Life in the big apple of New York can be very exhausting. So, why not take a getaway to the neighbouring area of Orange County? In the eastern part of Orange County, lies New Windsor, a town with an estimated population of 25,244 in 2010. Just like the rest of the towns in the county, New Windsor offers sophisticated, small town charm with a touch of farm life, as well as the beautiful scenery of the Hudson River. Planning a visit to New Windsor? We have the 10 best things for you to do during your visit!
1. Storm King Art Center: Where nature and art come together
The Storm King Art Center is an open-air museum in a hilly area, which combines beautiful scenery with dozens of art installations and sculptures, strategically positioned throughout its 500-acre (202.3-hectare) complex. It’s a great place to enjoy a nice walk while admiring the art that fits in with the natural surroundings. Bring a picnic lunch and make your day at the Storm King Art Center perfect!
One of the best times to visit the Storm King Art Center is in autumn. With the colours of autumn, the natural surroundings of the park, and the symmetrically orchestrated human creations, the hills definitely come alive.
Storm King Art Center
Address: 1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553, USA
Website: Storm King Art Center
2. Honour the great at the National Purple Heart Hall Of Honor
How much is the cost of freedom? The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor will show you through military history. It will take you on an incredible journey of human sacrifice where you can learn about the heroes who fought for freedom, honouring their legacy.
The National Purple Heart Hall Of Honor
Address: 374 Temple Hill Road, New Windsor NY 12553
3. New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Sites
The New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site was the place where the cease-fire order was issued by General George Washington, to end the eight-year War of Independence on April 19, 1783. The site marks where the National Purple Heart Hall of Honour is located, so we recommend you to visit the site after the museum to get a whole understanding of the road to independence.
New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Sites
Address: 374 Temple Hill Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553, USA
4. Visit the Temple of Virtue
The Temple of Virtue served as a chapel, office, and mountain hut for the Continental Army under General George Washington, during the Revolutionary War. From mid-April through October, there are demonstrations with costumed staff, musket drills, blacksmithing, military medicine, and other 18th century skills. There are also additional demonstrations in July and August. Be sure to mark your calendar, so you won’t miss these demonstrations!
Temple of Virtue
Address: 370 Temple Hill Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553, USA
5. Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site
During the Revolutionary War, Major General Henry Knox, Commander of the America artillery, established his military headquarters at this Georgian-style house in Vails Gate, built by the Ellison family. It is a two-level, stone house, with two very large fireplaces, some original walls, flooring, and woodwork.
It is operated by the State of New York and open for tours from May to September, from Wednesday to Sunday. There is a video, reading material, and artefacts about the house, family, and the general who lived here.
Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site
Address: 289 Old Forge Hill Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553, USA
6. Visit the Edmonston House
The Edmonston House features on the National Register of Historic Places because it was the Revolutionary War headquarters, led by Major General Horatio Gates. William Edmonston constructed it in 1755. It is now restored and serves as a museum and the headquarters of the local historic organisation.
7. Hiking on Schunnemunk Mountain State Park
As the highest point in Orange County, Schunnemunk Mountain State Park offers medium-hard hiking trails to its summit. The mountain itself is an 8-mile (12.9 km) long ridge on the western boundary of the Hudson Highlands. There are over 25-miles (40.2 km) of marked and unmarked trails on the mountain, some of them located on private land. So, please be respectful when you’re passing the private land.
When you reach the top, you will be granted with broad views of the Hudson River, High Point New Jersey, the Catskills, and even the top of the Empire State Building, on a clear day! Don’t forget to download a PDF map to help guide your hike!
Schunnemunk Mountain State Park
Address: 339 Otterkill Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553, USA
Website: Schunnemunk Mountain State Park
8. Picnic at Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point
Pack up your picnic bag and your swim trunks! We’re going to the river! Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point is one of the attractions of the Orange County Parks. It’s a 102-acre (41.3-hectare) park, located on the banks of the Hudson River. It boasts the beautiful Hudson gorge and 2,000-feet (609.6 meters) of sandy riverfront.
It’s the perfect place for a picnic by the river and you can enjoy some river activities here, like fishing and kayaking. You can also do a short hike to burn those delicious lunch calories!
Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point - Orange County Parks
Address: 90 Plum Point Ln, New Windsor, NY 12553, USA
Website: Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point
9. Mountain biking at Stewart State Forest
If you’re an adrenaline junky, mountain biking at Stewart State Forest is a must! The 6,700-acres (2711.4-hectares) of Stewart State Forest is located in the Hudson Valley. It is a mix of wetlands, fields, and forest. The forest includes 18 miles (29 km) of gravel roads and more than 22 miles (35.4 km) of major trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, dog training and trials, skiing, snowmobiling, bird watching and fishing.
Its single-track bike trail is one of the best in the country. It ranges from flat roads to some slate face rock, downhill. Some roads have existed here for over 50 years.
Stewart State Forest
Address: Rock Tavern, NY 12575, USA
Website: Stewart State Forest
10. Dinner cruise on the Hudson River (from 99.99 USD)
You are already on the banks of the Hudson River, so you should enjoy a river cruise while here. Join a dinner cruise along the Hudson River where you can enjoy a delicious dinner while sailing around Manhattan and Lady Liberty. A two-hour cruise includes a three-course dinner and you can enjoy the bar afterwards.
Hudson's by World Yacht New York Dinner Cruise
Price: from 99.99 USD
Website:
Everything in one place
New Windsor has everything in one place! Natural surroundings that offer you a variety of outdoor activities, historical sites to honour those who fought for freedom, and a touch of modern, contemporary art, in between.