Schenectady Attractions

Art and Theater

It all starts with Proctors Theater in Schenectady, New York. Here, spectacular Broadway productions are showcased in one of the finest restored vaudeville theaters in the U.S.  From there, Freedom Park lets you relax and enjoy the sounds of jazz, a symphony or blues band during their free concert series.

Check out a performance of the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra, the Northeast Ballet or the Schenectady Civic Players. Or see what’s happening at the Yulman Center or Mandeville Art Gallery at Union College. There is never a shortage of theater, music or the arts as you travel across Schenectady County.

History and Museums

Explore Schenectady’s history from its early beginning as a tiny Dutch outpost in 1661 to its present day status as a world leader in science and technology. Schenectady is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and the Stockade District is one of the places where it all started. As New York State’s first Historic District, it was originally named for the wooden stockades that enclosed it.

In 1690 it was burned to the ground in one of the first battles in the European struggle for control of the new world, but was rebuilt with the help of the resident Mohawk Indian neighbors. By 1692 it was once again flourishing.
 
In 1825 the opening of the Erie Canal changed the character of Schenectady from that of a riverfront town that served as the gateway to the west, to a leader in the Industrial Revolution.  In 1848 the Schenectady Locomotive Manufactory was established followed by the Schenectady Locomotive Works. The 1901 merging of the Schenectady Locomotive Works with seven other locomotive manufacturers in the northeast created the American Locomotive Company, one of the largest locomotive manufacturers in the world.
 
Thomas Edison established his Edison Machine Works, later to become the General Electric Company, here in 1886.  Schenectady was the worldwide corporate headquarters for the General Electric Company until 1974. The people of Schenectady made pioneering contributions to power generation and distribution, radio and television technology, medical diagnostic imaging, and many other technological innovations that changed the world during the 20th century.  Don’t forget about the Empire State Air Museum at the Schenectady County Airport.  It has something for all flight enthusiasts, from educational programs to exhibits to rare aircrafts.
 
The many museums throughout Schenectady tell the story of its unique history. Find the exhibits, performance and attractions that interest you by using the Tourism Directory. As you plan your trip don’t forget about the wonderful Schenectady restaurants, sporting events and leisure activities that are always a short trip away.

Public Transportation, Tours

Schenectady is easily accessible, and even easier to get around in with ample sidewalks and public transportation. Located just 20 minutes from the Albany International Airport, the County has Amtrak Service, bus service and an excellent public transportation system that goes right through the city of Schenectady. 
 
For those looking to walk around and see the area on foot, there are a number of regularly planned walking tours in different areas of the city. Special guided tours happen regularly as well, and can be found on the Schenectady event calendar.

Shopping

With all the new and renovated stores and restaurants now in Schenectady County, there’s never been a better time to come and shop for your family, friends and, of course, yourself.

Within walking distance of many of the downtown Schenectady hotels you’ll find fabulous and unique boutique shops, including those at the Jay Street Marketplace downtown and on Upper Union Street.

Just a short drive west of downtown Schenectady is the Rotterdam Square Mall, offering up a host of stores to suit your entire family’s shopping desires. And then there is the Mohawk Commons. Niskayuna is the town where the Commons resides, and it is just east of the city. It offers Barnes & Noble, Target, PetSmart, Old Navy, Payless Shoes and much more!

Sports and Recreation

Hike in one of our nine nature preserves, or golf at one of our six golf courses. Cross country skiing, swimming, biking along the Erie Canal, fishing at one of our ponds or streams, or boating on the beautiful Mohawk River -- it’s all here waiting for you!

Parks

Schenectady’s dozens of parks have a variety of offerings, from the simple pleasure of watching boats on the Mohawk River, to an afternoon of hiking in one of the nature preserves. Several parks offer swimming, tennis, bocce ball and evening entertainment.