Castleton-On-Hudson: Parks and Local History

Castleton-On-Hudson offers several distinct points of interest to consider when planning your trip: the Hudson River, its tributary Vlockie Kill, two parks, and local architectural and community history. It is worth distinguishing between a location and whether it can be visited. In particular, the fact that Riverfront Park is by the river does not mean it is accessible to visitors: access has long been unavailable.

Parks and Waterways

Riverfront Park covers 3/4 acre and is located directly on the Hudson River. Due to restrictions imposed by the New York State Department of Transportation and Amtrak, access has long been unavailable. Do not plan a visit based on its riverside location alone; check access again before traveling, as the situation may change. The park is therefore a local feature by the water, but not an accessible stop you should count on visiting.

Schermerhorn Park, also known as “The Brickyard,” is on the east side of Main Street at the southern boundary of the village and covers 12 acres. Vlockie Kill, a tributary of the Hudson River, runs through it. In terms of area, Schermerhorn Park is considerably larger than the 3/4-acre Riverfront Park property. The parks also differ in their relationship to the water: Vlockie Kill runs through Schermerhorn Park, while Riverfront Park is directly on the Hudson. This makes the locations of the two parks easy to distinguish geographically.

Schermerhorn Park’s history also includes a specific planting project. On October 28, 2017, volunteers planted 150 trees along Vlockie Kill as part of a Trees-for-Tribs grant from the Estuary Program of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. For travelers interested in landscape conservation, this is an example of community involvement along the waterway that runs through the park.

Architectural History and Former Recreation Spots

The W. Curtis Noyes Engine House is a small brick building constructed in 1871 in the Romanesque Revival style. The style name refers to a revival of Romanesque architectural forms. Its year of construction, building material, and style provide different points of reference for understanding its architecture: the building is characterized not only by its age, but also by its distinctive architectural language.

The history of recreation here is also connected with the water. Sunnyside Island, at the northern edge of the village, was a picnic and recreation spot that people reached by boat. Compared with the parks, this history focuses on past leisure activities and the journey by water. It adds a historical perspective on recreation in the village to the geographical information about the river and waterway.

Main Street Day was established by the Castleton-on-Hudson Main Street Association to bring the community together on Main Street. Unlike the parks and waterside landscapes, the focus here is on people coming together in the street. It offers another perspective on local history: alongside natural spaces and buildings, Main Street is also part of what has shaped local life.

When looking for a hotel in Castleton-On-Hudson, first decide whether the parks and waterside landscape or the local architectural and community history is more important to your trip. This focus gives your search a specific connection to the reason for your stay.

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