New York Historical Attractions | Museums, Castles & Lighthouses

From living history museums to battlefields, and from halls of fame to the homes of presidents, artists, and other trailblazers—you can search history attractions by their name and through specialized topic-based groupings.

Like romantic castles? You don't have to time travel back to medieval days—or even Europe—to experience breathtaking romantic castles, such as Boldt Castle on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands-Seaway region. It's one of several amazing castles you will find throughout the state.

For some illuminating history, visit one of New York State's famous lighthouses. On Long Island, Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum is the state's oldest lighthouse, authorized by the second congress under President George Washington in 1792.

In addition to historic structures like castles and lighthouses, New York State is home to entire communities that are preserved just as they were in days gone by. Step back and experience 300 years of history at New Paltz’s Historic Huguenot Street, a 10-acre National Historic Landmark District, which includes seven stone-house museums, a reconstructed church, community burying ground and a replica Esopus Munsee wigwam. At Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford, amble down country roads to pioneer farmsteads and Victorian mansions. The Village is the largest living history museum in New York State and has one of the largest collections of historic buildings in the Northeast!

Celebrate the lives and movements that shaped the nation and the world at one of New York State's many halls of fame. One of the most renowned halls, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, lets you explore the history of the game through interactive exhibits, and includes the hallowed Hall of Fame Gallery, honoring the game's greatest players. In Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the American Women's Rights Movement, the National Women's Hall of Fame honors and celebrates the achievements of American women.

Explore your interests at hundreds of history attractions in New York State!