Poughkeepsie

Travel Guide
Photo provided by www.DutchessTourism.com
Photo provided by © City of Chicago
Photo provided by www.DutchessTourism.com
Photo provided by www.DutchessTourism.com
Photo provided by Tim Lee Photography
Enjoy the charms of the Hudson Valley in this city with a college-town feel. Tour one of the many wealthy estates in the area or enjoy an event at Vassar College.

Poughkeepsie is a city in the heart of the Hudson Valley in Dutchess County, New York. Its name is derived from the phonetic interpretation of the local Native American phrase for “the reed-covered lodge by the little water place.” Although reed-covered lodges are relics of the past, the phrase is very accurate for the city, which sits on the bank of the Hudson River.

The area is home to several estates built in the years before and during America’s Gilded Age. Vanderbilt Mansion is a short drive outside the city. The grounds feature formal Italian gardens and a small park with beautiful views of the Hudson River, particularly at sunset. Walk through the halls of this Beaux-Arts mansion on a guided tour. Take guided tours or enjoy the grounds of other nearby estates like Maple Grove or Locust Grove.

Vassar College, an elite liberal arts institution, is located in Poughkeepsie. The college grounds feature an arboretum with over 200 varieties of trees. Explore the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, which houses an extensive display of Asian, European and American art and artifacts. The college also hosts plays, concerts, dance performances and other acts throughout the year.

Explore the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley at one of Poughkeepsie’s many parks. Peach Hill Park is the city’s largest park. It has 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) of trails that go past an apple orchard, the scenic highest point in town and woods bordering the Hudson Valley. Take a step back in time at Springside, the former estate of Vassar College founder Matthew Vassar. The grounds, gardens and farm are open to the public and provide a wonderful family excursion.

Investigate the lively downtown scene in Poughkeepsie. Check out the various restaurants and shops or take a stroll along the riverfront. Poughkeepsie’s combination of Hudson Valley beauty and college town cultural scene makes it a city well worth visiting.

Where to stay in Poughkeepsie

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Crown Heights

Visitors to Crown Heights enjoy its coffee shops, and if you want to do some exploring, Hudson River is worth a stop.

Crown Heights
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Arlington

You'll enjoy the coffee shops and art galleries in Arlington. You might want to make time for a stop at Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center or Vassar Golf Course.

Arlington
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Red Oaks Mill

Get to know Red Oaks Mill by checking out its river views, waterfalls and breweries. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Locust Grove or Poughkeepsie Galleria during your time in the area.

Red Oaks Mill
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Union Street Historic District

While Union Street Historic District isn't home to many top sights, Mid-Hudson Civic Center and Bardavon 1869 Opera House are some notable places to visit nearby.

Union Street Historic District
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Mid-Century DJ’s Dream
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Riverfront modern house with beautiful views
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Stay at this vacation home in New Paltz. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Testimonial Gateway and Loren Campbell Memorial Field are ...
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Riverfront modern house with beautiful views
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