Are you interested in experiencing history firsthand? These are the best open air museums in New York State:
1Storm King Art Center
Firthcliffe, NYThe Storm King Art Center, often simply referred to as Storm King, is an open-air museum situated in New Windsor, New York. The name of the museum is derived from its close proximity to Storm King Mountain. This unique museum is a popular destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of nature and art in a serene setting. 2Farmers' Museum
Otsego, NYThe Farmers' Museum, a well-known attraction in Cooperstown, New York, is situated in a picturesque location overlooking Otsego Lake. This setting provides a serene backdrop for the museum's exhibits and workshops, making it a pleasant destination for tourists seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. 3Queens County Farm Museum
New York, NYThe Queens County Farm Museum, also referred to as Queens Farm, is a historic farm situated on 47 acres within the neighborhoods of Floral Park and Glen Oaks in Queens, New York City. This expansive area provides a unique opportunity to experience a slice of rural life within the urban environment of the city. 4Philipsburg Manor
Sleepy Hollow, NYIn addition to the historic house, Philipsburg Manor also features a water mill and a trading place. These sites are managed as a non-profit museum by Historic Hudson Valley. Visitors can explore these areas to gain a deeper understanding of the daily life and operations during the colonial era. 5Adirondack Experience The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake
Long Lake, NYThe Adirondack Experience, previously known as the Adirondack Museum, is a significant historical institution located in the hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake in Hamilton County, New York. The museum's primary mission is to preserve and showcase the rich history of the Adirondacks region. It is situated on the site of the historic Blue Mountain House, a summer resort hotel built in 1876. 6Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake
Blue Mountain Lake, NYThe Adirondack Experience, previously known as the Adirondack Museum, is a significant institution located in Blue Mountain Lake, New York. The museum's primary mission is to preserve and showcase the rich history of the Adirondacks region. It is situated on the site of the historic Blue Mountain House, a summer resort hotel built in 1876. 7Socrates Sculpture Park
Queens, NYSocrates Sculpture Park serves as an outdoor museum and public park, providing a platform for artists to create and exhibit sculptures and multi-media installations. This unique setting allows visitors to experience art in an open-air environment, offering a different perspective compared to traditional indoor museums. 8Griffis Sculpture Park
East Otto, NYGriffis Sculpture Park is situated in a picturesque location between Ashford Hollow and East Otto in Cattaraugus County, New York. This unique outdoor art museum offers a blend of natural beauty and artistic creativity, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. 9Historic Richmond Town
Staten Island, NYHistoric Richmond Town is an authentic town and farm museum complex located in the neighborhood of Richmondtown, Staten Island, in New York City. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of the area, with more than 30 historic buildings and sites dating from the late 17th to the early 20th centuries. The museum complex is a testament to Staten Island's rich history and is a joint project of the Staten Island Historical Society and the City of New York. 10Mulford Farmstead
East Hampton, NYMulford Farm, located in East Hampton, Long Island, New York, holds a significant place in American history as one of the most intact English colonial farmsteads. This historic site provides a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural and agricultural practices of the colonial era. 11Locust Grove Estate
Poughkeepsie, NYThe Locust Grove estate spans 200 acres and features a park-like setting with homes, a carriage house, an ice house, trails, a flower garden, and a vegetable garden. The estate offers stunning views of the Hudson River from a bluff, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors. 12Fort Klock Restoration
St Johnsville, NYFort Klock is a historical site located in the Mohawk River Valley of Upstate New York. This fortified stone homestead was built around 1750 by Johannes Klock. It stands as a testament to the mid-18th century architecture and the history of the region. The fort was used during the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War, adding to its historical significance. 13Heritage Square Museum
Ontario, NYThe Ontario Heritage Square, also known as the Heritage Square Museum, is a significant historical site located in Ontario, New York, in Wayne County. This museum is a testament to the rich history of the region and offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the past firsthand. 14Genesee Country Village and Museum
Wheatland, NYThe Genesee Country Village and Museum is a living history museum that transports visitors back to the 19th century. Located in the town of Wheatland, New York, the museum spans over 600 acres and offers a unique glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore the Historic Village, the John L. Wehle Gallery of Sporting Art, the Genesee Country Nature Center, the Carriage Museum, the Silver Baseball Park, and the Heirloom Gardens. 15Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum
Town of Sodus, NYThe Sodus Point Light, a historic lighthouse, is situated at Sodus Point on Lake Ontario, in Wayne County, New York. This lighthouse has been recognized for its historical significance and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since October 8, 1976. 16Weeksville Heritage Center
New York, NYThe Weeksville Heritage Center is a historic site located on Buffalo Avenue between St. Marks Avenue and Bergen Street in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York City. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore one of America's first free black communities during the 19th century. 17Bement-Billings Farmstead
Newark Valley, NYToday, the Bement-Billings House serves as the centerpiece of the Bement-Billings Farmstead Museum. The Newark Valley Historical Society owns and operates the museum, ensuring the preservation and presentation of this historical site. Tourists can appreciate the efforts of the society in maintaining this piece of history. 18Hanford Mills Museum
Meredith, NYHanford Mills Museum, also known as Kelso Mill, is a historic grist mill and sawmill located in East Meredith, New York. This national historic district is situated in Delaware County, New York. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of milling and sawing in the region. 19Sampson State Park
Romulus, NYSampson State Park, a vast 2,070-acre state park, is situated in Seneca County, New York. The park is nestled on the east shore of Seneca Lake, offering visitors a picturesque view of one of the Finger Lakes. Its location provides a serene and tranquil environment, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. 20Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site
Stony Point, NYStony Point Battlefield is a significant historic site located in Rockland County, New York. It is known for being the location of the 1779 Battle of Stony Point, a pivotal event during the American Revolutionary War. The site has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark and features a museum that provides insights into the history of the battlefield. 21Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space
New York, NYThe Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space (MoRUS) is a unique institution founded by the Times Up! Environmental Organization in 2012. This not-for-profit museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of community-based activism in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.- 22
Museum Village
Monroe, NYA large open-air museum devoted to the 19th century. Historic buildings, dressed up actors and one of three complete mastodon skeletons in the world! 23Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village
Amherst, NYBuffalo Niagara Heritage Village, situated in Amherst, New York, is an open-air museum that offers a unique experience for visitors. It provides an opportunity to explore the agricultural history and rural heritage of the Buffalo Niagara region. The museum is set on a 35-acre site and includes 10 historic buildings that have been moved from their original locations.- 24
Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum
Livingston Manor, NYThe Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum is a nonprofit organization with a focus on education. Its mission is to preserve the heritage of American fly fishing, teach future generations about the sport, and protect the environment that supports it. The center is dedicated to the collection, care, interpretation, and display of angling equipment, art, and artifacts that explain the traditions and techniques of fly fishing. - 25
Historic Hudson Valley
Mount Pleasant, NYHistoric Hudson Valley operates tours and events at five historic sites in Westchester County, located in the lower Hudson River Valley. These sites offer a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the history and culture of the region. Each site has its own unique story and significance, providing a diverse and enriching experience for tourists. - 26
Schenectady County Historical Society
Schenectady, NYThe Schenectady County Historical Society operates at three sites: the Mabee Farm Historic Site, the Grems-Doolittle Library, and the Schenectady History Museum, and the historic Brouwer House Creative. These sites offer a variety of exhibits, talks, workshops, concerts, programs, and community events that bring the region's history to life.