New Paltz Attractions

Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art
Located on the SUNY New Paltz campus, it is one of the largest museums in the SUNY system, with more than 9,000 square feet of exhibition space distributed over six galleries. The Dorsky supports and enriches the academic programs at the college, presents a broad range of world art for study and enjoyment, and serves as a center for Hudson Valley arts and culture.

Historic Huguenot Street
A National Historic Landmark District, Historic Huguenot Street encompasses 30 buildings across 10 acres that was the heart of the original Huguenot settlement, including seven stone houses that date to the early eighteenth century.

Hudson Valley Rail Trail
Hike it or bike it. Ride on horseback or roller blades. Ski it cross-country style or on snow shoes. 4 paved miles of beautiful rail trail leading to the Walkway Over the Hudson.

John R. Kirk Planetarium
The Planetarium is an indoor domed theater that allows the audience to see and zoom in on images of stars, constellations, planets, galaxies and other deep sky objects. It also allows the audience to view the sky as seen from different planets and moons, and has many other features. Scheduled showings open to the public. Advanced tickets required.

Minnewaska State Park
Situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain. Featuring numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, dense hardwood forests, incising sheer cliffs and ledges opening to beautiful views, clear streams cut into valleys, 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths on which to bike, walk, hike and simply enjoy.

Mohonk Preserve
Over 8,000 acres of mountain ridges, forests, fields, streams, ponds, and other unique and beautiful places. New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve. Carriage roads and trails are perfect for hiking, running, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Also the home of “Gunks” climbing and bouldering, and one of the most visited climbing destinations in North America

Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary
56 acres of  relatively open areas dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants. These provide rich and varied habitat opportunities for a wide range of plants and animals. The Sanctuary has over 1,300 feet of frontage on the Wallkill River and also adjoins land containing the Gardens for Nutrition, a community-supported public gardening area. Also nearby is Historic Huguenot Street

The Testimonial Gateway
Long a New Paltz icon, the Testimonial Gateway is comprised of 110 acres that served as the formal entrance to Mohonk Mountain House from 1908 to 1935.

Unison Arts and Learning Center
Not-for-profit dedicated to enriching cultural life and community in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley by making high quality arts, performances and educational experiences accessible to all.

Water Street Market
On Main Street in the village of New Paltz. A quaint European inspired shopping village described by locals as their community gathering place. Every shop is independently owned and operated. Outdoor sculpture garden, water fountains and a View of the Gunks

Walkway Over the Hudson
Opened in october of 2009, the park provides access to the Hudson River’s breathtaking landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and people with disabilities. The bridge deck stands 212 feet above the river’s surface and is 6,768 feet (1.28 miles) long, making it the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world.

Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
A multi-use, naturally surfaced trail, welcoming hikers, joggers, bicycle and horseback riders, dog walkers, and, in the winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Its 22 miles offers unsurpassed vistas, quiet arbors, ever-chilly caverns and a variety bridges. Designated a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior.