Town Of Saugerties

What is it?
The Saugerties American Legion Museum was established in 1986, at the Lamouree-Hackett American Legion Post 72 building that continues to house the museum today.  It was revitalized in 1996.

Containing over 300 items of historical interest, the museum focuses on Saugerties citizens and their participation during wartime.  The museum's artifacts range from the French and Indian war to today's wars. 

What will you see when you visit the museum?  There are uniforms contributed by veterans and their families, helmets, written materials, and other memorabilia.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

The museum is upstairs at the Lamouree-Hackett American Legion Post 72 building (30 John Street).

The museum is open Memorial Day and Veterans Day.  Other days, it is open only by appointment, for individuals or groups.

 To make an appointment to visit the museum on days other than Memorial Day and Veterans Day (when it is open to the general public), contact Bill Payne by phone (518-588-5462) or by email - wpayne@hvc.rr.com. For more information, please visit this page.

What is it?

Arm-of-the-Sea Theater has inspired wonder, offered insight, sparked joy and enriched their audiences' imagination since their founding in 1982.  This mask and puppet theater group will astound you, and perhaps give you some insights, both ecological and social.

Their performances bridge language barriers and engage people of many ages and walks of life.

Arm-of-the-Sea's founders, Marlena Marallo and Patrick Wadden looked to create an experimental hybrid performance group combining art, ecology and social action. 

Their company both performs in Saugerties and tours to cultural centers, festivals, community venues, and schools throughout the Northeast and beyond.  They also conduct theater arts residency programs.  This year, they are presenting a summer series calls "Waterfront Wednesdays".  They are currently showing each Wednesday, of the summer and will run until Wednesday, August 23rd.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

The group is currently undertaking a project to establish, at a long-abandoned site on the tidal Esopus Creek in Saugerties a multi-faceted visitors’ center with facilities for performing arts, exhibitions, river-related programs and citizen-science projects. The Tidewater Center (61 East Bridge Street) will also feature a waterworks playground related to the historic water-powered mills of Saugerties, public access to tidewater fishing, and a way-station for mariners and kayakers.

Work on this site continues.  The Grand Opening of the Tidewater Center in August 2021 featured four performances of the 2021 Esopus Creek Puppet Suite at the new outdoor performance area on the north section of the property.  For more information, visit the Arm-of-the-Sea Theater website.  (Includes information about how to donate to support their efforts, if reading this description so moved you.)

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What is it?

Saugerties is renowned for its scenic beauty and rich heritage.  We have well-maintained country roads that are typically low on traffic (but not always ... be careful out there).  This allows bicyclists easy access to the Hudson River, Esopus Creek, serene marshlands, and outstanding views of the Catskill Mountains.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

Through the hard work and dedication of Gil Hales and Mike Harkavy, and with the great guidance and support of Barbara Bravo and photographer Joy Moore, there is a flyer available of Saugerties Scenic/Historic Bike Routes. You can pick one up at either the Saugerties Town Hall (4 High Street) or the Saugerties Village Offices (43 Partition Street). Or, if that's not convenient for you, you can visit the Bike Routes page, and download the maps for your personal use.  The page also shows more scenes (beyond the above shot of the Blue Mountain Reservoir) that you'll encounter on some of the laid-out bicycle routes.

Photo (above right) by Tom Hinchey.

What is it?

As you enter Saugerties via Route 9W from the south, you will see a site that many of us in Saugerties are truly proud of ... the bridge over the Esopus with the Catskill Mountains in the background. 

But the treat doesn't end there.  As  you cross the bridge, on your right, you'll see that the Esopus Creek water drops off ... and it does so as it falls over the Cantine Dam ... a beautiful dam on the south side of the Village, separating the upper and lower Esopus Creek. It is visible from the Route 9W (and 32) bridge and is located at the foot of Hill Street in Saugerties. 

This historic dam has at times in the past (19th century) been a source of power for various Saugerties businesses.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

You pass by this dam any time you take Route 9W/32 into or out of the Village of Saugerties, as  you pass through our iconic red (formerly green) bridge.  There are great views of the falls at the Cantine Mills Hotel and the BLACKBARN Restaurant's balcony.

[Photo by David Choc.]

What is it?

The Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex is a remarkable 127-acre sports and recreation complex owned and operated by the Town of Saugerties under the Department of Parks, Recreation and Buildings.  The field has: 

• 11 Ball Fields, 5 of which are lighted
• 4 Regulation size soccer fields, two of which are lighted
• 1 Olympic size, fully enclosed refrigerated Ice Arena used by hockey teams, figure skaters and the general public
• 4 lighted tennis courts
• 4 Pavilions, with full service Kitchenettes
• 1 conference center
• 1 Senior Citizen’s Multi Purpose Recreation Center
• 3 basketball courts
• 3 playgrounds, including Small World Playground
• 1 enclosed bandstand
• 2 covered grandstands
• Indoor and outdoor shuffleboard courts
• Many picnic areas and barbecue equipment
• Open space

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

You can get to Cantine Field via Market Street or Washington Avenue.  For GPS purposes, the Senior Center's address is 207 Market Street. 

You can find a wealth of information about Cantine Field, including downloadable forms for using the facilities for events  you would like to hold there, on the Cantine Field page. 

[Photo by Greg Chorvas.]

What is it?

Catskill Animal Sanctuary is a 150-acre refuge located in Saugerties, NY.  They care for 11 species of farmed animals, who have been rescued from cruelty, neglect and abandonment.  Over the years, thousands have come to this place of profound peace. They continue to come — sometimes one needy soul, sometimes a flock of 100 or more at a time. It is the privilege of the kind staff at Catskill Animal Sanctuary to help each and every rescued animal understand what love feels like.

The Sanctuary offers support through our vegan culinary classes, Compassionate Cuisine cookbook and online recipes, customized Sanctuary tours, engaging educational programs for kids, and inspirational writing and speaking of Kathy, the Sanctuary founder.  For the safety of our staff and rescued animals, the Sanctuary does not allow drop-in visits. All visits must be scheduled or booked in advance. They thank you for your understanding!

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

Located at 31 Old Stage Road (again, please schedule any visits you might plan).

Their main phone number is 845-336-8447.
Their main contact email is info@casanctuary.org

The full list of contact email addresses for the Catskill Animal Sanctuary can be found on their website - https://casanctuary.org/

Here are a few of the top contact emails:

• Tour Inquiries/Group Tours: tourstaff@casanctuary.or
• Media Inquiries: veronica@casanctuary.org
• Volunteers: volunteer@casanctuary.org
• Internships: intern@casanctuary.org
• Sponsorship: sponsorship@casanctuary.org
• Grants/Trusts: lesley@casanctuary.org
• Donor Relations: donorsupport@casanctuary.org

What is it?

Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, with its four hiking trails and its scenic location along a dramatic bend in the Esopus Creek, is a unique 161-acre preserve situated less than a mile from the Hudson River. It is visible to 10,000 travelers a day who cross the Esopus Creek bridge in the Village of Saugerties.

Established in 2003 and owned by Esopus Creek Conservancy - a not-for-profit land trust, the preserve was formerly farmland but has not been used for agriculture in more than forty years. It is a natural ecosystem rife with an array of flora and fauna. Turkeys nest in the meadow in June. Turtles sun on logs during warm summer days. Toads grow up here, and the air flits with dragonflies and birds. Eagles stand on the river birches, watching for prey. Blue herons fish along its shore. Red foxes patrol the forest, and coyotes feed in the preserve in winter.

For more information about the preserve, to download a trail map, and to find out about scheduled guided hikes, go to https://www.esopuscreekconservancy.org/

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

To access Esopus Bend from 9W south in the Village of Saugerties after crossing the Esopus Creek bridge (going south), go a short distance and  make a right onto Overbaugh Street, then take a left onto Simmons Drive, a right onto Appletree Drive and a left onto Shady Lane. There is a parking lot that can accommodate a few cars. However, due to the very limited parking at the entrance to the preserve, visitors are encouraged to park in the Simmons Plaza parking lot on 9W, or at the Saugerties village beach, and walk or carpool to the Shady Lane entrance.

Visitors can also launch their kayak or canoe into the Esopus Creek from the Saugerties Village Beach at the end of South Partition Street, and paddle the three and one-half miles to the rapids. Along the first mile, they can view the preserve from the water, examine the wetland cove, spot a turtle sunning on a log, and observe blue herons along the shoreline or in flight above the water.

Here is a map from the intersection of Main and Partition Streets ("Saugerties midtown"  ) to the main parking area for Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, that might help.

What is it?

Back in 2011, the Scenic Hudson group made a spectacular Hudson Riverfront trail in Saugerties available to the public.

Falling Waters Preserve, just south of the Village of Saugerties, is a stunningly diverse 168-acre preserve containing featuring streams, meadows, wetlands, hardwood forest, dramatic waterfalls and more than a mile of Hudson Riverfront. Three miles of trails will connect visitors to these natural treasures.

The creation of Falling Waters Preserve is the result of a unique collaboration. The Dominican Sisters, who own the property, generously granted Scenic Hudson an easement on the land and agreed to allow public access to a portion of it. Scenic Hudson park planners worked with the Sisters and the Esopus Creek Conservancy (ECC) to augment an existing riverside trail system while protecting the Sisters' privacy.  New trails were constructed and will be maintained by Scenic Hudson and ECC.  An informational kiosk at the preserve's entrance explains the history of the land, once the site of an enormous icehouse.

For more information about the Falling Waters Preserve, visit the Scenic Hudson.org page that describes it.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

Located in the southern portion of Saugerties, directly on the Hudson River, in the hamlet of Glasco.

The river-front park features a large boat launch with concrete ramp and dock, which is able to accommodate two boats / vehicles simultaneously.

A second smaller launch accommodates kayaks and “carry-ons”.

Overnight launching is allowed provided you fill out and submit a boat launching permit.  To obtain a boat launching permit for Town locations, including Glasco Mini-Park, please contact the Town Clerk (845-246-2800 extension 16 or via email lstanley@saugertiesny.gov) or in person at 4 High Street.

Other amenities include a small pavilion with picnic tables and cooking grills, a children’s playground, a fishing pier, park benches and spectacular views of the Hudson River.

Further information may be obtained by calling the Parks, Recreation and Buildings Department at 845-246-5890 x 310.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

Saugerties to be a healthy place to be, for all of us bipeds.  There are plenty hiking trails, for young and old ... expert and beginner. 

We have:

• Hiking trails in the immediate Saugerties area
• Hiking trails in neighboring towns, within a reasonable drive from Saugerties
• Kid-friendly (not too stressful) hiking trails
• Catskills hikes you can sign up for, with expert guides - "Hike with Us".

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

HITS-on-the-Hudson is in the heart of the famed Hudson Valley, just two hours north of New York City. With the majestic Catskill Mountains as its backdrop and recently renovated in 2023, the showgrounds provide an ideal venue for both equestrians and spectators to enjoy both world-class competition and beautiful surroundings.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

With its location on the Hudson River, and with the Esopus Creek meandering through it, Saugerties provides many opportunities for trying out your kayaking and canoeing skills. 

 There are 4 great Saugerties locations for conveniently launching your kayaks, canoes or boats:

• Tina Chorvas Waterfront Park (V)
• Saugerties Village Beach (V)
• Glasco Mini Park (T)
• Malden Park (George J. Terpening Sr. Memorial Park) (T)

(You will need a permit to launch a boat or jet-ski from these locations.  A Village permit for the first 2 and a Town permit for Glasco Mini Park and Malden Park.  The "Kayaking in Saugerties page linked below has both forms available.) 

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

The historic Kiersted House on Main Street in the Village of Saugerties is the Historical Society's headquarters, and a popular tourist spot. The Kiersted House is architecturally significant as an exceptional example of early eighteenth and nineteenth century local building craft and practices. The original builder is unknown, but the first recorded owner of the homestead was Hiskia Dubois in 1724. It was purchased by Dr. Christopher Kiersted in 1773. The farm at that time extended on both sides of the present Main Street in Saugerties.  Plus, Santa shows up at the Kiersted House every December, during the Holiday in the Village celebration.  (Usually, the first Sunday in December.)

Due to the generosity of the Northeast Solite Corporation, the frame for an authentic Dutch barn from the early 1700s was donated to the Historic Society.  The Society repaired and reconstructed the barn frame. The barn, which sits on the Kiersted House property, will enable the society to expand its offerings to allow larger indoor events and exhibits as well as promote activities for our youth and for the arts. We are dedicated to inspiring our youth to continue to promote the rich history of our community.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

The Kiwanis Ice Arena features an 85 foot by 190 foot Olympic-size, fully-enclosed, refrigerated ice rink. The rink accommodates all age levels, and is available for the enjoyment of Saugerties residents and visitors, as well as some competitive ice hockey teams and other organizations.

A lot goes on at the rink - recreational skating, instructional skating, promotional events/activities, tournaments, and youth and adult hockey leagues. It is fully enclosed with a 120' x 235' Titan series structure ... the largest of its type in the Northeast, complete with professional Metal Halide Lighting and Desiccant Dehumidification with return hot air heating for the comfort of spectators in the seating area.  There is a pro shop, a unique boutique consignment shop, skate sharpening and repair. The arena features a full-service concession area during the winter, large heated changing room, and full-service rentals of skates, sticks, etc.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

The first lighthouse in Saugerties was built in 1838 with funds appropriated by Congress.  At that time, it was lit by five whale oil lamps with parabolic reflectors.

The present lighthouse was built in 1869. It sits on a massive circular stone base sixty feet in diameter. A kerosene lamp with a sixth-order Fresnel lens lit the channel to direct river traffic when Saugerties was a major port with daily passenger boats to Manhattan and ferries to Tivoli. (For more information on Fresnel lenses, click here.)

Automation of the light in 1954 made lightkeepers obsolete. The building was closed by the Coast Guard and fell into decay.  Local historian Ruth Reynolds Glunt and architect Elise Barry succeeded in placing the Lighthouse on the National Register in 1979.  This stimulated local citizens to restore the building. In 1986 the then newly formed Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy acquired the Lighthouse and the adjacent wetlands.  After extensive fundraising and restoration work the building was completely reconstructed. After 36 years the light was restored to operation on August 4, 1990.

In 1991, the lighthouse, which is still being used to keep ships, boats and barges in the shipping lanes, took on a new role as a bed and breakfast.  Fewer than a dozen couples spent the night there when it first opened.  Last year, more than 1,000 visitors have enjoyed overnight accommodations there. Weekends for the lighthouse's two overnight rooms must be booked months in advance, while weekday accommodations can be had within about a month of booking a reservation.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

The Lions Club Wading Pool (a.k.a. Kiddie Pool) is located between the Cantine Field basketball courts (visible from Washington Avenue) and the Lions Club Playground.

The pool is open from July 1 to September 1 (Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).  There is a lifeguard present.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

Housed in a former Dutch chapel built in the 1800s, and lovingly restored, The Local has opened as a space for arts, culture, and community in 2023 under the guidance of Isabel Soffer and Danny Melnick, co-founders of Hudson Valley Live. The two Saugerties-based music producers and performing-arts professionals have each devoted more than 30 years to producing festivals, concerts, and curated arts experiences.

Besides its own world class series of music and dance events, the ADA accessible space is available to rent for parties, concerts, weddings, pop-ups, gallery exhibits and more.

Check the schedule page of The Local's website for performance dates and prices.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

Known by many as the Malden Mini-Park, the official name of this park is the George J. Terpening Memorial Park.

Fronting the mighty, historic Hudson River, this park features a boat launch with concrete ramp and dock.  Other amenities include picnic tables, cooking grills, park benches and spectacular views of the Hudson River.

Overnight launching is allowed, provided you fill out and submit the boat launching permit below.  To obtain a boat launching permit for Town locations, including Malden Mini-Park and Glasco Mini-Park, please contact the Town Clerk (845-246-2800 extension 16 or via email lstanley@saugertiesny.gov) or in person at 4 High Street.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

Opus 40 was conceived of and built by artist/sculptor Harvey Fite. He assembled this environmental sculpture of native bluestone over the course of thirty-seven years (1939 to 1976). Originally conceived of as forty-year project, his nearly completed work was halted by his accidental death in 1976.  His work is one of the most impressive and vast sculptures ever created by a single person.

In addition to the outdoor sculpture, a small museum is open to the public.  Opus 40 has served as a venue for concerts, cultural events, educational programs, weddings, and other events.  It is open to the public from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, except when special events are scheduled.  Orleans, Sonny Rollins, Richie Havens and Jimmy Cliff have all played on the Opus 40 bluestone stage.

The museum displays quarrying tools collected by Harvey Fite.  Visit the Opus 40 Web site for the latest schedules of events there.

Hours?

Opus 40 is open Saturday — Monday in April, weather permitting.  They add Fridays in May. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, they are open Thursday to Monday, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  As the weather gets cooler, they move to a shorter week.  They are open weekends, weather permitting, until the Winter Solstice.  They are also open all year long for educational field trips, guided tours, weddings and other property rentals.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

Built in 1908 by John Cooper Davis, the Orpheum Theater on Main Street was a center for vaudeville acts, movies, roller-skating, and basketball.  Vaudeville gave way to movies in the 1930s and the Orpheum Theater became the only movie house in town. The theater was converted into a triplex in 2005, in a way that maintained its character and period architectural details.  Its 3 auditoriums have 136, 138 and 145 seats.

For many years, the Saugerties Thornton family owned and ran the theater.  In July, 2021, regional cinema non-profit Upstate Films acquired the three-screen Orpheum Theater, continuing this Ulster County movie presence and with the promise of a revived cultural community space in Saugerties.  It reopened on Thursday, November 4th, 2021.  Upstate Films has breathed new life into the theater, with a mix of films, talks and performances, and there are ongoing renovations such as updated seating that are underway.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

SPAF is a Performing Arts Facility located in the Village of Saugerties.  Formerly known to many as the "Liquidators Building", it is now home to the "Arts" and a great location to have your wedding celebrations or other events hosted.  Within its walls and sectioned off from the rest of the building is a 1,000 square foot parcel that will house under one roof a facility that offers:

• A Theater
• An Art Gallery
• Opera
• Jazz and cabaret
• Photography
• Fashion design
• Dance
• and more

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

A beautiful, hilly park in the Northeast corner of the Village of Saugerties . . . Seamon Park is beautifully landscaped throughout the year.

John Seamon deeded this property to the Village in 1909 ... and in doing so, he established Seamon Park as a mecca of tranquility in today's high-tech society.

The Children’s Statue in the front of the Park home was purchased with pennies collected by the children many years ago.  In 1929, fireplaces in the picnic area were built by the Camp Fire Girls and their mentor, Maude Washburn. Cast bronze fountains and plantings of flowering shrubs and trees added to the beauty of the site and in 1965 the Saugerties Rotary Club and other citizens proclaimed a Chrysanthemum Festival to add to the awareness and appreciation of the site.

The Park is the site of the annual Mum Festival, held the first Sunday of October.  This highly anticipated event, which was begun at this site in 1965, ushers in a month of leisurely strolls along paths lined with fall plantings, interspersed with thousands of rainbow-hued chrysanthemums.  The festival features varied music: chamber, country, and Sousa marches.  There are Colonial demonstrations, an art show, live animals, and puppets.  The Mum Queen and her Court distribute mum corsages.

In the winter, Kevin Brown and his Parks and Recreation crew, along with Saugerties Kiwanis Club volunteers, transform the park into a holiday lights spectacular.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

The Town of Saugerties Skate Park was built for the enjoyment of and for use by skateboarders.  It is open from 7:30 a.m. to sunset.

The park is closed during inclement weather and during unfavorable winter conditions.

Skaters are advised that wearing head protection, elbow and knee pads, along with other safety equipment will lessen the chance of sustaining serious injury.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

The Palisades Interstate Park Commission, New York State Parks and Scenic Hudson collaborated over several years to establish the first State Park in the City of Kingston and Town of Ulster, Sojourner Truth State Park.  The park is in its early stages of development.  Continued development of the park may occur over time as resources may allow.  In the meantime, Scenic Hudson, State Parks and PIPC have worked together to create access to some areas of the site for passive recreation.

For example, there is a new trail open. Scenic Hudson and the City of Kingston collaborated to complete the 1.9-mile Hudson River Brickyard Trail (as part of the Empire State Trail and the Kingston Greenline. Learn more about this trail here.)  Pedestrians and bicyclists can enjoy spectacular views of the Hudson River, including features like the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, along the 10’-wide paved shoreline trail.

Scenic Hudson will continue to manage this land as the park opens and is being further developed.  Visit the Sojourner Truth State Park page, to keep up with further progress on the park's development.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

Located along the Esopus Creek and within view of the Creek's entry into the historic Hudson River, Tina Chorvas Memorial Park is a great setting for a relaxing stroll, for launching a kayak, or for the many events that are held there each year, including free Sunset Concerts and the Annual Esopus Creek Festival, featuring Arm-of-the-Sea Theater giant puppets.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

Ulster Landing Park features an assortment of activities for all ages. There are several hiking trials (one trail is handicap accessible) with beautiful views of the Hudson River providing numerous bird watching opportunities. The park also features a boat launch, playground areas, barbecue grills, horseshoe pits, basketball hoops and beach volleyball. There is a large beach area for sunbathing and swimming with Lifeguards on duty.

The Park also has a large pavilion that is available to rent for groups and parties that can accommodate up to 85 people.  Fees includes use of the pavilion, electric, water and barbecue grills.  Restrooms are available near the pavilion. 

Where is it?  What do I need to know?

What is it?

Come visit this sand beach swimming area with a swimming dock out in the Esopus Creek, complete with a playground area, fishing area, kayak launch and restroom facilities.

Where is it?  What do I need to know?