Location: Catskill
Top Things to do in Catskill
What to do and see in Catskill, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Catskill is a town in the southeast part of Greene County, New York, United States. The population was 11,775 at the 2010 census. The western part of the town is in the Catskill Park. The town contains a village, also called Catskill. The village of Catskill has a well-defined Main Street. There is a public boat launch on the Hudson River called Dutchman's Landing.
Restaurants in Catskill
1. The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
One of the last built and most elegant of the Hudson River lighthouses.
Reviewed By barrettcpa - Athens, New York
We live in Athens, and know a lady who grew up living in the lighthouse. We were able to get access for a photo shoot with the Hudson River Bells, our local hand-bell choir. It is situated smack dab in the middle of the Hudson River, so we needed to be shuttled out. We found being on the island very interesting. There are only certain times tours are available. If you go out on your own boat, the sheriff will chase you away.
2. Olana State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
Hudson River School painter Frederic E. Church designed Olana, his family home, studio, and estate, as an integrated environment embracing architecture, art, and landscape. Olana, a National Historic Landmark, is an icon of naturalistic landscape design, with five miles of carriage roads and a Persian-inspired house at its summit, embracing unrivaled panoramic views of the vast Hudson River Valley. Today, visitors can experience an array of activities, from meandering through the 250 acre artist designed landscape, to taking a tour of the house and surrounding landscape, to viewing the changing exhibitions both in the main house and a gallery devoted to contemporary photography. They can see a 17 minute award-winning video on the property and a permanent orientation exhibit. They can also participate in a variety of educational programs in the Wagon House Education Center, including a free backpack program that includes a variety of projects for children.
Reviewed By KeithHruza - Ashland, New Hampshire
I arrived one day shortly before they were to close, and the very gracious lady at the desk booked me for the next day. I arrived JUST after my tour group had left and she graciously put me in the next tour. Lovely lady.
She also showed me books in the bookstore. I bought one (a different one from the one she recommended, but that doesn't change how charming she is).
You might want to be there around sunset. Mountain height, 'beautiful for situation'.
3. Thomas Cole National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
Thomas Cole (1801-1848) founded the Hudson River School as one of America's premier landscape painters. Cedar Grove, his home in the historic Catskill region, was named a National Historic Site in 1999 and is open to the public today. Visitors can tour the grounds, see rotating exhibitions of Hudson River School art, and learn about the life of Thomas Cole.
Reviewed By CSSnowshoer - New York City, New York
The Kiki Smith show is incredible. If you have not seen it, go now. The work is excellent on its own, but in the context of the Thomas Cole house, it raises both his work and hers to a different conversation.
We wanted to do a tour, but they were booked for the afternoon we were there. You can buy tickets on the website but have to do it in advance.
We enjoyed the grounds and the Gifford show in the new studio building until the open visit time which is 2-5.
Plan ahead. get this on your calendar and buy tickets.
4. Adam & Eve's Beaute & Wellness Centre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Can M - Albany, New York
Got a waxing done here! Loved the atmosphere, employees are friendly and wonderful to deal with!! :) Will definitely be back.
5. Slide Mountain
Overall Ratings
4 based on 32 reviews
At 4,204 feet, Slide Mountain is the tallest peak in the Catskills, which makes for excellent hiking trails in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Reviewed By robcurtross - New York City, New York
The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference publishes a Hike of the Week every week on its website, on Facebook and elsewhere. This hike to the top of the highest peak in the Catskills was very rewarding today, made a bit more interesting in view of the warnings about the approaching blizzard.
There would be no tomorrow as far as this hike was concerned.
The guide book guesses 4.5 hours to complete; it took me six but I loved to stop and admire the views. There were many on this glorious winter day, and the footing was just a tiny bit uncertain.
6. FASNY Museum of Firefighting
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
The premiere collection of firefighting objects in the world, featuring over 90 pieces of apparatus on display. Children’s activities include creative play on fire engines, interactive activities and the McCadam Cheese Fire Safety Discovery Room.
Reviewed By Jack L - East Syracuse, New York
This museum is two levels, stairs only, with the lower level having a 1916 American LaFrance to a 1978 Boyer International. Before the LaFrance, is a long 1902 horse drawn Hayes Aerial Ladder. My photos show a total of 19 vehicle on this level. Many vehicles could be driven off the floor to a fire. This floor is called the Great Gallery.
