Potsdam Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Village

Facts and practical information

Located in the beautiful region of upstate New York, Potsdam is a charming village that offers visitors a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and historical significance. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and dotted with quaint buildings, Potsdam is a hidden gem that should not be missed.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Potsdam. The village is nestled in the St. Lawrence River Valley, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush forests, and serene waterways. Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Raquette River or embark on a scenic hike in the nearby Adirondack Mountains. For a unique experience, visit the stunning Canton Lake and indulge in various water activities such as boating, fishing, or simply unwinding on its peaceful shores.

Potsdam is also home to a vibrant cultural scene. The village is renowned for its world-class performing arts venues, such as the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, which hosts a range of concerts and performances throughout the year. Art lovers can explore the renowned Gibson Gallery, showcasing a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional artworks from local and international artists. History buffs will be captivated by the Potsdam Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the village's rich heritage through its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Potsdam boasts a charming downtown area filled with unique shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Explore the local boutiques for one-of-a-kind souvenirs or indulge in a shopping spree at the bustling farmers market. After a day of exploring, satisfy your taste buds with a delicious meal at one of the village's cozy restaurants, offering a wide array of cuisines from around the world.

Alternative names: Population: 9.7 thous. (2019)Area: 4.94 mi²Elevation: 413 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 44°40'11"N, 74°59'12"W

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New YorkUnited States

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Potsdam Top Attractions

Potsdam Attractions - What to See and Explore

Potsdam offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Trinity Episcopal Church, Art Museum at SUNY Potsdam, Clarkson Office Building, United States Post Office. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Sacred and religious sites • Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Trinity Episcopal Church
Trinity Episcopal Church is a historic Episcopal church located at Potsdam in St. Lawrence County, New York. It was built in 1835 in the Federal style with Gothic elements built of red Potsdam Sandstone.
Museum • Art museum
Art Museum at SUNY Potsdam
The Art Museum at SUNY Potsdam is part of the State University of New York at Potsdam, located in the village of Potsdam in St. Lawrence County, New York.
Romanesque architecture
Clarkson Office Building
Clarkson Office Building is a historic office building located at Potsdam in St. Lawrence County, New York. It was built in 1901 and is a two-story, three by three bay, square shaped stone structure in the Romanesque style.

44°40'10"N • 74°59'5"W
United States Post Office
US Post Office-Potsdam is a historic post office building located at Potsdam in St. Lawrence County, New York. It was designed and built in 1932–1933, and is one of a number of post offices in New York State designed by the Office of the Supervising Architect of the Treasury Department, James A. Wetmore.
44°40'19"N • 74°59'15"W
Jonathan Wallace House
Jonathan Wallace House is a historic home located at Potsdam in St. Lawrence County, New York. It was built in 1828 and is a two-story, five-bay, hipped-roof Federal style residence with a two-story rear wing built about 1846.
44°40'6"N • 74°58'60"W
Clarkson-Knowles Cottage
Clarkson-Knowles Cottage is a historic home located at Potsdam in St. Lawrence County, New York. It was built about 1835 and is a 1 ¹⁄₂-story, five-bay residence constructed of red Potsdam Sandstone in the slab and binder style.
Universities and schools
State University of New York at Potsdam
The State University of New York at Potsdam is a public college in Potsdam, New York. It is the northernmost member of the State University of New York system. Founded in 1816, it is among the oldest colleges in the United States.
Universities and schools
Crane School of Music
The Crane School of Music is located in Potsdam, New York, and is one of three schools which make up the State University of New York at Potsdam.
44°40'48"N • 74°59'12"W
Scott's Auto Center
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Neighbourhood
Market Street Historic District
Market Street Historic District is a national historic district located at Potsdam in St. Lawrence County, New York. The district includes 27 contributing buildings dated from 1820 to 1900.

Day trips

Potsdam – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Potsdam, it's worth seeing attractions such as: The Wild Center (Tupper Lake), Frederic Remington Art Museum (Ogdensburg), Weller Pond.

41 milesSE
Nature and wildlife, Park, Natural history museum
The Wild Center, Tupper Lake
The Wild Center, formerly known as the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks, is a natural history center in Tupper Lake, New York, near the center of New York state's Adirondack Park.
25 milesW
Island, Park, Art museum
Frederic Remington Art Museum, Ogdensburg
The Frederic Remington Art Museum is an art museum in Ogdensburg, New York, that focuses on the work of Frederic Remington.
44 milesSE
Protected area
Weller Pond
Weller Pond is a 177-acre wilderness pond 8 miles southwest of the village of Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks in northern New York within Franklin County. The lake is found at an elevation of 1,539 feet. It is connected to Middle Saranac Lake and is entirely state-owned.
39 milesSE
Protected area
Saint Regis Pond
Saint Regis Pond is a 400-acre pond, the largest in the Saint Regis Canoe Area in the Adirondacks in northern New York state. It drains into the west branch of the St. Regis River. It is the centerpiece of the "Seven Carries" canoe route. The pond is 1.6 miles long. There are four small islands and several designated campsites.
48 milesSE
Mountain
Dewey Mountain, Saranac Lake
Dewey Mountain is a 2,090-foot-tall mountain in Franklin County, New York just south of the village of Saranac Lake. A hill that slopes down to Lake Flower and is a shoulder of Dewey Mountain has been called Blood Hill, Maple Hill, or sometimes Reservoir Hill.