The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) will open an undeveloped section of Saratoga Spa State Park to white tail deer hunting for the 2026-27 season as part of a deer management program. [Read more…] about New Deer Hunting Season at Saratoga Spa State Park
Saratoga Spa State Park
Tour Saratoga Spa State Park’s ‘Spa Complex’
On Sunday, September 6th, Linda Harvey will lead Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s Sunday Summer Stroll tour “The Spa Complex” in Saratoga Spa State Park, a National Historic Landmark. In partnership with the Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park, Harvey will share the history of the complex, which was developed with the goal of increasing both therapeutic and recreational use of the park. [Read more…] about Tour Saratoga Spa State Park’s ‘Spa Complex’
Solomon Northup at Saratoga Spa State Park
A statue of abolitionist and writer Solomon Northup, whose story of being kidnapped into slavery was told in his memoir and the Academy Award-winning film Twelve Years a Slave, has provided a space for reflection at Saratoga Spa State Park this summer.
The 13-foot bronze “Hope Out of Darkness” sculpture was unveiled during a recent ceremony attended by Northup descendants, area officials and community members on the lawn in front of the Lincoln Bathhouse. [Read more…] about Solomon Northup at Saratoga Spa State Park
Mineral Springs of the Saratoga County Area: Some History
The mineral springs of Saratoga County first attracted the attention of the white settlers soon after the middle of the eighteenth century. In early colonial days they were westward of the first line of settlements and off the main line of such travel as there was between the valley of the Hudson River and the valleys of Lake Champlain and the St Lawrence River.
The colonists, naturally, established themselves first in the valley of the Hudson and their earliest settlements in this region were some ten miles to the east of Saratoga Springs [near what is now Schuylerville]. [Read more…] about Mineral Springs of the Saratoga County Area: Some History
George Pratt, Lake George’s ‘Mohawk Warrior’ & Saratoga Springs
I was pleased to recently learn through the New York Almanack and Lake George Mirror about the planned restoration of historic sculptures at the Lake George Battlefield Park.
I have a special interest in the “Mohawk Warrior” sculpture produced by Alexander Phimister Proctor and the unique history surrounding this monumental work.
This sculpture was a gift from George D. Pratt, who commissioned the artist. Interestingly, the sculpture was conceived as a component of the planned conception for the New York State Reservation in Saratoga Springs (now known as Saratoga Spa State Park). [Read more…] about George Pratt, Lake George’s ‘Mohawk Warrior’ & Saratoga Springs
$3.6M Renovation of ‘Kiddie Pool’ at Saratoga Spa State Park
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has announced the start of a $3.6 million transformation of the “kiddie pool” area of the Peerless Pool complex at Saratoga Spa State Park. Peerless Pool is an affordable swimming option for families to escape the heat and cool off during summer. [Read more…] about $3.6M Renovation of ‘Kiddie Pool’ at Saratoga Spa State Park
State Parks History: From Nelson Rockefeller to George Pataki
One of the most influential families in New York and American history, the Rockefellers had a deep interest in conservation. In 1959, Nelson Rockefeller, son of John Rockefeller Jr., was elected as New York’s governor, introducing an era which would come to be known as the Rockefeller Period.
During this period, New York State Parks would undergo significant changes and one of its most rapid periods of expansion since its inception. [Read more…] about State Parks History: From Nelson Rockefeller to George Pataki
Bicycling Adventures in New York State Parks
Go for a spin this fall and discover the scenic biking trails at New York State Parks. Bicycling is a great, low-impact exercise to enjoy with family and friends and a picturesque way to experience fall foliage in New York State. With so many trails to choose from, here are a few destinations from around the state worth exploring. [Read more…] about Bicycling Adventures in New York State Parks
International Spa Heritage Festival at Saratoga Spa State Park
The International Spa Heritage Festival will be held at Saratoga Spa State Park October 9-10, 2024. This festival, part of the Centennial Celebration for the 100-year anniversary of the New York State Park System, will celebrate the spa heritage of the park and city and aim to position them as a premier health and wellness destination. [Read more…] about International Spa Heritage Festival at Saratoga Spa State Park
Saratoga Spa State Park Cuts the Ribbon for Revived Mineral Spring
The mineral springs of Saratoga Springs have drawn crowds for more than a century. Saratoga Spa State Park’s 2,400-acres just south of the bustling downtown hosts nearly a dozen of these bubbling natural wonders.
