# Travel >> Travel Advice >> Sightseeing

Things to Do in Amsterdam, New York

The city of Amsterdam, New York, is located about 40 minutes northwest of Albany, the state capital. Amsterdam is in Montgomery County and has a population of approximately 18,000. While the town was officially founded in 1793, the area around it was first inhabited by European settlers in 1710, according to the city's website. As a result, Amsterdam has many historical points of interest.

Old Fort Johnson
- Visit Old Fort Johnson, about three miles from Amsterdam, to discover an historic home that was also used as a military fortress. Built in 1749 by Sir William Johnson, a prominent citizen of what was then New York Colony, the home is made of limestone and beautifully preserved. It was first fortified during the French and Indian War. Today, it is has been preserved to resemble its colonial appearance and is open to visitors during the summer months. It is also home to special events, such as the Fort Johnson in Bloom Garden Show
  
  Old Fort Johnson
  Corner of Route 5 and Route 67
  Fort Johnson, NY
  518-843-0300
  oldfortjohnson.org
Clark's Museum of Photography
- Don't miss Clark's Museum of Photography if you are interested in photography, or even if you're not. The small, free museum has exhibits that offer a tribute to cameras and photography. Contact the museum for days and hours of operation.
  
  Clark's Museum of Photography
  141 Midline Road
  Amsterdam, NY
  518-883-3357
  tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g29812-d116384-Reviews-Clark_s_Museum_of_Photography-Amsterdam_New_York.html
Amsterdam Castle
- If you want to discover an historic building that used to serve as an armory, this is the place for you. Built in 1894 as a New York National Guard armory, it was decommissioned in 1995 and today is the only former armory into a privately owned home. Its owners renovated the building in 2005. Today, it boasts more than 50 rooms, including a billiard room, nuclear fallout shelter, 10,000-square foot gymnasium, and indoor rifle shooting range.
  
  The castle hosts events such as corporate gatherings, fundraisers, and cheerleading camps. Two wings offer bed-and-breakfast overnight accommodations.
  
  Amsterdam Castle
  49 Florida Avenue
  Amsterdam, NY 12010
  518-843-5201
  amsterdamcastle.com
Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course
- If you love gold and want to play on a public 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones, visit Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course. This course allows patrons to play as many holes of golf as they want in one day for a single greens fee. The record score is 64, according to the course's website.
  
  From the seventh tee, golfers enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Mohawk Valley, where Amsterdam is located. The course's clubhouse offers a full restaurant.
  
  Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course
  158 Upper Van Dyke Avenue
  Amsterdam, NY 12010
  518.842.6480
  amsterdammuni.com/