The Southeast Museum offers exhibits on the history of the Town of Southeast, including the early American Circus, the Harlem Line Railroad, the Tilly Foster Mine, the Borden Milk Condensery, and the Croton Reservoir System.

In addition, the museum presents various changing exhibits, drawing on its extensive collection of antique farm and household implements, quilts, clothing and assorted Americana reflecting 19th century material culture. The museum is located on Main Street, Brewster in one of Putnam County's largest landmarked buildings, the 1896 Old Town Hall, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Press blue button for events, exhibits, programs, museum shop, and more about the Southeast Museum.

Events Include
Home & Habitats. Meet animals from the rainforest, mountains, farm, desert and ponds. Hands-on age-appropriate science education program that uses live animals.

Maple Syrup demonstrations

Sheep Shearing. Enjoy the spring ritual of sheep shearing every half hour, visit with the animals, learn about farm equipment.

Walkabout Tilly Foster Farm

Historic Reenactment at the Farm TBA (July)

Activities
Fishing
Hiking
Picnicking
Pony Rides
Winter Snowshoeing

The word is Admission to the Tilly Foster Farm Museum is free and open to the public seven days a week from 10am – 4pm. Call for more activities and events.

Our interpretive canoe programs focus on the nearshore environments of the tidal Hudson River, especially the natural history of Constitution Marsh and the surrounding Hudson Highlands. It's easily the best deal around, as our own expert Audubon naturalists lead you through winding channels lined with tall, elegant marsh grasses, searching for hidden wildlife. Enjoy the physical activity and beautiful scenery, and learn the secrets of the Sanctuary.

Reservations are required for all canoe trips. We provide the canoes, paddles, and life jackets, and a safety lesson precedes the trip. At least one adult with paddling experience must accompany each canoe. Trips are tide and weather dependent, and normally last between two and three hours.

If you are planning a kayak or canoe trip through the marsh on your own, public water access is provided at the Foundry Dock Park in Cold Spring and not at the Audubon Center.

Press blue button for reservations, fees, and more information about the Guided Canoe Trips at Constitution Marsh, and to view the Public Canoe Program schedule.

Things To Do on Guided Canoe Trips
Birding
Boating
Nature Trails
Scenic Views

From Chapel of Our Lady Restoration "Its situation, opposite West Point, on a high rock overlooking the Hudson, and surrounded by majestic mountains, is extremely well chosen, and the traveler. . .cannot but be struck with its romantic beauty. By the New York Mirror, November 1934"

"The Chapel Restoration, Cold Spring, New York, was built in 1833, in the Greek Revival style. Abandoned in 1906, it was a charred, weather-ravaged ruin until its restoration in the 1970s. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"In 1996, with funds from the estate of Hugh Holt, a balcony based on the original was built and a tracker action pipe organ custom-built by George Bozeman was installed. The chapel also has a Steinway Grand Piano, once owned by the Livingston family.

"The historic chapel, breathtaking in its simplicity, is the acoustical equal of the world’s great concert halls. Against the backdrop of the Hudson River and Highlands, its dramatic setting inspires a bond between artist and audience. The 1893 Steinway grand piano, once owned by the Livingston family who had a country house up river, graces the stage. In the choir loft is an equally distinguished pipe organ of the kind played in the 17th through the 19th centuries."

Press blue button for Calendar of Events, the Music Series, Readings, Children's Programs, and more about Chapel of Our Lady Restoration.

The word is "The Sunday Music Series, April to November, features musicians of worldwide distinction. Concerts, primarily classical, with at least one each season of jazz or blues, country or bluegrass, are presented once a month at 4. Free of charge, contributions welcome. Series established in 2001."

Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.

Hiking Bear Mountain
Hiking Black Rock Forest
Hiking Harriman State Park
Hiking Highland Lakes State Park
Hiking Manitoga / Tours of Wright's Home
Hiking Sterling Forest State Park
Hiking Storm King Park

Twenty-two hiking trails in Philipstown are listed at Hiking Trails in Philipstown, Putnam County.

Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.

Hiking Bear Mountain
Hiking Black Rock Forest
Hiking Harriman State Park
Hiking Highland Lakes State Park
Hiking Manitoga / Tours of Wright's Home
Hiking Sterling Forest State Park
Hiking Storm King Park

Twenty-two hiking trails in Philipstown are listed at Hiking Trails in Philipstown, Putnam County.

Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.