Often regarded as “an acquired taste,” daring samplers may wince from a modest splash from Hathorn (the park’s most salient and mineral-rich spring), but may relish in the cold, clear, velvety refreshment from the State Seal non-carbonated spring that is rarely without five-gallon containers being filled under its multiple spigots. [Read more…] about Saratoga Spa State Park Cuts the Ribbon for Revived Mineral Spring
Saratoga County’s Poorhouse Presentation
Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts will present a talk on the Saratoga County Poorhouse in Ballston Spa, established in 1827, when the county purchased land to accommodate an Alms House for “the victims of misfortune.” The Poor House complex included a large-scale farm, schoolhouse, imposing brick residence, and an infirmary. In 1961, the poorhouse was demolished. [Read more…] about Saratoga County’s Poorhouse Presentation
Lincoln Bathhouse Restoration Project Completed in Saratoga
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has announced the completion of a façade restoration project at the Lincoln Bathhouse in Saratoga Spa State Park on South Broadway in Saratoga Springs. The $472,038 restoration enhanced accessibility and preserved historical features. [Read more…] about Lincoln Bathhouse Restoration Project Completed in Saratoga
Saratoga Spa in 1935: A State Health Resort Opens
“The Spa is new in every sense of the word. In addition to new equipment, new buildings and new treatments, it presents a new conception of the treatment of disease—the conception of health and recreation and enjoyment while finding that health. It is a place where the patient, by the very life that teems around him, will be made to forget he is ill.” – Pierrepont B. Noyes, President, Saratoga Springs Authority. Address of Welcome. The Saratogian, July 26th, 1935. [Read more…] about Saratoga Spa in 1935: A State Health Resort Opens
Ellis Corners: Before Saratoga Spa State Park & SPAC
I think one of the most intriguing aspects of being a history buff is peeling back the layers of history beneath the surface of a well-known location. We drive by today and wonder – what was it like 50 years ago? 100 years ago? Even 200 years ago.
What homes, barns, taverns, and other structures were there, long since gone? Which buildings still exist along the road, often remodeled to the point where they might be unrecognizable to the original inhabitants? Who lived there? What roads did they travel to get to the next crossroads, the next village? Do we still follow the same routes that existed back in the day? [Read more…] about Ellis Corners: Before Saratoga Spa State Park & SPAC
The Saratoga Electric Railway’s Battle With The D&H
Many are aware that one of the first steam railroads in the country was the Saratoga and Schenectady Railroad, which began regular service in 1832. The coming of the railroad provided a great boost to the growth of the resort town of Saratoga Springs.
Fewer may realize that sixty years later the resort and the surrounding communities benefited greatly by another transportation revolution, the electric railway. However, the beginning of the trolley age was not without its birth pains. [Read more…] about The Saratoga Electric Railway’s Battle With The D&H
New Visitor Facility Opens at Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Visitors to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) at Saratoga Spa State Park can now enjoy a new $9.5 million visitors services center unveiled earlier this season by Governor Kathy Hochul prior to her swearing-in in August. [Read more…] about New Visitor Facility Opens at Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Life and Legacies of Spencer Trask
Spencer Trask awoke on the morning of December 31st, 1909 in the last compartment of the last sleeper car on the Montreal Express as it neared New York City on the D&H Railroad line.
Getting dressed, his thoughts may have turned to the three passions that dominated his 65 years. He did not know then that it would be the final day of his eventful life. [Read more…] about Life and Legacies of Spencer Trask