The upper floor is three separate rooms starting with the Volunteer Gallery. One of the first exhibits is a 1731 imported hand pump for the New York City. working up to a 1935 Buffalo Fire Appliance Co. truck. In between is equipment possibly not known else where. Along two connecting walls are twelve long glass cases containing clothing, equipment & photos. A partial run down is as follows:
1.) Roman Emperor Augustus.
2.) Bucket Brigade.
3.) Notable Americans who served as volunteer firefighters.
4.) Fire marks.
5.) Different styles of early engines.
6.) The First Horse Service.
7.) Dalmatian & the Fire Service.
This room is what I call the 'Jewel Room' because of early equipment, designs & color.
The following room s the Steam Gallery. A large number of exhibits are very colorful & highly polished horse drawn steam engines.. Vehicles are from an 1871 Lysander Button & Son up to a 1925 Sanford Pumper. Also are horse drawn wagon, early type of hook & ladder & a 1904 Hand drawn service sleigh. Two separate exhibits that stand out are later 1800's Fire House- office & equipment and Dot & Dash system. This is the process of using Morse Code to report a fire before a call box was available.
The third room is 'To Aid And Assist'. Here are two of the museum's prettiest exhibits of mid 1860's & 1870's equipment, which appear gold plated. Other exhibits are 1952 Dodge Brush truck, 1860 Button Crane Neck Engine & a 1855 Horse drawn Sun Steam engine. There are a number of firefighting related paintings.
Each exhibit has an information stand and at least four DO NOT TOUCH cards.
Before visitors are allowed on the lower floor, they must view a mandatory sever-eight minute video on how they conduct their selves, keep the sound down, keeping their children in check, NO food or drink on the floors, NO Touching any exhibit & NO FLASH photography of any painting, as the flash can damage the paint. There is one restroom on the lower floor, can't say if any restroom on the upper floor. A gift shop is available, where admissions is located.
Any visitor interested in firefighting, vehicles/exhibits of the museum's time periods or a different type of history will enjoy a visit. My visit was from 10:00 to 1:15. If a visitor has photography in mind plenty of lighting & space between exhibits. Large parking lot. I had the museum mostly to my self till about 11:00. I talk to at least five staff members, answering all my questions.
I highly recommend a lengthy visit.
7. Crossroads Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Four time winner for Best Greene County Restaurant, our original location features our award winning brews and NYS wines, ciders and spirits along with a locally sourced menu in a casual and friendly atmosphere. Join us for a bite and take a growler to go!
Reviewed By barrettcpa - Athens, New York
I have been purchasing beer and root beer here since before the pub opened, but had never eaten here. The menu is limited, and the room is noisy, but the food selections available were very very good. Our party had 8 and we were all able to order different things, as well as sampling all the hors d'oeuvres. The pea croquettes were delicious. We were also celebrating a birthday, but needed to bring our own cake, which they happily served. (Again, the limited menu)
8. Bailiwick Animal Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By catskillhappy
Wonderful hands on petting zoo! People need to come and support this zoo so we dont lose such a wonderful place and it will help fund the lovely, caring people that comfort and care for the animals! You will love the experience and the animals will enjoy you feeding them!!!!
9. Carrie Haddad Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By BAM1113 - New York City, New York
This was our favorite art gallery in Hudson. The collection is well curated and exhibited. Don't miss this one if you enjoy contemporary art.
10. The Old Game Farm
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
The former site of The Catskill Game Farm - If you would like to visit The Old Game Farm, you can sign up on specific weekends we can also accommodate many weekdays if those better fit your schedule! The Catskill Game Farm closed in 2006 – it was the first privately owned zoo in the United Stated, operational from 1933-2006 and housed over 2,000 animals. Giraffes, Rhinos, Pygmy Hippos, Capybaras and many more. 150 acres to explore!
Reviewed By macleod007
Step back to place where you went as a child and remember all the sounds and smell from a place that made you happy. You see all the abandoned cages and gift shops but can still see all the animals that roamed the areas. It...MoreThank you soo much for sharing your experience with others! We really appreciate that you not only took the time to visit the property but also that you still have such a wonderful connection to its history! You are always welcome back!
TAGS