Hiking Bear Mountain
Hiking Black Rock Forest
Hiking Harriman State Park
Hiking Highland Lakes State Park
Hiking Manitoga / Tours of Wright's Home
Hiking Sterling Forest State Park
Hiking Storm King Park

Twenty-two hiking trails in Philipstown are listed at Hiking Trails in Philipstown, Putnam County.

Little Stony Point Park
Little Stony Point is a Hudson Highlands State Park located at 3011 Route 9D, Cold Spring, NY 10516 in Putnam County, just north of Cold Spring. Little Stony Point offers an unofficial swimming beach, as well as recreational boating, kayaking, and fishing.

Although Little Stony Point is a state owned recreational resource, its upkeep is dependent on the work of volunteers (LSPCA), who operate through a cooperative management agreement with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to keep the park clean and make needed improvements, such as weed abatement, grading trails, and trash pick-up. 100% of donations to the LSPCA are used directly for park and structural upkeep. Source: Little Stony Point Park

Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.

Hiking Bear Mountain
Hiking Black Rock Forest
Hiking Harriman State Park
Hiking Highland Lakes State Park
Hiking Manitoga / Tours of Wright's Home
Hiking Sterling Forest State Park
Hiking Storm King Park

Twenty-two hiking trails in Philipstown are listed at Hiking Trails in Philipstown, Putnam County.

Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area "The Fahnestock Bird Conservation Area is a large, wooded tract which includes six lakes, a hemlock/stream ravine, and some marsh habitat. Much of the forest is mature oak and mixed hardwoods with an understory of mountain laurel. Relatively large stands of hemlock are also present in some areas of the park. The BCA supports a representative community of breeding birds that prefer mature hardwood forests, as well as some marsh and water-dependent bird species. The BCA includes the Hubbard/Perkins Conservation Area, and other portions of the state park."
Source: Department of Environmental Conservation

Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.

Hiking Bear Mountain
Hiking Black Rock Forest
Hiking Harriman State Park
Hiking Highland Lakes State Park
Hiking Manitoga / Tours of Wright's Home
Hiking Sterling Forest State Park
Hiking Storm King Park

Twenty-two hiking trails in Philipstown are listed at Hiking Trails in Philipstown, Putnam County.

Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area "The Fahnestock Bird Conservation Area is a large, wooded tract which includes six lakes, a hemlock/stream ravine, and some marsh habitat. Much of the forest is mature oak and mixed hardwoods with an understory of mountain laurel. Relatively large stands of hemlock are also present in some areas of the park. The BCA supports a representative community of breeding birds that prefer mature hardwood forests, as well as some marsh and water-dependent bird species. The BCA includes the Hubbard/Perkins Conservation Area, and other portions of the state park."
Source: Department of Environmental Conservation

Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.

Hiking Bear Mountain
Hiking Black Rock Forest
Hiking Harriman State Park
Hiking Highland Lakes State Park
Hiking Manitoga / Tours of Wright's Home
Hiking Sterling Forest State Park
Hiking Storm King Park

Twenty-two hiking trails in Philipstown are listed at Hiking Trails in Philipstown, Putnam County.

Butterfield Library offers many programs for children, teens, and adults. Teens can join TAB (Teen Advisory Board), help plan teen events, and provide input on building teen collections. Adults will benefit from Defensive Driving courses (at the lowest price in the area), CPR courses, computer courses, and many cultural and educational programs.

Programs for children include:

Weekly Story Hours
Baby Playtime
Battle of the Books
Mad Science
and more

A Bit of History about the Library
"The Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library was established by the will of the late Julia L. Butterfield. Mrs. Butterfield died on August 6, 1913 at the age of 90.

"Mrs. Butterfield was born on December 19, 1824, in St. Marks' Place, New York City, NY. She moved to Cold Spring in 1852, with her first husband Fredrick James. Up until the time of her death, she spent a large portion of her time at her beautiful Cold Spring residence known as Cragside. Cragside was located on the site of the new Haldane Central School District's high school building. The gatehouse to Cragside still stands today on the corner of Route 9D (Morris Ave) and Craigside Drive.

"Mrs. Butterfield loved to entertain, and her frequent guests included, the Grand Duke of Russia, the Count of Paris, Presidents of the United States, several governors, famous generals and bishops.

"Many of the paintings that hang in the Library today once hung in Cragside. The most famous of which is "A Pic-Nic on the Hudson" painted in 1863 by Hudson River School artist Thomas Rossiter. Rossiter also lived Cold Spring and was a friend of Mrs Butterfield. The painting depicts a group of friends and neighbors enjoying a fashionable picnic on Constitution Island. The group includes Julia James, the future Mrs. Daniell Butterfield, whose estate endowed the library in 1913."

