Upstater Destinations: New York State Museum in Albany
Kandy Harris | August 16, 2012
Maybe this sounds all too familiar: It’s Saturday. Money is tight. The kids are bored and desperate for something to do. And, to make matters worse, it’s raining. This type of scenario would often result in throwing in the towel and renting some movies from the local library, or organizing a family Scrabble tournament. But if that simply won’t cut it, and you’ve got a couple of gallons of gas left in the tank, head up north to the New York State Museum in Albany. Admission is free, but donations are accepted, so try to scrounge up a couple of bucks to throw into the collection plate.
There’s a lot do at the museum, including tons of exhibits on everything from archeology to natural history and wildlife displays to art and photography. One of the most impressive, extensive exhibits at the museum is the “World Trade Center – Rescue Recovery Response” exhibit, which includes Ground-Zero wreckage, pieces from the airplanes, and a time line of events. It might be difficult to experience, but it’s fascinating and eye-opening. You can watch a panorama of each section of the exhibit online under the headings Rescue, Recovery, and Response.
Other ongoing exhibits include Adirondack Wilderness with a prehistoric landscape, Art For the People: Decorated Stoneware from the Weistman collection, and Seneca Ray Stoddard: Capturing the Adirondacks. There are exhibits on earthquakes, the history of NYC, indigenous minerals, and just about everything else you wanted to know about the state and more, plus a carousel and museum store.
For your visit: There are two parking lots adjacent to the museum, and parking is free after 2:30pm on weekdays and all day on weekends. Museum is closed Sundays.
Set aside a generous chunk of time to spend there.

The Cohoes Mastodon display
Read On, Reader...
-
William Pitt Sotheby's International Real Estate | February 4, 2025 | Comment New Luxury Home in Gardiner, $4.125m
-
Jane Anderson | October 22, 2024 | Comment A Sun-Filled Home on a Double Lot in Nyack: $800K
-
Jane Anderson | September 12, 2024 | Comment A Tiny Catskills Cabin on 38 Acres in Phoenicia: $850K
-
Jane Anderson | May 31, 2024 | Comment A Fully Renovated, c. 1920 Rhinebeck Farmhouse: $1.375K