Poughkeepsie Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the beautiful Hudson Valley, Poughkeepsie is a charming town in the state of New York that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions. Known as the "Queen City of the Hudson," Poughkeepsie is a true gem for travelers seeking a unique and enriching experience.

One of the highlights of Poughkeepsie is its stunning natural surroundings. The town is situated on the banks of the majestic Hudson River, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can take leisurely strolls along the riverfront, enjoy picnics in the scenic parks, or even embark on a scenic boat tour to fully immerse themselves in the picturesque beauty of the area.

For history enthusiasts, Poughkeepsie is a treasure trove of historical landmarks. The city is home to several impressive architectural gems, including the stunning Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge, which is now a pedestrian walkway offering panoramic views of the Hudson River. The historic Locust Grove Estate, once home to Samuel Morse, the inventor of the Morse code, is another must-visit attraction, with its beautifully preserved mansion and lush gardens.

Culture and arts thrive in Poughkeepsie, with a vibrant arts scene and numerous museums and galleries. The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, located on the campus of Vassar College, showcases an impressive collection of European and American art spanning several centuries. For theater lovers, the Bardavon 1869 Opera House hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and dance recitals.

Food enthusiasts will delight in Poughkeepsie's diverse culinary scene. The town offers a wide range of dining options, from cozy cafes serving locally sourced fare to upscale restaurants offering international cuisine. Visitors can savor delectable dishes made with fresh ingredients while enjoying the warm and welcoming ambiance of the town's eateries.

Alternative names: Population: 30.4 thous.Area: 31.16 mi²Elevation: 174 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°42'5"N, 73°55'35"W

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New YorkUnited States

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Poughkeepsie Top Attractions

Poughkeepsie Attractions - What to See and Explore

Poughkeepsie offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Vassar College, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Powerhouse Theater. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Cafeteria • Universities and schools
Vassar College
Vassar College is a private liberal arts college in Poughkeepsie, New York, United States. Founded in 1861 by Matthew Vassar, it was the second degree-granting institution of higher education for women in the United States, closely following Elmira College.
Ship
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater
The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Beacon, New York that seeks to protect the Hudson River and surrounding wetlands and waterways through advocacy and public education.
Museum • Art museum
Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center
The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center is a teaching museum, major art repository, and exhibition space on the campus of Vassar College, in Poughkeepsie, New York, United States. It was founded in 1864 as the Vassar College Art Gallery. It displays works from antiquity to contemporary times.

Concerts and shows • Theater
Powerhouse Theater
The Powerhouse Theater is a theater building on the campus of Vassar College in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York, US. Originally built as a power station in 1912, it was renovated and repurposed as a theater in 1973.
41°40'21"N • 73°55'47"W
Locust Grove Estate
Museum • History museum
41°41'12"N • 73°53'45"W
Main Building
The Main Building of Vassar College is the oldest surviving building on its campus in Poughkeepsie, New York, and the center of academic life.
Church • Postmodern architecture
Church of St. Martin de Porres
The Church of St. Martin de Porres is a Roman Catholic parish church under the authority of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, located in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York.
41°41'25"N • 73°53'44"W
Students' Building
The Students' Building on the campus of Vassar College in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S. houses the school's All Campus Dining Center as well as additional multifunctional student space on its second floor.
Reportedly haunted • Tudor Revival architecture
Jewett House
Jewett House is a nine-story Tudor-style dormitory on the campus of Vassar College in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York. Built in 1907 to accommodate increasing demand for residential space, the dorm was designed by Vassar art professor Lewis Pilcher of the architectural firm Pilcher and Tachau.
41°41'21"N • 73°53'51"W
Davison House
Davison House is a five-story dormitory on the campus of Vassar College in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York. Designed by Boston architecture firm Allen & Vance and built 1902, it was the fourth dorm built on Vassar's residential quadrangle.
41°41'19"N • 73°53'51"W
Raymond House
Raymond House is one of five quadrangle residence halls at Vassar College, located in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York. Raymond House was erected in 1897 in response to the popularity of Strong House, and was promptly designed by Francis R. Allen.
41°41'22"N • 73°53'47"W
Lathrop House
Lathrop House was the third quadrangle dormitory built on Vassar College's campus in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York. Constructed in 1901 and designed by Boston-based Allen & Vance, the brick dorm stands five stories tall.
41°41'19"N • 73°53'46"W
Strong House
Strong House is a dormitory at Vassar College named after Bessie Rockefeller Strong, the oldest daughter of oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller, who was largely responsible for funding the building's construction.

Day trips

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

In the vicinity of Poughkeepsie, it's worth seeing attractions such as: United States Military Academy (West Point), Mid-Hudson Children's Museum (Poughkeepsie), Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site (Hyde Park).

21 milesS
Museum, Military museum
United States Military Academy, West Point
The United States Military Academy, commonly known as West Point, is a fortress of history and tradition situated in the scenic Hudson Valley of New York. Established in 1802, this prestigious institution has been the training ground for America's military leaders for...
0.8 miNW
Museum, Children's museum
Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, Poughkeepsie
Nestled in the scenic Hudson Valley, the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum stands as an engaging beacon of learning and fun for young minds in Poughkeepsie, New York. This family-friendly destination is an ideal spot for children to explore, play, and discover through...
4.6 miN
Former president's home with a museum
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Hyde Park
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Dutchess County, New York, the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site offers visitors a unique glimpse into the life of America's 32nd president. This national park not only preserves the Springwood estate, the...
14 milesS
Massive museum with modern art
Dia Beacon, Beacon
Dia Beacon is the museum for the Dia Art Foundation's collection of art from the 1960s to the present and is one of the 11 locations and sites they manage. The museum, which opened in 2003, is situated on the banks of the Hudson River in Beacon, New York.
4.7 miN
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Hyde Park
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum holds the records of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States.

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Best Time To Visit Poughkeepsie

Learn when is the best time to travel to Poughkeepsie weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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April, June and September are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May, July, August, October and November.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in May and July.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Poughkeepsie?

The top attractions to visit in Poughkeepsie are:

What is the best time to visit Poughkeepsie?

April, June and September are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May, July, August, October and November. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.