15 Best Things To Do In Cold Spring, New York

1. West Point Foundry Preserve

Anyone who likes to explore outdoor museums and wants to learn more about the American industrial revolution will want to check out the West Point Foundry Preserve. Visitors will be able to learn about how the foundry started out as an ironworks in the early 1800s and became a home for nature after its operations ended in the early 1900s.

The preserve’s trails take visitors through different areas that show old, important structures and office buildings, and you will be able to enjoy great views of the wilderness along the way. Visitors are recommended to come between dawn and dusk to get the most out of their stay.

West Point Foundry Preserve

Address: 80 Kemble Ave, Cold Spring, NY 10516

Website: West Point Foundry Preserve

2. Hudson Highlands State Park

If you live remotely near the East side of the Hudson River and enjoy getting out in nature, you have to put visiting the Hudson Highlands State Park on your to-do list. Trails in the park vary from easy walks to hard climbs over rocks and hills. The park comes with a long list of sections that provide awesome scenery of the wilderness and the river, and visitors also have the opportunity to learn more about how the area played a part in America’s history. Visitors also have the chance to take part in different events at the park that provide the opportunity to explore and take care of the area.

Hudson Highlands State Park

Address: Route 9D, Cold Spring, NY 10516

Website: Hudson Highlands State Park

3. Stonecrop Gardens

Going through rigorous hikes and climbs may not be your thing, and you might prefer something as simple as checking out some gardens. In this case, check out Stonecrop Gardens, which provides tours of different kinds of plants. Types of gardens include water, woodland, grass and cliff rock gardens, and you’ll be able to see up to 50 different plant families.

Visitors will also be able to explore conservatories and houses that contain certain plants. For garden and plant enthusiasts, this is an opportunity to learn how such gardens and collections can be made so that they can create their own.

Stonecrop Gardens

Address: 81 Stonecrop Ln, Cold Spring, NY 10516

Website: Stonecrop Gardens

4. Bannerman Castle

Those who live on the Hudson and enjoy castles and exploring their history should be sure to check out the Bannerman Castle. Visitors can take a ferry to see the castle, which is located on a small island, adding to its mystery and wonder, and garden enthusiasts will be treated with a variety of plant life outside the establishment.

The trails will please anyone who likes to get some exercise in their day. The “Constellation” tour will be the most expensive at the castle, though it is sure to provide the more informative experience. Different buildings provide different history lessons, which is sure to interest history buffs. Bannerman Castle is one of the most memorable places to visit in Cold Spring.

Bannerman Castle

Website: Bannerman Castle

5. Breakneck Ridge Loop

Anyone looking for a park with challenging trails should check out Breakneck Ridge and what it has to offer. In addition to getting to climb and walk through different paths, you’ll be treated with spectacular views of the Hudson River. The loop hike provides a long and steep journey to the top of the mountain.

Those who have traveled through the trail recommend that those who are considering going through with it to pay attention and be careful, especially if they are bringing kids. You’ll also want to consider hiking on days when it’s less crowded so that you can experience the park at your own pace.

Breakneck Ridge Trail

Address: Breakneck Ridge Trail, Cold Spring, NY 10516

Website: Breakneck Ridge Trail

6. Putnam History Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Residents and visitors to Putnam County who want to learn more about the history of the area should stop by the Putnam History Museum, where they can understand what the foundry produced over time. Fans of Anna and Susan Warner and their work will be happy to know about the exhibition dedicated to the two, and lectures are provided about the area and those who contributed to its accomplishments. The museum also has programs for anyone looking to take boy scouts and girl scouts on educational trips, and the shop provides books, maps and toys for anyone looking to take something home to remember the trip by.

Putnam History Museum

Address: 63 Chestnut St, Cold Spring, NY 10516

Website: Putnam History Museum

7. Dockside Park

For those looking for a nice hike to provide exercise and fun for the weekend, you’ll want to try out Dockside Park, which is sure to present plenty of nice views along the way. The trails will treat you with plenty of scenery of woods and mountains, and being right along the Hudson River will leave you with no shortage of picture opportunities.

Anyone interested in arts and entertainment should also check this spot out, as Films on the Riverfront treats visitors with outdoor movies, which would be a great way to end your hike. Once Upon A Time Antiques is also nearby, in case you want to find something to take home to remember your visit.

Dockside Park

Address: 34 West St, Cold Spring, NY 10516

Facebook: Dockside Park

8. Hudson House Inn

If you’re looking for a nice hotel to stay at after a hike at one of the options above, you won’t have to look any further than the Hudson House Inn. The inn, which has been around since 1832, provides plenty of intimate rooms and suites, some of which come with balconies that provide great views of the outdoors and walkout terraces.

Visitors can sit outside while enjoying fine dining, and they have different varieties with the holiday menus. The inn is close to several of the Cold Spring attractions mentioned above, so there’s always something to do if you don’t just feel like relaxing.

