Wind turbine sites contain turbines that have been installed to produce electricity. Also known as wind farms, these New York state turbines are placed in high-elevation rural areas to capture the maximum effect of the wind. They also provide an opportunity for tours due to their often-scenic location and unusual configurations.
Located in the Catskill Mountains approximately two hours north of New York City in Callicoon Center, Apple Pond Farm provides visitors with a look at farm life, with animals such as goats and sheep. Another attraction at the farm involves renewable energy installations. In addition to solar panels, three is a 10-kilowatt wind turbine. Both are connected to the electric grid and return excess power to the electric system. Apple Pond Farm conducts seminars and workshops on renewable energy, including wind power.
The Tug Hill Plateau in Lewis County provides the ideal location for New York's largest wind turbine farm. The wind farm covers approximately 21,000 acres, with 195 wind towers. The towers provide visitors a chance to watch the wind turn the towers while still allowing the land to be used for family farming. According to the Adirondacks Tug Hill website, the towers produce energy sufficient to power 125,000 homes. The Lewis County Chamber of Commerce promotes the wind farm for tourism and arranges tours.
Route 20 passes through Madison County, and scenic driving tours are listed on the Route 20 Association website. One such tour, Scenic Tour C, passes 20 wind turbines known as the Fenner Wind Farm,which is located on a hill among dairy farms. The wind farm has been functioning since 1991 without disturbing the dairy farms.
The Fenner Renewable Energy Center (FREE) is part of the Fenner Wind Farm off Route 20 in Madison County, and is part of a wind turbine tour. The center is located in the town of Fenner and showcases wind turbine energy. It allows tourists to see how the wind farm operates and provides electricity.
