiliated skydiving
center! USPA is the national certifying organization for all skydiving
activities in the United States. All instructors hold valid and current
certifications with an average of more than 3,000 dives and 18 years’
experience. Mohawk Valley Skydiving uses state-of-the-art equipment and the
most current instructional methods available. Experience Tandem Skydiving or
Accelerated Freefall! http://www.mohawkvalleyskydiving.com
Nature Preserves
Schenectady County offers many beautiful nature preserves
for hiking and picnicking where you can learn to identify the wildflowers of
early spring, rustle through the fall leaves, and just appreciate the quiet of
nature. Enjoy the Indian Kill Preserve, Plotter Kill Preserve, Schenectady
County Forest, or Gateway Landing Park. http://www.govt.co.schenectady.ny.us/bikehike.htm
New York Folklore Society Gallery of New York Traditions
A consignment gallery specializing in affordable folk art
from throughout New York State. Folk or traditional artists are those who
pursue arts rooted in a community’s history and culture – arts intimately
linked to a community’s sense of identity, pride and self-determination. (518)
346-7008 http://www.nyfolklore.org
Niskayuna Train Station
This restored 19th century brick station served
the Troy-Schenectady railroad route. The Niskayuna Historical Society, which
maintains the facility, presents various exhibits at the station, which can be
viewed on Sundays from April through October. Picnic area, fishing, boat
launch, and bike path are also located at the station.
Proctor’s Theatre
They don’t make them like this anymore! Built by famed
impresario F.F. Proctor to be the crown jewel in his chain, Proctor’s is one of
the most impressive vaudeville theaters in the country, built in 1926 at a cost
of a $1.5 million. Restored and gleaming today, Proctor’s is a vision of early
20th century neo-classic theatre architecture with a Louis XV marble
fireplace, a delicate pastoral mural by Lundberg and large gilt and crystal
chandeliers. In use more than 300 days a year, Proctor’s features a year-round
season of Broadway touring shows, dance and music. If you want to see shows
like Angels in America, West Side Story, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat, there’s no better setting. According to Hal Holbrook, “You couldn’t
replace this at any price.” Proctor’s beautiful setting is complemented by fine
acoustics, perfect for listening to Goldie, its Mighty Wurlizter organ.
Proctor’s also features films all year long the way they were meant to be seen
– on the big screen. (518) 346-6204 http://www.proctors.org
Rexford Aqueduct
A remnant of the aqueduct of the old Erie Canal, which
supported a water-tight wooden trough and canal towpath, is still present in
the Niskayuna region of Schenectady County.
Schenectady City Hall
In the heart of downtown Schenectady and on the National
Register of Historic Places, this Federal-style structure was built between
1931 and 1933 by world-renowned architects McKim, Mead & White, whose
credits also include Boston Public Library, New York City’s Penn Station, and
the Rhode Island State Capitol. Robert F. Kennedy is rumored to have called
this structure “the prettiest city hall in the United States.” Of special
interest is its landmark gold leaf dome. (518) 382-5199 http://www.schenectady.net
Schenectady Civic Players
Five plays per season, but, oh what performances! The
Foreigner. Mister Roberts. Crimes of the Heart. The Schenectady Civic Players,
the oldest continually performing theater group in the Capital Region, will
capture hearts and minds as they perform from their home, a redesigned former
Masonic Temple located in the historic Stockade. (518) 382-2081
Schenectady County Community College
Schenectady County Community College is one of 30 community
colleges in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, the nation’s
largest comprehensive system of higher education. SCCC’s Elston Hall is the
site of the former Van Curler Hotel which is listed on the State and National
Registers of Historic Places. A true treasure in the Capital Region, SCCC
offers more than 35 transfer degree, career degree and certificate programs, as
well as a myriad of special business training, community service and specialty
programs. http://www.sunysccc.edu
Schenectady County Historical Society
In the heart of the old Stockade area, the Schenectady
County Historical Society and its museum houses three floors of furniture,
paintings, costumes, toys, and household and military items. Its display of
original 18th century furniture is especially notable. Organized in
1905, the Society also has an extensive historical library with a genealogical
section and thousands of original documents. The Historical Society is also
home to the Grems Doolittle Library, which houses a large selection of books on
history and genealogy, 19th and early 20th century
newspapers and documents belonging to the late John Glen and Charles Proteus
Steinmetz. (518) 374-0263 http://www.schist.org
Schenectady County Public Library
Nine branch locations provide informational, educational
and recreational resources to residents of Schenectady, Fulton, Montgomery and
Schoharie Counties. (518) 388-4500 http://www.scpl.org
Schenectady Light Opera Company
Hear the drama of opera in an intimate 270-seat theater.
