When Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson River in 1609, he saw rolling hills and dense forests. He named the area "Dutchess" in honor of the future Queen Mary. Today Dutchess County is still characterized by bountiful natural resources. Youth will be attracted by its acres of parkland, riverfront recreation and hiking trails. If visitors are looking for some free indoor activities, those are available as well.
Once the longest railroad bridge in the world, then abandoned in the 1970s, this elegant structure was reopened as a walkway in 2009. It spans the Hudson River from Poughkeepsie to Highland, in Ulster County. Youth will enjoy being able to stand right over the middle of the Hudson and enjoy the views and the altitude. (The bridge is 212 feet high.) The walkway, run by the New York Park Service, is also open to bicycles.
Walkway Over the Hudson
P.O. Box 889
Poughkeepsie, NY 12602
845-834-2867
walkway.org
Many artists live in Dutchess County, drawn there by the beauty of the natural landscape and affordability of the artist's life (compared to Manhattan). One benefit is the availability of a number of free art galleries to visit. Youth may enjoy the Gazen Gallery in Rhinebeck. Its exhibitions of local art are often organized around a playful theme, such as "Chilling Winter Warm-Up Show" and "Express Your Love Show." Many different kinds of artists showcase their work there, from painters, ceramic artists, mixed media artists and and glass sculptors.
Gazen Gallery
6423 Montgomery Street
Rhinebeck, New York 12572
845-876-4278
gazengallery.com
The Art of Maple Sugaring, Winter Survival, Fire by Friction and Prehistoric Native American Hunting are some of the free classes the Dutchess County Department of Public Works has offered. The aim of the programs is to better the public's understanding of the natural world. Youth will be intrigued by the hands-on nature of the classes. Programs take place at Bowdoin and Wilcox Parks. Sign up is sometimes required, so check before going.
Dutchess County Department of Public Works
85 Sheafe Road
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
845-298-4602
dutchessny.gov
For those youth who enjoy browsing through antiques, old clothes and undefinable treasures, this gigantic flea market at Rhinebeck will be inviting. Admission is free, though it's up to visitors if they decide to buy something. There are more than 350 vendors. The flea market takes place in April and September at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds are also the site of a number of large events during the year, some of which have free admission, so interested parties will want to check out the website.
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
P.O. Box 389
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845-876-4000
dutchessfair.com
The Dutchess Rail Trail is an 11.8-mile long "linear park," which is to say it's a long stretch of abandoned railway track transformed into something the public can use. When complete, the paved trails will begin at Morgan Lake in Poughkeepsie and end at the old Hopewell Depot in East Fishkill. The first two phases are already open. Youth can ride bikes, roller blade, jog or walk the trail, which "Hudson Valley" magazine named in 2009 as the "best new hiking trail in Hudson Valley."
Dutchess Rail Trail
85 Sheafe Road
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
845-298-4609
co.dutchess.ny.us
