Troy: Culture, History and Activities on the Hudson

In Troy, different interests connect with specific places: you can explore Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and historic buildings, follow a route by bike, or plan activities on the Hudson River. You can decide which of these aspects to focus on during your trip based on the offerings available and their schedules.

Cultural Attractions and History in Troy

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is a National Historic Landmark and has been in use since it opened in 1875. It is located downtown at the corner of State Street and Second Street. For concerts, use the main entrance on Second Street. The Music Hall offers a full season of performances; since schedules can change, check the dates for your travel period.

At Hart-Cluett House, tours provide insight into life in Troy during the Gilded Age. Tours take place Fridays from 3 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 to 3 p.m. Times can change, so it is advisable to check before visiting. The house is at 59 Second Street and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Historic sites beyond individual houses are also part of the city’s character. The Central Lansingburgh Historic District in Troy was approved for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places on February 27, 2023. Historic Oakwood Cemetery invites visitors to explore art and architecture and discover the history of New York State. During the Troy Victorian Stroll, the streets of the historic downtown are transformed into a bygone Victorian era. This community holiday tradition has been celebrated for 40 years; visitors stroll through the city dressed in Victorian clothing.

Route, Waterfront and Access to the Hudson River

The Uncle Sam Trail offers a 7-mile route connecting North Troy and South Troy. Along the way, there are waterfront views, car-free sections and on-street bicycle infrastructure. Three miles of the route are part of the Uncle Sam Rail Trail, which follows the former route of the Troy & Boston Railroad. This distinguishes the full length of the trail from the shorter, specifically named rail trail.

Troy has a waterfront along the river. Troy Downtown Marina is on the Hudson River in historic Troy, New York, just south of the Federal Lock and Dam. The Ingalls Avenue Boat Launch is also located immediately south of it, in the North-Central neighborhood. It provides public access to the Hudson River for motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Its facilities include a concrete boat ramp, a floating dock, an aluminum dock and a kayak launch. This gives you the choice of planning either a route with car-free sections or access specifically designated for watercraft.

Concerts and Other Activities

The Powers Park Concert Series is free to the public and takes place on eight Saturdays in July and August at Powers Park, at 110th Street and Second Avenue in North Troy. Since the seasonal schedule can change, check the event dates for your stay. Another option is Troy’s historic 18-hole municipal golf course. These different interests—music events, golf, a cycling route and waterfront access—can help you choose the destination to suit your interests, without requiring all the activities to be part of the same visit.

Explore more destinations: Averill Park, Rensselaer, East Greenbush, Castleton-On-Hudson.

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