Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

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Address
129 Schoharie Street
Fort Hunter, NY 12069
Latitude 42.939854
Longitude -74.283005

Know Before You Go...

More Info

Visitor Center

The Schoharie Creek Aqueduct Boat Launch and Picnic Area is closed for the winter and spring for work to stabilize the historic aqueduct and the need to use significant sections as a staging area. Our lovely Yankee Hill Lock Picnic Area remains open at 550 Queen Anne Rd, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Thank you for your cooperation.

Schoharie Crossing's Visitor Center and Museum on Schoharie Street is closed for the season but will reopen on May 3rd, 2023. The hours will be Wednesday through Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday's 1:00pm to 5:00pm.


Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the Erie Canal as one of the 19th century's greatest commercial and engineering projects. The Visitor Center exhibit traces the history of the Erie Canal and its impact on the growth of New York State and the nation.

Within the site's boundaries are many structures dating from the three eras of the canal's development. At the eastern end of the site is the Putnam Lock Stand at Yankee Hill that houses an exhibit on Erie Canal stores. The site's largest structure is the remains of the Schoharie Aqueduct, which carried the water of the Enlarged Erie Canal over the Schoharie Creek.

Schoharie Crossing is also the location of 18th century Fort Hunter and the Lower Castle Mohawk village. See artifacts from that portion of our history on display at the Visitor Center.

Stop into the Visitor Center to orient yourself to the site, check out the exhibit space and gift shop.

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site offers educational outreach programs as well as an on-site school field trips and special events.

Pavilion Information
Schoharie Crossing has three event tents (approximately 20'x 20') available. Prices range from $50 to $75 and can accommodate up to 25 people. Please check availability and request special use permit information by contacting the site before reserving on ReserveAmerica.com.

NOTICE: Portions of the site will be closed for construction beginning November 1st for work to stablize the historic aqueduct and the need to use significant sections as a staging area. Our /lovely Yankee Hill Picnic Area remains open at 550 Queen Anne Rd, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Thank you for your cooperation.

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 140 Fort Hunter, NY 12069

Hours of Operation

  • Schoharie Crossing's Visitor Center and Museum on Schoharie Street is closed for the season but will reopen on May 3rd, 2023. The hours will be Wednesday through Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday's 1:00pm to 5:00pm.
    The Schoharie Creek Aqueduct Boat Launch and Picnic Area is closed for the winter and spring due to construction. Yankee Hill Lock Picnic Area remains open at 550 Queen Anne Rd, Amsterdam, NY 12010. 
  • Tours and Exhibit at Schoharie Crossing

    Guided tours of the site grounds will be given by advance reservation only on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 3pm Call the Site at (518) 829-7516 during normal business hours or email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov to schedule. Tours are $3 per person.

    Museum exhibit requires no tour.

    Interpretive signs throughout the grounds of Schoharie Crossing provide information on the various canal features and pre-canal history of the site. 

    All social distancing guidelines should be practiced by visitors while at Schoharie Crossing.

Fees & Rates

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site does not charge a vehicle fee

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

  • Admission
  • There is no admission fee however some fees apply for special events, educational services, tours and the use of picnic areas.

    $3 per person for guided tours (available by reservation)
    Contact the site for Student Group rates and options. Outreach program rates and topics are available by request."

Maps

Digital Maps

New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.

Our new exhibit, "Pathway to Empire: How the Erie Canal Helped Build America" helps us mark the Bicentennial Celebrations of the Erie Canal. This exhibit highlights the major themes associated with the history of the canal and illustrates them with interesting artifacts and interactive displays. A major focal point of the exhibit is a scale model of the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct and Lock 30, along with the Browns Cash Store that once stood along the canal here in Fort Hunter, NY. By using artifacts and primary documents, this exhibit delves into the geology, social and economic impacts, political motivations, and engineering of the nationally significant and historic waterway we know as the Erie Canal. With its rich history, the canal continues to play a critical role in the lives of all New Yorkers and Americans to this day.

Inside of our Visitor Center you can also view panels on the pre-canal history of the site. This portion of our exhibit highlights the Mohawk Village as well as the British Colonial fort that once existed along the banks of the Schoharie Creek. Witness artifacts that were excavated onsite that help tell the story of this era of New York and American History.

In partnership with the United States Geological Survey, there are panels that illustrate the historic water conditions of the Schoharie Creek and Mohawk River. This exhibit demonstrates the immense power of water and the destructive nature of flooding in the valleys.

Featured on the east end of the historic site at the Putman Canal Store - Yankee Hill Lock, there is an exhibit on canal commerce along the waterway. Coming soon there will be a display monitor by USGS providing information on the stream gauging of the Schoharie Creek and Mohawk River.

Mon 10 Apr
Museum Monday
Monday, April 10, 2023 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
Join us for the return of Museum Monday.  We'll be open during the off season for a couple hours on select Monday's while offering refreshing discussion on a topic relevant to the month. April we'll look some humor and poetry, especially Mark Twain's wonderful poem, "The Aged Pilot." Be sure to check out the Pathway to Empire exhibit. Short presentation/reading is at 11:30am. 
Thu 20 Apr
Fulton County Myths & Legends
Thursday, April 20, 2023 07:00 PM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
As part of the 3rd Annual Third Thursday Winter Lecture Series, Fulton County Historical Society Executive Director, Samantha Hall-Saladino will discuss the legends, myths, and lore of some of the county's most intriguing history. No spoilers here, but these tales need telling. Free and open to the public. No registration required. WebEx free web meeting platform, link goes live at 6:50pm. Virtual via WebEx.

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Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Biking
  • Equestrian Trails
  • Gift Shop (Accessible)
  • Hiking (Accessible)
  • Picnic Area (Accessible)
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
  • Tours (Accessible)
  • Visitor Center (Accessible)