In 2025, New York State commemorates the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal from Albany to Buffalo. This event was transformative for both the state and the nation, linking the Great Lakes with the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean in an unprecedentedly efficient waterway. During the bicentennial, we are offered an opportunity to reflect on two centuries of rich and complex history and discover how that period’s impacts allow us to explore and enjoy the Canal today.
“This system was built for you.” Over the past 100 years, this ideal has driven our agency’s growth beyond its original visions. New York State’s parks and historic sites contribute to their communities’ sense of identity. Businesses thrive thanks to park and historic site visitors. Generations of New Yorkers have worked at our parks and sites, some for their entire career, others for a season.
New York’s historic preservation initiatives have also had a positive ripple effect. Designating heritage areas and preserving landmarks sparked community pride — and investment. Tax credits help both individual homeowners and commercial developers preserve and re-develop historic structures. The State and National Registers of Historic Places and the Historic Business Preservation Registry fosters connections with the past.
Throughout 2024, we celebrated the intangible benefits of our system by collecting your visitor memories and offering hundreds of special events and activities. As we look to 2025 and beyond, let’s explore the ways in which our agency benefits all New Yorkers, by the numbers.
Continue reading By the Numbers: The Benefits of State Parks and Historic SitesIn today’s fast-paced digital world, where screens often dominate our daily lives, many are seeking refuge in nature to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit. To inspire those looking to focus on their wellness, or just looking for fun activities to partake in, we’ve created the New York State Parks Wellness Challenge.
This program supports Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative and calls for individuals and families to step away from their devices and immerse themselves in New York State’s natural beauty and expansive opportunities. The Wellness Challenge is more than just a call to explore. It’s an invitation to embrace a holistic approach to wellness in a setting that promotes mental clarity, physical vitality, and social connectivity.
2025 is the year of wellness in New York State, and our First Day Hikes event series was the perfect way to start the year! For the fourteenth time, state parks, historic sites, and public lands rang in the new year by hosting group hikes. More than 90 sites statewide participated, and thousands of New Yorkers joined us to begin 2025 on a high note.
There was little snow on the ground across most of New York this year, but lots of joy, optimism and community in the air. Here are a few highlights of the day. Browse our First Day Hikes 2025 Flickr album to see all the photos.
Continue reading First Day Hikes Kick Off Year of WellnessCenturies of holiday traditions to experience. A park that’s only open one season a year. Meteor showers overhead, tracks through the snow, and miles of trails to enjoy in a whole different way.
Winter fun is everywhere at state parks and historic sites! Below are ten activities we suggest you experience this season.
1. Visit Fahnestock Winter Park. Celebrate the spirit of winter at the only park in our system devoted exclusively to the season. At Fahnestock, you’ll discover 20 kilometers of machine-groomed cross-country ski trails, an extensive network of blazed snowshoeing trails, and sledding and tubing. Fuel up at the concession stand and unwind by the fire pit with your fellow winter lovers for the full seasonal experience! No gear? No problem! You can rent equipment for skate and classic skiing, as well as snowshoes, sledding tubes, and tow-behind baby pulks. Check conditions before you go.
Continue reading Ten Winter Activities At State Parks and Historic Sites
New York State Parks and Historic Sites Blog 