For New Yorkers and visitors alike, the Hudson Valley is a treasure chest brimming with beauty and history. It’s a refuge for nature lovers, home to the oldest wine-producing area in America and a thriving craft beverage scene. Its enduring agricultural heritage spawned a vibrant food and farmers’ market movement and inspired the famous Hudson River School of painters.
Before Europeans arrived, this region was home to Indigenous people—the Lenape and Mohican tribes of the lower valley, and the Iroquois Confederacy of the upper valley. Early Dutch settlers, about one-half of whom were not ethnically Dutch, learned important survival techniques from Native Americans and adapted many of their cultural and social practices. Even today, Manhattan retains the Munsee Indian name Mannahatta, and the United States Military Academy—at West Point—is named after the Dutch word for “ridge.”
From Henry Hudson’s 1609 exploration of the area to the Revolutionary War and the birth of the brand-new United States, this National Heritage Area is a place that inspires adventure, exploration and discovery. Learn about the Hudson Valley’s heritage at stunning architecture, gardens and historic sites—including Revolutionary War forts, battlefields, and the site where George Washington set up his headquarters as the first President of the United States.
The valley’s rich culture and natural beauty continue to lure intrepid explorers and casual tourists alike. From a booming art scene, to pristine hiking trails and an abundance of charming small towns, the Valley has something for everyone.
Located north of New York City, the 10-county Hudson Valley is home to picturesque towns and villages that exude old-world charm. Its secluded landscapes, picturesque farms and historic buildings offer a respite from the crowded streets of the Big Apple. Its quaint shops and cafes are filled with delectable treats, and its stunning scenery was the inspiration of many Hudson River School painters.
Designated a National Heritage Area, the valley is steeped in both nature and culture and offers a variety of attractions to suit all interests. For example, visit Storm King Art Center, a sprawling sculpture park that has been featured on shows like Netflix’s Master of None. It is considered to be the largest collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the world. Or, visit the historic Huguenot Street District of New Paltz, where you can tour seven original stone houses, a reconstructed 1717 church and more. You can also explore the vast grounds at Kykuit, a country estate that has been owned by four generations of the Rockefeller family.