Best Places to Visit in Plattsburgh: Soak in the picturesque views of azure water with rolling hills in the distance as you feel the cool waters of Lake Champlain on your feet. That’s one of the endless special experiences that Plattsburgh offers.
Perched on the north-western shore of Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh has a rich history and a plethora of attractions for a fun vacation. Wondering where to begin?
Dive into our list of the best places to visit in Plattsburgh, New York
Plattsburgh City Beach #1
Only minutes away from Downtown Plattsburgh, this is one of the largest freshwater beaches in the nation. Enjoy a family picnic at the outdoor tables, sip on your favourite drink from the cabana beach bar or go kayaking for a fun day out.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Downtown Plattsburgh, on the shores of Lake Champlain |
| Beach Name | Plattsburgh City Beach |
| Size | One of the largest freshwater beaches in America |
| Views | Beautiful views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont |
| Park Features | Access to over a mile and a quarter of sandy beach, dedicated swimming area, picnic tables, outdoor grills, concession stand, kayak rentals, restrooms with showers, nature trail |
| Season | Late June to September |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 am to 7:00 pm daily, weather permitting |
| Lifeguard Duty Hours | 11:00 am to 7:00 pm daily |
| Fees | Yes |
| ADA Accessible | Yes |
| Tours Offered | No |
| Child-friendly | Yes |
| Pet-friendly | No |
Au Roches State Park #2
Located on the north-western shore of Lake Champlain, this park features forested & open areas, picnic facilities, hiking trails, and mooring sites. It also has a Nature Centre which hosts various programs throughout the year for a fun & exciting learning experience.
| Address | 19 Camp Red Cloud Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, Thousand Islands Region |
|---|---|
| General Information Phone | (518) 563-0369 |
| Secondary Phone | (518) 563-6444 |
| Park Hours | Open year-round from sunrise to sunset |
| Nature Center Hours | Open Thursday-Monday 9:00am-3:00pm, Closed Tuesday and Wednesday |
| Swimming Season 2024 | June 29th – September 2nd, 11 am – 7 pm |
| Moorings Availability 2024 | Not available |
| Boat Launch Hours | Open year-round, sunrise to sunset, daily |
| Shelter Rentals 2024 | May 17th – October 14th |
| Mooring Usage Fee | $17 |
| Mooring Surcharges | Weekend/Hol $4, Out-of-State $5 |
| Vehicle Entry Fee | 5/24-9/2, 10AM-7PM (Beach $7, Non-Beach $6) |
| Bus Use Fee (Daily) | Commercial $75, Non-Profit $35 |
| Kayak/Canoe Storage Rack Rental | Daily: 1 boat $10, 2 boats $15, Weekly: 1 boat $25, 2 boats $40, Seasonal: 1 boat $100, 2 boats $150 |
| Kayak/Canoe Rack Rental Instructions | Boats must be removed by sunset (Daily and Weekly), boats must be removed by 11am on 7th day (Weekly), April 1st – October 31st (Seasonal) |
| Rack Availability | First come/first serve |
| Park Office Contact | (518) 563-0369 |
Lake Champlain #3
One of the primary attractions in Plattsburgh, Lake Champlain is a must-visit during your vacation. Lounge about on the shore, enjoy a picnic, or indulge yourself in fishing, the most popular activity to do around here.
You’ll find a variety of fish here including yellow perch, bluegill sunfish, and smallmouth bass.
Country Dreams Farm #4
Experience the charm of farm life at Country Dreams Farm. With a petting zoo, sleigh rides, an autumnal corn maze, and farm animals such as goats, pigs & horses, a visit to this farm is perfect for a fun family outing.
| Address | 260 Pellerin Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (518) 565-6051 |
| cdfarm@charter.net | |
| Owners | George Weidle and Melissa Monty-Provost |
| Offerings | Farms, Fruits, Vegetables, Kid Games, Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, Hay Rides, Sleigh Rides, Farm Tours, Petting Zoo, Special Events |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair Accessible |
| Pet Policy | Pet Friendly |
Clinton County Historical Association & Museum #5
Get a sneak peek into history by witnessing more than 1,000 artefacts at this impressive museum. Know all about the formation of Clinton and much more as you explore three floors of museum exhibits and get a souvenir from the museum shop later on.
