Castleton-On-Hudson: Parks, River and Local History

Castleton-On-Hudson can be explored through several specific facets: its location on the Hudson River, two parks described in different ways, a small historic brick building, and stories about past recreation and community. These topics highlight different aspects of the town: alongside its riverfront location are a stream, a dated planting event, an 1871 building, and a community idea for Main Street. When choosing a vacation rental, you can consider which of these sides of the town best suits your travel group’s interests.

Parks and Access on the Hudson River

Riverfront Park is a 3/4-acre property directly on the Hudson River. One limitation is important for travel planning: access to the park has long been unavailable due to restrictions by the New York State Department of Transportation and Amtrak. Its described riverside location therefore does not mean Riverfront Park can be used as an accessible place to spend time by the river. If spending time by the water is important to your trip, you should take this distinction into account when making your decision.

Schermerhorn Park, also called “The Brickyard,” is on the east side of Main Street at the southern boundary of the Village and covers 12 acres. Vlockie Kill, a tributary of the Hudson River, runs through the park. The two park descriptions are therefore quite distinct: Riverfront Park is located directly on the Hudson River, while Schermerhorn Park is defined by both its location on Main Street and a tributary running through its grounds. The different details about their locations and sizes give the townscape more than one connection to the water.

A Dated Look at Schermerhorn Park

On October 28, 2017, volunteers planted 150 trees along Vlockie Kill in Schermerhorn Park as part of a Trees for Tribs grant from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Estuary Program. The event connects the park’s history with the stream that runs through it: the planting took place along this waterway. The date is also specified precisely, making it part of a particular chapter in the town’s history. Alongside details about the park’s location and size, this example shows that Schermerhorn Park can also be described through a specific community event.

Recreation History and Community Life

Sunnyside Island, at the northern edge of the Village, was a picnic and recreation spot that people reached by boat. The type of recreational use in the past is part of the place’s story: picnics and recreation went hand in hand with arriving by boat. This sets its history apart from descriptions of the parks in terms of acreage, location, and stream. For families who want to learn about a place’s history before choosing a vacation rental, Sunnyside Island offers a distinct glimpse into past recreation, without implying that it is a current offering.

The W. Curtis Noyes Engine House is another part of Castleton-On-Hudson’s architectural history. The small brick building, in the Romanesque Revival style, was built in 1871. Its modest size, brick construction, and style are the defining details of the building. Its construction date makes it a historic example alongside the town’s other stories, while keeping its architectural description distinct from Sunnyside Island’s recreation history.

Main Street Day is another facet of community life. The Castleton-on-Hudson Main Street Association created the event to bring the community together on Main Street. Together, these stories highlight different interests to weigh when choosing a vacation destination: riverfront location, landscape, architecture, or community history.

Discover More Places

More local pages in this overview: East Greenbush, Averill Park, Troy, Rensselaer.

Go to the broader travel overview: Rensselaer.