Celebrating 100 Years
In 2024, New York State Parks and Historic Sites celebrates our Centennial, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of our parks and sites system. This system was built for you, and continues to serve as an acknowledgment that public access to open space and recreational assets is a right, and not a privilege, afforded to all New Yorkers.
Throughout the year, we will reflect on the last one hundred years, celebrate the vital legislation that spurred the expansion of our parks and sites’ network, and ignite conversation and action around preserving New York State lands for the next generation.
WHERE WILL YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE TAKE YOU?
A vision one hundred years ago to connect people to New York State’s most celebrated lands has since transformed into the state park system we know and love today – encompassing 360,000 acres of beaches, campgrounds, trails, golf courses, and so much more.
While you may have your favorites, we treasure each and every one of our 250-plus properties.
From world-renowned Niagara Falls, boasting the wonders of nature, to the largest collection of Revolutionary War sites, spotlighting our state’s rich historic heritage.
THIS SYSTEM WAS BUILT FOR YOU.
For one hundred years, you’ve walked the trails, camped in the forests, organized summer cookouts, and swam in the lakes and pools. You’ve created memories and passed down traditions. You’ve helped forge the last one hundred years of recreation and stewardship – and will help ignite one hundred years ahead.
So, wherever you’re headed next ….
We’ll see you out there.
On a warm summer day in 2008, I moved to Waterloo, NY. I knew one person, and had no idea what New York State had to offer. Shortly after making this big move, I found myself wanting to explore, so I hopped in the car with no sense of direction and no map to guide me. What began as a random drive ended as a discovery that ignited my love for hiking in New York State, because I serendipitously landed at Chimney Bluffs State Park. Imagine this young person from Central Texas discovering Lake Ontario and massive drumlins on their first outdoor adventure after moving here. I felt like it was something from another world! I immediately fell in love, and have returned to Chimney Bluffs often ever since. My children now love it, which makes the memories even sweeter.
I will never forget the first time I went to Planting Fields Arboretum. It was incredible! I couldn’t believe there was this small tropical patch of paradise here in the northeast. The fragrant floral smells were unbelievable and offered a view into a world you would normally need a plane to see. Thank you so much for your work in maintaining such a magical place!
One year I created a list of 27 things to do for my 27th birthday, filled with things that I loved and hoped to do. On my list, I had “go for a bike ride” and “visit the Shirley Chisholm State Park.” So early one morning, I strapped on my helmet and made my way. After an adventurous 7mi ride, I found myself in the serene park, awestruck with the sights and sounds. While it sounds simple, these were small accomplishments I spent years just hoping for— one of the most memorable birthdays to date.
When I first discovered the Poughkeepsie area, it was long before I discovered Walkway Over the Hudson. As a New Jersey native who grew up right outside of NYC, I’ve always loved the Hudson river, and the Walkway was one of the greatest discoveries I found out about! It’s more than incredible views of the river, it’s a community. Being a regular visitor of the bridge enables you to make friends with other loyal visitors including the parks staff! I’m grateful to now live in the Hudson Valley!