| Address | Clinton County Historical Association, 518-561-0340, 98 Ohio Ave. Plattsburgh, NY 12903 US |
|---|---|
| Mission | The primary mission of the Clinton County Historical Association is to gather and conserve historical material concerning the history of Clinton County, NY. Additionally, it aims to interpret and celebrate the region’s rich history. |
| Museum Features | The museum showcases a diverse array of exhibits including paintings, prints, documents, textiles, tools, and artifacts that hold significance to the Battle of Valcour and the Battle of Plattsburgh. |
| Diorama | A notable exhibit is the diorama portraying the Battle of Valcour and the Battle of Plattsburgh. It was skillfully crafted by artist Arto Monaco and is displayed in the main gallery on the first floor. |
| Lecture Series | The museum hosts the Monday Night Lecture Series, focusing on topics related to North Country history. These lectures are free to the public and take place on the first Monday of each month from April through December. |
| Website | Visitors can find more information about the museum and its programs by visiting www.clintoncountyhistorical.org. |
| Hours of Operation | The museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday, operating from 10 am to 3 pm throughout the year. |
| Redford Glass Exhibit | An intriguing exhibit at the museum features Redford Glass, which was manufactured in Redford, New York, from 1831 to 1851. This exhibit includes a variety of items such as bowls, pitchers, compotes, bottles, tumblers, lamps, and “Whimsies” crafted by Redford Glass workers. |
| Bluff Point Lighthouse | The museum, along with its dedicated volunteers, oversees the Bluff Point Lighthouse situated on Valcour Island. During the summer, free tours of the lighthouse are offered to the public on Sundays from 1 to 3 pm. |
| Location | The Clinton County Historical Association is situated on the Old Base in Plattsburgh. It is part of the Museum Campus, which also comprises the Battle of Plattsburgh Interpretive Center, War of 1812 Museum, and Champlain Valley Transportation Museum. |
| Bookstore | A selection of titles is available for purchase at the museum’s bookstore, accessible at www.clintoncountyhistorical.org/museumshop.html. |
| Fees | Admission fees may apply. |
| ADA Accessible | The museum is accessible to individuals with disabilities. |
| Tours Offered | Guided tours of the museum are offered to visitors. |
| Child-friendly | The museum welcomes families with children. |
| Pet-friendly | Pets are not permitted on the premises. |
| Comments | Visitor Mary Racicot expressed positive feedback about her experience at the CCHA Museum on 2/22/2014. |
Kent-Delord House Museum #6
How about stepping into the oldest house in the city built in 1797? Witness the relics of the Delord family & get to know about their role in the 1812 war. The property also holds events such as cooking in the 19th century & the garden club’s secret tour.
Cumberland Bay State Park #7
Featuring more than 100 campsites, this state park offers a great opportunity to spend time in nature.
It also offers an amazing natural sandy beach view while offering an array of activities for campers such as swimming and boating, and paddling.
Elfs Farm Winery and Cider Mill #8
Indulge yourself in delectable fruit wines, some local cider, and a scrumptious meal in this beautiful winery & mill. What’s more?
You may even catch a musical act while enjoying your food.
Butcher Block #9
If you love seafood, head to Butcher Block.
Its rustic ambiance, succulent steaks, seafood & delicious drinks make it a perfect spot to unwind after a long day of exploration.
Strand Center Theatre #10
Build in 1924, this historic theatre is a perfect place to catch impressive performances.
You can marvel at the Classist Revival style interiors, explore its on-site gallery or participate in the numerous creative classes held here, from clay modelling to theatre.
Rockwell Kent Gallery #11
If you’re an artsy person, head to the Rockwell Kent Gallery inside the State University of New York Plattsburgh.
The impressive collection consists of 34 artworks, providing visitors a peek into the most complete collection of Rockwell Kent, an American painter, illustrator & printmaker.
Bluff Point Resort #12
Love to play golf?
Take a swing as you enjoy a splendid view of Lake Champlain from North America’s oldest resort golf course.
You can even stay in one of the charming cottages & suites here.
The War of 1812 Museum #13
This museum features artefacts from the battles of 1812 in which various soldiers sacrificed their lives to stop the British advance from the north.
If you’re intrigued by the historical wars, you’ll find it worth a visit.
Here’s the tabular data extracted from the provided text:
| Name | Battle of Plattsburgh War of 1812 Museum |
| Address | 31 Washington Rd, Plattsburgh, NY 12903 |
| Phone | (518) 566-1814 |
| Website | https://battleofplattsburgh.org/ |
| Region | Adirondacks Region |
| Path Through History | Yes |
Macdonough Monument #14
Towering at a height of 135 feet, this monument stands tall to honour the triumph of Thomas Macdonough in the war of Plattsburgh.
You’ll have to crane your neck as you see the top of this high monument designed by John Russell Pope.
Pray’s Farmer’s Market #15
Shop for local produce, flowers & plants at Pray’s Farmer’s Market.
This bustling market is a great spot to get a taste of local life & culture. With so many incredible places to visit in Plattsburgh, a fun vacation is guaranteed.
So, get your itinerary set up & head to this charming place for an unforgettable time.
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FAQs:
Q. What are the top attractions to visit in Plattsburgh?
Lake Champlain, Au Roches State Park, Country Dreams Farm, and Bluff Point Resort are some of the best attractions to visit in Plattsburgh.
Q. Is Plattsburgh a nice town?
With spectacular natural beauty and a welcoming community, Plattsburgh is one of the nicest towns to visit.
Q. What is Plattsburgh New York known for?
Plattsburgh is known for its splendid natural beauty being located on the shore of Lake Champlain as well as two significant historical events; the Battle of Valcour Island in 1776 and the Battle of Plattsburgh Bay in 1814. 54