Poughkeepsie Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Poughkeepsie, located in the stunning Hudson Valley of New York State, is a hidden gem that offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural experiences. Nestled on the banks of the majestic Hudson River, this charming city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and art lovers alike.

Nature lovers will find themselves in paradise in Poughkeepsie. With its picturesque landscapes, the city provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the great outdoors. The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is a must-visit attraction, offering breathtaking views of the river and surrounding mountains from the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. Take a leisurely stroll or rent a bike to traverse this iconic landmark.

History enthusiasts will be enthralled by the rich heritage of Poughkeepsie. The city is home to several historic sites, including the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, where visitors can delve into the life of one of America's most influential leaders. The Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, a stunning Gilded Age mansion, showcases the opulence and grandeur of the era. For a step back in time, explore Locust Grove Estate, a beautiful Italianate villa surrounded by lush gardens that once belonged to Samuel Morse, the inventor of the telegraph.

Art and culture thrive in Poughkeepsie, with its vibrant arts scene and numerous galleries. The Bardavon 1869 Opera House, a historic theater that hosts a variety of performances, from Broadway shows to concerts by world-renowned artists, is a must-visit for culture enthusiasts. The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, located on the campus of Vassar College, houses an impressive collection of art spanning various periods and styles.

Food lovers will find a diverse culinary scene in Poughkeepsie, with an array of restaurants offering delectable delights. From farm-to-table eateries serving fresh, locally sourced ingredients to cozy cafes and international cuisine options, there is something to tantalize every taste bud.

Alternative names: Founded: 1686 (338 years ago)Population: 30.4 thous.Area: 5.72 mi²Maximum elevation: 380 ftCoordinates: 41°42'4"N, 73°55'39"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: Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, Walkway over the Hudson, Mid-Hudson Bridge, Bardavon 1869 Opera House. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Children's museum
Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
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...
Bridge
Walkway over the Hudson
The Walkway over the Hudson is a steel cantilever bridge spanning the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie, New York, on the east bank and Highland, New York, on the west bank.
Bridge
Mid-Hudson Bridge
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge is a toll suspension bridge which carries US 44 and NY 55 across the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie and Highland in the state of New York.

Concerts and shows • Concert hall • Theater
Bardavon 1869 Opera House
The Bardavon 1869 Opera House, in the downtown district of Poughkeepsie, New York, United States, is the oldest continuously operating theater in New York State. Designed by J.A.
Church
Our Lady of Mount Carmel's Church
The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a historic Roman Catholic parish church building located in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York.
Library • Gothic Revival architecture
Thompson Memorial Library
The Frederick Ferris Thompson Memorial Library is the main library building at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Museum • History museum • Neo-renaissance architecture
Locust Grove
Locust Grove is a National Historic Landmark estate located on US 9 in the Town of Poughkeepsie, New York. The 200-acre park-like estate includes homes, a carriage house, ice house, trails, a flower garden, and vegetable garden, and it overlooks the Hudson River from a bluff.
Church
Vassar Chapel
The Vassar Chapel, built in 1904, is the main religious building at Vassar College, and is the largest religious edifice in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Rock club • Concert hall • Music venue
The Chance
The Chance is a concert and theater complex located in downtown Poughkeepsie, New York. The complex consists of four rooms: the Chance Theater, which is the primary concert hall; The Loft, a smaller upstairs concert hall; The Platinum Lounge, a downstairs bar/nightclub; and The Nuddy Irishmen, a downstairs cafe/bar.
Museum
Dutchess County Historical Society
Dutchess County Historical Society, located in Poughkeepsie, New York, was formed in Pleasant Valley, New York May 26, 1914 and received its Charter from the Regents of the University of the State of New York in 1918.
Universities and schools
Marist College
Marist College is a private liberal arts college in Poughkeepsie, New York. Founded in 1905, Marist was formed by the Marist Brothers, a Catholic religious institute, to prepare brothers for their vocations as educators.
Church
St. Mary's Church
The Church of St. Mary is a Roman Catholic parish church under the authority of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, located in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York City. It was established as a parish in 1873. In November 2014, the Archdiocese announced that St. Joseph's Church on Lafayette Place would merge with St. Mary's.
Museum
Clinton House
The Clinton House is an 18th-century Georgian stone building in the city of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York, United States. It is a New York State Historic Site and has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a historic place of local significance since 1982.
Library
Adriance Memorial Library
The Adriance Memorial Library is located on Market Street in Poughkeepsie, New York, United States. It is a stone building in the Classical Revival architectural style erected shortly at the end of the 19th century. In 1982 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Church • Greek Revival architecture
Second Baptist Church
The Second Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, New York, United States, is located at the corner of Vassar and Mill streets. It is a wooden building from the late 1830s in the Greek Revival architectural style, the only remaining church in the city in that style.
Church • New Hamburg
Zion Memorial Chapel
Zion Memorial Chapel, now known as St. Nicholas-on-the-Hudson, is an historic Carpenter Gothic style Episcopal church building located at 37 Point Street in New Hamburg, New York, United States. It was built in 1902 as a chapel of nearby Zion Church in Wappingers Falls and became a separate parish in 1983.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
St. Paul's Episcopal Church is located at North Hamilton and Mansion streets on the west side of Mansion Square in Poughkeepsie, New York, United States. It is a stone church in the Norman-Gothic Revival styles built in the late 19th century.
Greek Revival architecture • City hall
Poughkeepsie City Hall
Poughkeepsie City Hall is a historic city hall located in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York at 228 Main Street. It was built in 1831 and is a two-story, red brick building with a basement and attic, in the Greek Revival style.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church is an historic American Baptist church located at 164 South Cherry Street in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York.

Things to See and Do in Poughkeepsie by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Poughkeepsie.

Culture

Mid-Hudson Civic Center
Poughkeepsie
Concert hallMusic venueIce rink
Bardavon 1869 Opera House
Poughkeepsie
Concerts and showsConcert hallTheater
The Chance
Poughkeepsie
Rock clubConcert hallMusic venue
Barrett House
Poughkeepsie
Art galleryGreek Revival architecture

Active

Mid-Hudson Civic Center
Poughkeepsie
Concert hallMusic venueIce rink
College Hill Golf Course
Poughkeepsie
GolfCollege Hill
Tenney Stadium at Leonidoff Field
Poughkeepsie
FootballSport venueSport
McCann Field House
Poughkeepsie
SportSport venue

Other categories

Church Museum

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), Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site (Hyde Park), Dia Beacon (Beacon).

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...
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.
26 milesS
State park, Body of water, Nature and wildlife
Fort Montgomery, Fort Montgomery
Fort Montgomery was a fortification built on the west bank of the Hudson River in Highlands, New York by the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

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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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June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in July and August.

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?

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in July and August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.