Press blue button for the library calendar, programs, FAQ, and more about the Butterfield Library.

"The Putnam County Historical Society was founded in 1906 by a group of prominent Philipstown residents and chartered the next year to be the first historical society in the county. Its dedicated early members were prominent Cold Spring residents: A. Augustus Healy, Gouverneur Paulding, William Henry Haldane, Robert Floyd-Jones, and William Wood. Galvanized by the desire to collect and preserve historical and cultural materials pertaining to Putnam County, especially the Philipstown area, and the Hudson Highlands, while both looking back to the nineteenth century and forward into the twentieth, the members initially concentrated on the assemblage of information related to many county families, the compilation of a list of local Civil War veterans, and a study of the milestones on the Putnam County segment of the New York to Albany Post Road. During these early years, the members met in private homes, where objects collected by the society were stored, as well as in libraries, where special programs were held.

"In 1960, with funds from the estate of a longtime supporter, the noted writer Laura Spencer Porter Pope (1907–1957), the society acquired the Foundry School building, which was built in about 1830, enlarged in the 1860s, and used for the education of the foundry's teenage apprentices as well as its employees' children. In 1971, a wing was added to house the society's holdings related to the West Point Foundry. Since the establishment of this museum, the society's members, many of them extraordinarily informed about the history of the Highlands and the county, have continued to dedicate their time and talents as docents, researchers, and educators.

"Today, the organization is known as The Putnam County Historical Society & Foundry School Museum (PCHS–FSM) and is owned by a not-for-profit corporation under the oversight of the Department of Education of the State of New York. PCHS-FSM is governed by a board of trustees composed mainly of local residents accomplished in business and the professions and is administered by a professional staff including, an executive director and a curator.

"The purpose of the society is to collect, preserve, and present to the public historical and cultural materials pertaining to Putnam County, especially the Philipstown area, the West Point Foundry, and the Hudson Highlands. To fulfill this mission, the society maintains and administers the Foundry School Museum and a research library. The museum organizes changing exhibitions, with accompanying catalogues, and provides educational programming for the public."

The above information is sourced from the PCHS-FSM website.

Press blue button for the Putnam Historical Society, including directions, exhibits, and more about the Putnam County Historical Society & Foundry School Museum.

"At its windswept elevation of 1,100 feet in the Hudson Highlands Stonecrop enjoys a Zone 5 climate. The display gardens cover an area of approximately 12 acres and comprise a diverse collection of gardens and plants including woodland and water gardens, a grass garden, raised alpine stone beds, cliff rock gardens, and an enclosed English-style flower garden. Additional features include a Conservatory, display Alpine House, Pit House with an extensive collection of choice dwarf bulbs, and systematic order beds representing over 50 plant families.

"Stonecrop's plant collections and display gardens not only demonstrate what can be achieved by horticultural enthusiasts, but also serve as an educational resource which, together with its professional staff, constitute the foundation upon which is based a developing School of Practical Horticulture."

Press blue button for more about workshops, activities and attractions at Stonecrop Gardens.

From 1818 to 1911, the West Point Foundry was a technological powerhouse, manufacturing Parrott guns, the rifled cannon credited with winning the Civil War, and the steam engines, water wheels and mill equipment that sparked America’s burgeoning industrial economy.

Today, this 87-acre preserve is a peaceful park that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The preparation of a Public Access and Interpretation Plan for the West Point Foundry Preserve is supported in part by a Preserve America grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Putnam County is the recipient of the grant. The study and stabilization of masonry ruins at the preserve is funded by the Environmental Protection Fund managed by NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Plans for park improvements are in progress. In the meantime, the property is open to the public with nearly a mile of footpaths that wind near ruins and along both banks of a stream. The adjacent Foundry Cove, once a U.S. EPA Superfund cleanup site, now boasts tidal wetlands that provide habitat for Hudson River bird and fish species.

Things To Do at West Point Foundry Preserve
Birding | Bird Watching
Footpaths winding near ruins
Hiking
Nature Study

Directions
In Cold Spring, go west on Main Street, then left on Rock Street and right on Kemble Avenue Park entrance is at the end of Kemble Avenue

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, and more about West Point Foundry Preserve in Cold Spring, New York.

