Have you been waiting all year for winter? Those who struggle with the heat during spring and summer months often relish the experiences you can only have when the snow falls and the ice forms. Bundled up, cozy by a fire, and witnessing the rare snowy majesty of the season. If any that resonates with you, check out some signature adventures for winter lovers, and for anyone who might need a little nudge to enjoy all this season has to offer!
Continue reading Only in Wintertime: Uncover Unique Winter Experiences at New York State Parks and Historic SitesCategory Archives: Recreation
Winter Holiday Celebrations Round Out a Year of Wellness
It’s the most sparkly time of the year! It’s the holiday season and the grand finale of the year of wellness at New York State Parks and Historic Sites. All year long, we’ve come together to improve all aspects of our well-being, build community, and connect to nature and history. We celebrated the holiday season the same way, with handcrafted experiences designed to bring people together to make memories without breaking the bank. Our gift to you is a look at the holiday and winter festivities at state parks and historic sites all across New York. Thank you for making us part of your year-end traditions!
Infrastructure’s Second Act: Transforming Rails to Trails
Across New York, outdated infrastructure is getting a second chance to serve communities. Former factories, railroads, and hospitals are now spaces for New Yorkers to get outside, get some exercise, and disconnect from their electronic devices. In this new series, we explore how your favorite state parks once served a very different but equally important purpose to our state.
In this first installment of Infrastructure’s Second Act, fasten your seatbelts and learn about the state parks built from former transportation infrastructure, including railroads and canals. These sites served as critical community connectors in the past, and now connect communities in a much different way: as places to recreate, relax, and enjoy the natural world.
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Reflections on the Erie Canal During its Bicentennial Year
The history and impact of the Erie Canal stretches back over 200 years, across more than 300 miles, and millions of lives. It is complicated, it is messy, it is multidimensional. You can become fascinated by it through the economics, the politics, the engineering, the social and cultural changes, the environmental impact, music, folktales, art, or a general love of history. Like the canal itself, history is a ribbon that connects us, for all the good and the bad.
The capstone of the revitalization of the Erie Canal during its Bicentennial is the inspiring journey of a replica canal barge. Buffalo Maritime Center enlisted the help of volunteers, donations and corporate sponsors to create a new version of The Seneca Chief. The original barge made the inaugural journey on the entirety of the canal in October of 1825, carrying Governor DeWitt Clinton and a keg of Lake Erie water. The replica Seneca Chief is on a similar journey in its path across New York State, but on a far larger, more complex journey through history.
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Autumn in New York (State Parks and Historic Sites)
Short and sunny days, crunchy leaves, honking geese, the strong desire for pumpkin spice: it must be fall! Temperatures are just right for hiking, biking and outdoor adventure. It’s a time of year that sparks inspiration, curiosity and wonder. Our parks and historic sites are here to help you make the most of it! Read on for ideas on how to have the best fall ever.
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