20 Attractions to Explore Near Lake Minnewaska

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a breathtaking natural gem. Nestled within the Shawangunk Mountains, the park offers visitors a stunning landscape of rugged cliffs, sparkling lakes, lush forests, and pristine waterfalls.Covering over 22,000 acres, Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park boasts an extensive network of well-marked trails, catering to hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers of all skill levels.

Millbrook Mountain is a prominent and scenic destination, part of the Shawangunk Ridge, a geological formation known for its breathtaking views and unique rock formations.Millbrook Mountain is a popular hiking destination, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers from the region and beyond. The trail leading to the summit offers a moderately challenging hike through diverse landscapes, including forests, rocky terrain, and panoramic viewpoints.

Lake Awosting is a stunning and pristine glacial lake situated within the Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Ulster County. It is one of the most picturesque and tranquil spots in the region, attracting nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the midst of nature.The lake is surrounded by a diverse landscape, including rocky cliffs, dense forests, and rolling hills, making it a perfect destination for outdoor activities and scenic exploration.

Stony Kill Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Ulster County. It is a popular natural attraction in the region, drawing visitors with its tranquil beauty and lush surroundings.The waterfall is formed by Stony Kill, a stream that cascades down a series of rocky ledges, creating a picturesque cascade as it flows through the wooded landscape. The falls are accessible via hiking trails, offering nature enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy a short, pleasant hike leading to the waterfall.

Soyuzivka Heritage Center is a Ukrainian-American cultural and recreational center located in Ulster County, New York. It serves as a gathering place for the Ukrainian community and offers a variety of programs and events that celebrate Ukrainian heritage, culture, and traditions.Soyuzivka Heritage Center is situated on a picturesque property surrounded by natural beauty, providing a serene and inviting atmosphere for visitors.

Mohonk Preserve is a spectacular natural area located in Ulster County, New York. Spanning over 8,000 acres, it is one of the largest and most diverse nature preserves in the region, offering a myriad of outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes.Situated on the Shawangunk Ridge, Mohonk Preserve is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, lush forests, sparkling streams, and serene carriage roads.

Mohonk Lake is a stunning glacial lake located in Ulster County, New York, within the Shawangunk Mountains. It is part of the Mohonk Preserve, a renowned nature preserve that covers thousands of acres of pristine landscapes.The lake is surrounded by picturesque cliffs, forests, and rocky terrain, creating a tranquil and serene setting. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, fishing, and nature observation.

Verkeerder Kill Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Ulster County, New York. It is a hidden gem in the region, known for its natural beauty and secluded setting.The waterfall is formed by Verkeerder Kill, a stream that flows through a rocky gorge, creating a stunning cascade as it descends. The falls are situated within a tranquil and forested area, offering a serene atmosphere for visitors seeking a peaceful escape into nature.

Bonticou Crag is a prominent rock formation located in Ulster, within the Shawangunk Mountains. It is a popular destination for hikers, rock climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning views and a unique geological landscape.The crag is known for its distinctive white cliffs and rocky outcrops, which attract climbers seeking challenging routes and bouldering opportunities. The area is also renowned for its scenic beauty and serves as an inspiring subject for photographers and artists.

Historic Huguenot Street is a significant historic site located in New Paltz. It holds immense cultural and historical importance as one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements by Europeans in the United States.The site was established in 1678 when a group of French Huguenots sought refuge from religious persecution in Europe and settled in the Hudson Valley. The Huguenots built homes, established a community, and left a lasting impact on the region's history and culture.

The Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art is a contemporary art museum located at the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz in Ulster County, New York. It serves as a prominent cultural and educational institution in the Hudson Valley region.The museum is named after Samuel Dorsky, a philanthropist and art collector who made significant contributions to the arts and culture in the area. It was established in 2001 and is housed in the College's fine arts building.

The D&H Canal Historical Society and Museum, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. The canal was a significant transportation system in the 19th century, used to transport coal from Pennsylvania to the Hudson River.The museum showcases artifacts, exhibits, and historical documents that tell the story of the canal's construction, operation, and impact on the region's economy and development.

Blue Cliff Monastery is a serene and contemplative Buddhist monastery located in Pine Bush, Sullivan County, New York, USA. It was founded by the renowned Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, a prominent spiritual leader, and peace activist. The monastery serves as a spiritual retreat center and a place of practice for followers of Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village tradition of Buddhism.

The Rosendale Trestle is a historic railroad trestle located in Ulster County. It was originally built in the late 19th century as part of the Wallkill Valley Railroad to transport coal and other goods through the scenic Shawangunk Ridge.The trestle stands as an impressive engineering marvel, spanning 940 feet long and rising 150 feet above the Rondout Creek. Its construction played a significant role in facilitating transportation and commerce in the region during the industrial era.

The Delaware and Hudson Canal was a historic transportation system that played a crucial role in the economic development of the northeastern United States during the 19th century. Operating between the years 1828 and 1898, it served as a significant transportation route for carrying anthracite coal from the Pennsylvania coal mines to the Hudson River and, eventually, to the markets of New York City.

Winding Hills County Park is a picturesque and popular outdoor recreation area located in Orange County. The park offers a variety of activities and amenities amidst a beautiful natural setting, making it a favorite destination for residents and visitors alike.Covering over 600 acres, Winding Hills County Park features diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, woodlands, and open fields. This natural beauty provides a tranquil and serene environment for visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.

The Hudson Valley Rail Trail is a picturesque recreational trail located in Ulster County, New York. It follows the path of the former New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad, which was once an essential transportation route in the region.The trail stretches approximately 4 miles, providing a scenic and accessible route for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and inline skaters. It is designed to be family-friendly and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Ashokan High Point is a scenic and noteworthy location in Ulster County. It is situated in the Catskill Mountains and offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.Ashokan High Point is popular among hikers and nature enthusiasts due to its relatively easy accessibility and rewarding vistas. The hiking trail leading to the summit provides a moderately challenging but enjoyable experience, meandering through wooded areas and rocky terrain.

Rondout Reservoir is a large reservoir located in Sullivan County, New York, USA. It is one of the major water supply reservoirs operated by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The reservoir covers an extensive area of about 2,390 acres and plays a crucial role in providing clean drinking water to the residents of New York City and its surrounding areas.

Chadwick Lake is a scenic reservoir located in the town of Newburgh, Orange County, New York, USA. It is a popular recreational spot known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.Chadwick Lake is a man-made lake that was created by damming Chadwick Brook. The lake covers approximately 60 acres and is surrounded by wooded areas, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting for visitors.