Schenectady Area Information
Experience the quaint charm and contrasts that make Schenectady special. With its diverse selection of places, sights to see and things to do, Schenectady appeals to all age groups and interests. Stroll through our historic neighborhoods. Relax on our waterways. Study our renowned architecture. Revel in our beauty. Celebrate our heritage. Schenectady offers rich history, nature at its best and activities for the whole family, all at the crossroads of the Northeast.
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
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Union College
Union College can trace its beginnings to 1779. Several hundred residents of northern New York, certain that Burgoyne's defeat at Saratoga two years before would mean a new nation, began the first popular demand for higher education in America. These residents pursued that dream for sixteen years until, in 1795, Union became the first college chartered by the Regents of the State of New York. Union College is known as the birthplace of fraternities. America's oldest Greek letter social fraternity (Kappa Alpha) was founded there. More fraternities have been founded at Union than at any other college or univeristy. Troubled times during the third quarter of the 19th century led to a loss in student enrollment. Union College had to rebuild and redefine itself after that period.
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Schenectady County Community College
Schenectady County Community College is a two-year college associated with SUNY, located in Schenectady, New York. The college was founded in 1967 and started in the former Van Curler Hotel. The campus has been enlarged several times around that site. The college has approximately 3500 full or part-time students. Thirty-five of its programs are specifically designed for transfer to four-year colleges
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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. One of the most delightful Schenectady attractions.
City Hall
The official cornerstone for City Hall was laid on May 10, 1930 by Mayor Henry C. Fagal. It was designed by the NYC architect firm of McKim, Mead and White. During the opening ceremony, which lasted for nearly two hours, the Mayor said, "We must turn our eyes to the new Schenectady if we are going to keep pace with civilization." He commented that he hoped the local businessmen "will see the light of day and make improvements which should have taken place in this city long ago."
This grand building took over the whole block which had included an early Ellis Hospital and an earlier City Hall. The high costs of the magnificent building brought cries from political critics. (CUT about the cost.) Many called the building, "Fagal's Folly". Although Henry Fagal was defeated in 1931, he was reelected two years later.
County Public Library
The "new" Schenectady County Public Library was dedicated on April 7, 1969 after two years of construction. Designed by the Schenectady firm of Feibes, Schmitt and Associates, the brick, concrete and glass structure was built at a cost of approximately $2 million and features over an acre of floor space.
The library is located at Liberty and Clinton Streets in the downtown, government center of Schenectady. It replaced the old library building on Union Street and Seward Place, which is currently in use as a dormitory on the campus of Union College.
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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
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
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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.
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Edison Exploratorium
The Edison Exploratorium is a unique multi-department, dynamic, hands-on workshop that turns the technological revolution into an experience and transforms the historic giants of technology into "virtual" teachers and motivators, especially of the young visitors who constitute our future. The past evolving into the present will also include glimpses into the future—imagination at work.
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Historic Old Fort Johnson
Old Fort Johnson is the original limestone house built by Sir William Johnson, Superintendent of Indian Affairs and hero at the Battle of Lake George. The Fort was home to William, Catherine Wisenberg, Molly Brant and family throughout the French & Indian War.
Today the Fort is a museum and more. Here the visitor can steep himself in the social, cultural, military and industrial past of the Mohawk Valley. And though the Fort has been the setting for many historical novels, no fiction could be as interesting as the real story of Fort Johnson, presented and preserved here for all to enjoy.
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New York State Museum
Located in Albany, New York, the New York State Museum showcases exhibitions on a wide variety of subjects. You can do everything from discover the 'Ancient Life of New York' and learn about the state's history from even before the dinosaurs roamed the earth or view modern art in the various visiting exhibitions.
National Baseball Hall of Fame
The National Baseball Hall of Fame, located in Cooperstown, New York, showcases some of the greatest players and artifacts from America's favorite pasttime. From the Hall of Fame plaque gallery that features plaques for each of the over 278 inductees to the women in baseball exhibit, there is plenty to see and learn!
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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.
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
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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
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
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
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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.
Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway
Hikers, bicyclists, and roller bladers love this hike/bike path. It’s perfect for catching glimpses of the river and you don’t have to look over your shoulder for oncoming traffic. There isn’t any.
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!
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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
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
Central Park
Our Central Park has beautiful rose gardens 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
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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
Historic Stockade
The Stockade Historic District is one of the oldest and best preserved neighborhoods in the United States, with roots dating back to a 17th century Dutch colonial trading settlement....
The Stockade Historic District was home to all of Schenectady's most important 17th, 18th and 19th century figures. Over a hundred architectural landmarks survive virtually intact. The Stockade Historic District offers examples of nearly every architectural type, period and style of residential and religious buildings dating from ca. 1690 to 1930. The Stockade, as it is called by the local population, is a neighborhood where a high-density, slow paced, urban character prevails.
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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, or go cross-country at one of the county nature preserves.
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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
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.
Schenectady Municipal Golf Gourse (518) 382-5155
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
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 Schenectady attractions and 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.
Box Office Hours : Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 6 PM; Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM. The Box Office is also open until curtain on the day of any performance, and opens at 12 Noon for Sunday performances. Call (518) 346-6204 to order or click below to order on line. See our schedule of Tours and Free noontime organ concerts.
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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.
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 popular shows such as A Chorus Line, Godspell, The Secret Garden, and Into the Woods. (518) 393-5732
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