Hudson House Inn

Address: 2 Main St, Cold Spring, NY 10516

Website: Hudson House Inn

9. Foundry Dock Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If all you have time for is a nice walk through nature rather than a long hike through the mountains, make a stop by Foundry Dock Park. Visitors can walk or jog through the park’s path, which is short and can be accessed from all points. If you’re looking to spend the day on the water, then you can rent any of the park’s kayaks or canoes.

History buffs can get some enjoyment out of this park, as well, as visitors can learn about all of the materials that were made at the park when it was a loading dock during the American Civil War and up to the early 1900s, and they can check out the remains of the foundry buildings that existed at the time.

Foundry Dock Park

Address: 47 Market St, Cold Spring, NY 10516

Website: Foundry Dock Park

10. Cold Spring Boat Club

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Anyone who enjoys spending time out on the water and does not know what to do in Cold Spring should see how Cold Spring Boat Club can provide the experience they are looking for. The club is perfect for visitors who want to travel to Cold Spring and the Hudson Highlands via boat, and it also works to preserve the natural settings that it has to offer.

Those looking to do a little more than boating will be happy to know that the area also comes with some hiking trails. Restaurants and retail shops are in walking distance in case you want to end the day with a nice meal or bring something home to remember the trip by.

Cold Spring Boat Club

Address: 5 New St, Cold Spring, NY 10516

Website: Cold Spring Boat Club

11. Riverview Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

After an entire day of exploring the beautiful village of Cold Spring, it would be nice to have somewhere to go to and indulge in an incredibly filling meal. Riverview Restaurant makes it their mission to serve their guests with carefully chosen dishes that will definitely fill your party up! By how garlic-crusted baked flounder and freshly made ricotta ravioli sound, you just know that they mean business once you come into the restaurant. If you’ve never tasted wood-fired pizza, now is your chance!

Riverview Restaurant

Address: 45 Fair Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516, United States

Website: Riverview Restaurant

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 5:30pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

12. Tiny Tots Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Cold Spring’s Tiny Tots Park is one of the best places to visit in the village when you’re travelling with family, especially with toddlers. This park is a combined effort of the local government and residents to make Cold Spring a friendly destination for families. If you do make it to Cold Spring, you’ll realize that Tiny Tots Park is no ordinary park for such a small and quaint village. Aside from the usual swing set and slides, plenty of children’s toys are available at the park, all of which were generously donated by thoughtful locals! Keep your little ones entertained by paying a visit to this community park.

Tiny Tots Park

Address: 4 High St, Cold Spring, NY 10516, United States

13. Moo Moo's Creamery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Don’t think we’ve forgotten those who have a sweet tooth out there! Moo Moo’s Creamery has got you covered in the dessert department. Facing West Street and located just behind Hudson House River Inn, Moo Moo’s Creamery sells ice cream that they make fresh daily! Flavors of the Day are posted regularly on their Facebook page, so you’ll know what kind of goodness awaits. Grab a few scoops, or even a pint, before heading for a scenic walk around the historic district of Cold Spring!

Moo Moo's Creamery

Address: 32 West Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516, United States

Website: Moo Moo’s Creamery

Opening hours: Fri: 1pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 9:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm (closed from Mon - Thu)

14. Cold Spring Pizza

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Cold Spring Pizza is one of the many small businesses that make the village of Cold Spring as unique as it can be. It’s another Cold Spring staple that truly gives it character. Originally founded by the Scanga family in 1972, this pizza joint not only serves classic and gourmet pizza, but they also have a fine selection of Italian dishes that we’re sure you’ll find to your liking. The joint houses Italian Village Deli, so whether you’re stopping by for a big meal or just looking to grab a quick bite, you won’t leave Cold Spring Pizza empty-handed!

Cold Spring Pizza

Address: 120 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516, United States

Website: Cold Spring Pizza

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 8pm

15. Buster Levi Gallery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Anyone who is an enthusiast of visual arts will thoroughly have a good time at Buster Levi Gallery on Main Street. The gallery features the meticulous works of artists like Ursula Schneider, Eleni Smolen, Pat Hickman, John Allen, and many others. Check out their website to see whose works are showcased during your visit. If you happen to appreciate the works of their artists or you are simply fond of being engulfed in art, Buster Levi Gallery warmly welcomes you.

Buster Levi Gallery

Address: 121 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516, United States

Website: Buster Levi Gallery

Cold Spring has plenty to offer

Anyone looking to visit Cold Spring or try something new to do in their hometown will have plenty of options, especially those who take part in an active lifestyle. Hudson Highlands State Park and Dockside Park provide a variety of easy and challenging trails that treat you with spectacular views of the wild, and West Point Foundry Reserve and Putnam History Museum are great for those looking to learn more about the area’s past. When you want to have an adventurous time, check out what these Cold Spring tourist attractions have to offer.