Celebrate USA's 250th anniversary by visiting mid-Hudson Valley sites

Dive into Dutchess County history, Immerse yourself in Ulster County history, Engage with Orange County history, Delve into Sullivan County history

The historic sites across the mid-Hudson Valley are not only a great place to learn more about the history of where you live, but also tend to have innovative events and breathtaking views, from views of the Hudson River to historic architecture and even fairy-tale-like gardens.

With the upcoming celebration on July 4, 2026, honoring America's adoption of the Declaration of Independence, 2026 is the perfect time to visit or revisit some of the region's major historical sites.

Here are five major historical sites from Dutchess, Ulster, Orange and Sullivan counties you might want to put on your bucket list to visit in 2026.

Dive into Dutchess County history

  • Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site: 106 Valkill Park Road, Hyde Park
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, a part of the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site: 4079 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park
  • Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome: 9 Norton Road, Red Hook
  • Staatsburg State Historic Site: 75 Mills Mansion Drive, Road #1, Staatsburg
  • Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site: 119 Vanderbilt Park Road, Hyde Park

Immerse yourself in Ulster County history

  • Historic Huguenot Street: 81 Huguenot St., New Paltz
  • Kingston Stockade District: Eight-block area in the western portion of Kingston
  • Opus 40: 356 George Sickle Road, Saugerties
  • Saugerties Lighthouse: 168 Lighthouse Drive, Saugerties
  • Senate House State Historic Site: 296 Fair St., Kingston
Dive into Dutchess County history, Immerse yourself in Ulster County history, Engage with Orange County history, Delve into Sullivan County history

A portrait of George Washington inside the museum at Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh on November 14, 2025.

Engage with Orange County history

  • Fort Montgomery State Historic Site: 690 Route 9W, Fort Montgomery
  • Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site: 289 Old Forge Hill Road, Vails Gate
  • National Purple Heart Hall of Honor: 374 Temple Hill Road, New Windsor
  • Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site: 84 Liberty St., Newburgh
  • West Point Museum: 2110 South Post Road, West Point

Delve into Sullivan County history

  • Delaware & Hudson Canal Interpretive Center: 16 Bova Road, Summitville
  • Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History: 6615 Route 97, Narrowsburg
  • Livingston Manor Covered Bridge Park: 130 Covered Bridge Road, Livingston Manor
  • Minisink Battleground Park: 58 County Road 168, Barryville
  • Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct: Located off Route 97 in Minisink Ford
Dive into Dutchess County history, Immerse yourself in Ulster County history, Engage with Orange County history, Delve into Sullivan County history

The Tower of Victory at Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh on November 14, 2025.

If you've already been to these historic sites in Dutchess, Ulster, Orange and Sullivan counties, try visiting destinationdutchess.com/go/rethink, visitulstercountyny.com/plan-your-visit/things-to-do/category/historic-sites/, pickocny.com/explore-orange-county-ny/history/, and sullivanny.gov/Departments/ParksRecreation, respectively, for more history and sightseeing opportunities.

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