Lake Katrine: Farm Architecture and Kingston History

The sites appeal to different interests: you can explore rural architectural history, learn about Kingston’s historical connections, or compare the amenities at the waterfront facilities.

Farm History and Architecture

At the De Meyer-Burhans-Felten Farm in Lake Katrine, a stone house and a 19th-century timber-frame house stand alongside a New World Dutch Barn. These three building types offer a tangible way to look at the farm’s architectural ensemble: the stone house, timber-frame house, and barn each represent a different style of construction.

For almost three centuries, successive Kingston families worked the farm and participated in the Hudson Valley market economy. This places the site in context through both its buildings and its agricultural history. Its long period of operation and participation in the regional market complement the architectural perspective with an economic context. If you plan to visit, check access in advance.

Another agricultural landmark is The Healing Acres, a farm in Lake Katrine in New York State’s Catskill region. Its apiary produces honey. Honey production adds another dimension to the agricultural history of Lake Katrine.

Kingston History on the Thruway

The “Kingston Area” historical marker is located at the Ulster Travel Plaza on the New York Thruway (Interstate 87), on the right-hand side when traveling south. Its text covers the Dutch settlement history of Wiltwyck, later Kingston, and the proclamation of New York State’s constitution in Kingston on April 20, 1777. The marker thus connects the early history of the settlement to a precisely dated event. Its subject is Kingston and its history; its location is the Travel Plaza in Lake Katrine.

Recreation Spots in the Town of Ulster

The recreation spots in the Town of Ulster differ in their amenities. Charles Rider Park has a concrete boat launch and parking for 50 vehicles. The specific parking capacity and type of launch help distinguish this site from the other facilities.

Robert Post Park has picnic tables and charcoal grills by the water, a playground, and areas for basketball, soccer, volleyball, and bocce. There is also a fishing platform, restrooms, and two pavilions. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. The amenities range from picnicking and play to several sports; the leash requirement is worth keeping in mind when planning a visit with a dog.

At Sandy Road near Washington Avenue, the Town of Ulster has a kayak launch on Esopus Creek, parking, a fishing platform, and picnic tables. Among the facilities described, the kayak launch is a specific difference from the boat launch at Charles Rider Park. Robert Post Park, in turn, offers a wider selection of play, sports, and picnic amenities. This makes it possible to weigh which amenities matter to you based on your planned activity, without treating the sites as interchangeable.

Explore more destinations: Rosendale, Hurley, New Paltz, Oliverea, Phoenicia, Highland, Kingston, Saugerties.

For the broader travel overview: Ulster.