The Schenectady Light Opera produces four shows a year, all volunteer, all
passion. Over its more than 70-year history, Schenectady Light Opera Company
has performance popular shows such as A Chorus Line, Godspell, The Secret
Garden, and Into the Woods. (518) 393-5732 http://www.sloctheater.com
Schenectady Museum
Visit the all-new Schenectady Museum, featuring
state-of-the-art interactive exhibits that tell the story of a community with
the power to change the world…and itself. See the “Think Tank,” which
explains innovations in which Schenectady has played a major role, including
refrigeration, radio and television. “Collections” presents artifacts and
images from the Hall of Electrical History, costumes, and the electric car. And
don’t miss the MVP Kids’ Place, where learning is child’s play. (518) 382-7890 http://www.schenectadymuseum.org
Schenectady Symphony Orchestra
Great music deserves great acoustics and an elegant
setting. Proctor’s is home to the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra, which has a
program of four major concerts each year. This critically acclaimed
community-based orchestra with 100 musicians continues a 60-year tradition of
bringing fine music to the Capital Region. (518) 372-2500
Skiing
Downhill. Cross-country. You decide. Schenectady County
usually has a real winter, complete with snow, so be sure to bring your skis.
We also have plenty of snow for sledding and snowshoeing, whether you’re in
town or out in the country. For downhill swooshing try Maple Ski Ridge (518)
381-4700 or http://www.mapleskiridge.com,
or go cross-country at one of the county nature preserves. http://www.govt.co.schenectady.ny.us/bikehike.htm
Stockade Historic District
Schenectady’s Stockade is one of the few places in this
country where a thriving residential community has occupied the same site for
300 years. The original settlement was founded in 1661. After it was razed by
the flames of the 1690 Indian-French massacre, the Dutch rebuilt the town.
Today, the handsomely preserved and restored Stockade historic features homes
from the very early 1700s, dozens more built before the Revolution, and scores
from the early 1800s. Historic markers indicate construction dates and early
owners. Pick up a copy of the Stockade Self-Guided Tour from the Chamber’s
Visitor Center and stroll through the intimate streets of the Stockade. You’ll
see stone stoops and high Dutch gables, Colonial doorways, half-hidden gardens,
and an outstanding collection of Dutch, Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival,
and Victorian residential architecture. Watch for the annual Walkabout, a
Stockade house and garden tour held each September.
http://www.historicstockade.com
Union College
Union College, one of only 21 institutions of higher
education in America founded before 1800, has always reflected its founders’
forward-thinking passion for a truly liberal education, free of narrow thinking.
The beautiful 100-acre Union College is renowned as the first architecturally
designed campus in America, and a tour absolutely delights the eye. Its
emphasis on the arch as an architectural element is readily apparent. Be sure
to see the 16-sided Nott Memorial, a National Historic Landmark and a prime
example of High Victorian Gothic. http://www.union.edu
Union Street Historic District
Walk along the Union Street Historic District and you’ll
see Victorian towers and turrets stand out against the sky, the landmark St.
John the Evangelist Church, the beautiful gates to Union College, and a wealth
of 19th and early 20th century architecture.
For more information on visiting Schenectady County, e-mail
visitus@schenectadychamber.org or
call (800) 962-8007.
