Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To 7 Of New York's Least Visited National Parks
By Christy Articola|Published April 15, 2022
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Christy Articola
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Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
There are 24 National Park Service sites in the state of New York, but 11 of them are in New York City. Because of this fact, the 13 that are elsewhere in the state are often overlooked by visitors. This is unfortunate because many of these sites that are outside the city limits are rich with history and those who visit will learn so much that they never knew before. You can visit 7 of these lesser-visited sites on this two-day road trip. You’ll take a drive and a walk through American history along the way.
1. Sagamore Hill National Historic Site; Oyster Bay
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, 20 Sagamore Hill Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771, USA
This home on a hill near the Long Island Sound in Oyster Bay was the home of President Theodore Roosevelt from 1885 until his death in 1919. Visitors can explore the grounds at their leisure at no cost; tours of the interior must be booked and paid for in advance.
2. St. Paul's Church National Historic Site; Mount Vernon
St Pauls Church National Historic Site, 897 S Columbus Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10550, USA
St Paul's Church is one of the nation's oldest parishes; it was established in 1665. The stone church on this site was built in 1764 and was the center of colonial life in Mount Vernon. Guided tours are available. The on-site cemetery dates back to 1704.
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3. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site; Hyde Park
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, 119 Vanderbilt Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA
This 54-room, historic home was built in Beaux-Arts style between 1896 and 1899. It was one of several homes owned by Frederick William Vanderbilt and his wife Louise Holmes Anthony.
Visitors can enjoy the 211- acre grounds and gardens or take a tour of the interior.
Thomas Cole was the founding father of the Hudson River School style of painting during the first half of the 19th century. His landscape paintings influenced American art forever. This site preserves his home, Cedar Grove, and his studio. Visitors can take tours and can hike on trails that lead to some of his favorite spots to paint. This site is a must for artists.
5. Martin Van Buren National Historic Site; Kinderhook
Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, 1013 Old Post Rd, Kinderhook, NY 12106, USA
Martin Van Buren was our nation's 8th president and he served from 1837 to 1841. He purchased this home - known as the Lindenwald Estate - in 1839 and lived there from the end of his presidency until his death in 1862. Guided tours are offered seasonally.
6. Saratoga National Historical Park; Stillwater
Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 NY-32, Stillwater, NY 12170, USA
In 1777, American troops fighting for independence forced the British Army to surrender - for the first time ever in world history - in a battle here that was a major turning point in the Revolutionary War. Visit the battlefield, tour the Philip Schuyler Country Estate, and walk the many trails here during your visit.
7. Women's Rights National Historical Park; Seneca Falls
Women's Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, USA
The first convention for women's rights was held in Seneca Falls in July 1848. It put the wheels in motion for women to be able to vote in our country, a right won that was finally granted in 1920. This site includes the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Elizabeth Cady Stanton's home, and several other buildings to explore and tour.
As you can see, this road trip is an incredible and informative walk through American history. Along the way, you’ll visit the homes of the 8th president and the 26th. You’ll learn about colonial history, the Revolutionary War, early American painters, the Guilded Age, and the women’s rights movement. You will be amazed at all you learned and saw in just two days. Have a great trip!
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