Important Note
Scenic Hudson's West Point Foundry Preserve is a sensitive archaeological site. Please stay on marked trails and do not move, remove or destroy any historical archaeological elements. Please keep dogs on a leash and pick up after them. Bikes are not permitted.

After a day of nature study, birding, and hiking at West Point Foundry Preserve, dine out at one of many excellent Restaurants in Putnam County, New York offering natural food and healthy options.

From the front lawn at Boscobel, one can see the Constitution Marsh Sanctuary and Constitution Island immediately below, the Bear Mountain Bridge to the south, the United States Military Academy at West Point across the river, and Storm King Mountain to the north. Spectacular views of the Hudson River and the Hudson Highlands, including Crow’s Nest, Storm King, and Sugar Loaf Mountains are visible from Boscobel’s grounds. The Hudson has been an inspiration for artists through the centuries, and great works by Thomas Cole, Asher B. Durand, Thomas Doughty, Thomas P. Rossiter, and Frederic Church, have depicted the majesty of the River and its surroundings.

Boscobel was originally located in Montrose, New York, about fifteen miles south of the present site, with views overlooking the Hudson River at Haverstraw Bay. It was built by States Morris Dyckman (1755-1806), a descendant of one of the early Dutch families of New Amsterdam.

The Boscobel Mansion dates from the early nineteenth century and contains one of the nation's leading collections of furniture and decorative arts from the Federal period with high-style furniture by Duncan Phyfe and other recognized New York cabinetmakers of the day. Much of Dyckman's English china, silver, glass, and part of his library have also survived and are on exhibit.

Points of Interest
There are many tourist attractions and things to do close to Boscobel. Visitors can explore the quaint nineteenth century village of Cold Spring with its antique and specialty shops, Historic West Point, Storm King Art Center, Theatre, and beautiful Parks including Bear Mountain State Park.

Did you know that the Hudson River was recently named one of ten "American Heritage Rivers."

Attractions
Guided Tour of Boscobel mansion
Self-Guided Tour of beautiful grounds
Rose Garden, Orangery, Springhouse and Garden House
Woodland Trail
Panoramic Views of Hudson Highlands

Constitution Marsh Trail, moderate hike, 2 miles. This out and back hike in the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary has a short difficult section leading to a boardwalk into the marsh. For information about the hiking trail and more about Constitution Marsh, call the Center at 845-265-2601.

The sign reads:
Constitution Marsh

" No habitat nurture more life than a tidal marsh. Marsh plants feed animals such as Muskrats and Snapping Turtles. Decomposed plants provide food for countless shrimp, crabs, and even tinier animals which in turn support many species of fish. Young fish feed in the rich marsh "nursery" and then ventue down the Hudson to the sea.

"Constitution Marsh teems with life at all times of the year and changes with each season. The summer begins with the annual ritual in June of female Snapping Turtles climbing the hill to lay their eggs on Boscobel's grounds. From June through September, the marsh below is green with cattails, Wild Rice, Pickerelweed, and Arrowhead. Marsh Wrens, Red-winged Blackbirds, Least Bitterns, Yellow Warblers, and colorful Wood Ducks nest in the marsh. White-tailed Deer visit the wetlands to escape from biting insects.

"The cattails turn from green to reddish brown in the fall, and migratory birds stop on their way south for the winter. Osprey, Marsh Hawks, Swallows, Black Ducks, Mallards, and Green winged Teal rest and feed amoung the cattails and bulrushed before continuing on the migrations. In winter, plans die back in preparation for a new round of growth, and the marsh turns a brownish straw color. Bald Eagles are often spotted at this time of year surveying the marsh from their perches in the trees at Constituion Island. Finally, with the coming of Spring, the cycle begins anew. Migrants reappers, plants sprout new leaves, and the marsh again teems with life.

"Contstitution Marsh was purchased in 1969 by Lila Wallace and Laurance Rockefeller. Now a part of Hudson Highlands State Park, it has been managed the the National Audubon Society since 1970.

"Constitution Island was part of an original land grant made by the British crown to the Philipse family and remained in its possession until Henry Warner, a New York City lawyer, purchased the property and the adjacent marsh in 1836. His unsuccessful attempt to convert the marsh to a wild rice farm left the numerous tidal chaneels visible today. Warner's daughters Susan and Anna lived in the family home on Constitution Island until Anna died in 1915 at the age of eighty-seven. Due to financial losses suffered by their father in the 1840's, they both started writing to help support the family and became knows as the 'Bronte sisters of America.' Together, the sisters had over one hundred books published. Susan's first novel The Wide, Wide World (1850) sold more than a million copies in numerous editions. Anna Warner wrote the well know religious hymn Jesus Loves Me, which was published in 1860.

"Philanthropist Margaret Slocum [Mrs. Russell] Sage purchased the Island in 1908, and she and Anna Warner presented it to the United States governement as a joint gift with the stipulation that it be an addition to West Point. In 1917, West Point cadets created the Martlaer's Rock Association (now the Constitution Island Association), a not-for-profit organization which maintains the property for the enjoyment of the public."

The park's extensive hiking trail network includes terrain that varies from easy to challenging. Trail maps can be obtained at the Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park office. The park’s most well known trail – Breakneck Ridge was rated by Newsweek as one of the top 10 day hikes in America. The 5.5 mile Breakneck Ridge trail rises 1,250 feet in only a ¾ mile stretch.

For visitors who wish to view the scenic park from the water, kayaks and canoes are available for rental at Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center in Cortlandt Manor. Rentals, as well as instruction, tours, and educational programs, are provided by Atlantic Kayak Tours. Visitors may also launch their own kayaks and canoes from the Annsville dock. Fishing from the dock is also permitted.

Points of Interest: One area of Hudson Highlands State Park, Bannerman Island, can only be accessed by water and explored via guided tour. Known originally as Pollepel Island, this island is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This majestic Hudson River landmark is home to Bannerman Castle, built by American entrepreneur Frank Bannerman VI between 1901 and 1918. For more information on visiting this unique site see Historic Sites in Putnam.

Things To Do
Birding | Bird Watching
Boat Rentals (including Kayaks & Canoes)
Boating
Fishing
Hiking Trails
Historic Places (Bannerman Island)
Hunting

"In the 1930s, 40s and 50s, the signature on a set of dinnerware or piece of furniture elicited instant response. At that time, Wright was one of the best known designers in the U.S. At the apex of his career, Wright left New York City and moved his base of operations to Garrison. It was here that he created a unique home and designed landscape. He named it Manitoga, meaning place of the great spirit in Algonquin. Wright shared the Native Americans' respect for the earth.

"When Wright first found this property in 1942, it had been damaged by a century of quarrying and lumbering. Over the next three decades, until his death in 1976, he carefully redesigned and re-sculpted Manitoga's 75 acres using native plants, his training as a theater designer and sculptor, and his innovative design ideas. Though the landscape appears natural, it is actually a careful composition of woodland trees, rocks, ferns, mosses, and wild flowers.

"Wright created over four miles of paths that wind over creeks, into woods, among boulders, and through ferns and mountain laurel to focus visitors' attention on the importance of living in harmony with nature.

"Manitoga is the only 20th century modern homesite open to the public in New York, and one of few on the east coast. Wright considered it his most important creative effort. In 2006, Manitoga was named a National Historic Landmark."

Things To Do
Hiking Paths with links to the Appalachian Trail
National Historic Landmark
Tour of Wrights Home & Studio

PPA is proud of the remarkable variety of performances that have found a home at the Depot. This includes but is not limited to: plays new and old, musicals, poetry, Youth Theatre, Teen Open Mics, Silent Films, Music Tracks, and The Art Garden. PPA has been active and proactive in upgrading the interior of the Depot Theatre, in acquiring and installing high-quality equipment, in providing financial assistance to ensure the commitment of the Depot Theatre staff and volunteers and encouraging local participation at every level. Press blue button for theatre performance schedule and more about the Philipstown Depot Theatre.

After the performance, find a good place to eat at restaurants in Garrison and Cold Spring.

Applefest began in 1989 as a simple harvest celebration to support the Warwick Valley Community Center. Named one of the “Top 100 Events” in the country, over 30,000 visitors now attend the one-day event, traveling from neighboring states to experience the extraordinary variety of Warwick’s apples, culture, and entertainment. The festival is produced by the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Warwick Valley Community Center. Festival proceeds benefit these and other local non-profit organizations.

Things To Do and See at the Festival

Applefest Visitor's Guide
An updated Applefest Visitors’ Guide will be posted on the website before Applefest next fall, and will also be available for free at the festival.

This 32-page booklet contains schedules of Applefest events, transportation information, directories for craft/food vendors, wineries, u-pick apples, a user-friendly map of the festival area, ads for local businesses and more.

Press Blue Button for more information about Applefest.