Looking for a charming small-town getaway in Upstate New York? Discover Glens Falls! Nestled between the Adirondacks and the Hudson River, Glens Falls offers art, history, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly fun in every season. It’s the perfect blend of culture and nature.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Glens Falls is from late spring through fall (May through October). Enjoy pleasant weather for hiking, visiting local museums, attending outdoor festivals, and exploring nearby Lake George.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Glens Falls is located off I-87 (the Adirondack Northway), about 3.5 hours north of New York City and 1 hour north of Albany.
- By Bus: Adirondack Trailways and Greyhound offer service to Glens Falls from major cities including Albany and NYC.
- By Train: The nearest Amtrak station is in Fort Edward (10 minutes away), with service along the Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express lines.
Where to Stay
- The Queensbury Hotel – A historic downtown hotel with modern amenities, a grand lobby, and easy access to local attractions.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites – Comfortable and convenient lodging near shopping and dining, perfect for families or business travelers.
- Baymont by Wyndham – Affordable accommodations just minutes from downtown and Lake George.
Top Attractions
1.Admire Masterpieces and Step Into History at The Hyde Collection Art Museum and Historic Home
© The Hyde Collection Art Museum and Historic Home
The Hyde Collection Art Museum and Historic Home houses an impressive collection of historical paintings, pottery, sculptures, furniture, and books. Founded by Louis and Charlotte Hyde in 1952, the museum is based in a beautifully restored early twentieth-century residence on Warren Street, known as the Hyde House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The collection includes a refined selection of Italian Renaissance and eighteenth-century French antiques, and paintings by Picasso, Degas, Matisse, Renoir, Ingres, and Botticelli, among other famous artists. Open year-round; the museum features five galleries in which the collection is exhibited and offers art experiences for all ages.
161 Warren St, Glens Falls, NY 12801, Phone: 518-792-1761
2.Browse Local Art, Shops, and Studios at The Shirt Factory
© The Shirt Factory
The Shirt Factory is a historic old factory building in the heart of Glen Falls that houses a variety of creative businesses ranging from artist studios, art galleries, indie shops, fitness studios, and more. The complex is home to more than 100 eclectic artists and artisans who have studios in the building and produce original artworks ranging from painting, photography, clay, wood, and ceramics. Other services offered include massage therapy, fitness classes, children's activities, and a beauty salon, along with cafés, coffee shops, and eateries.
71 Lawrence St, Glens Falls, NY 12801, Phone: 518-502-1450
3.Explore Regional Heritage at the Chapman Historical Museum
© Chapman Historical Museum
The Chapman Historical Museum is a beautifully restored historic house museum that showcases life in Glens Falls during the late 19th century. Owned and operated by the Glens Falls/Queensbury Historical Association, the museum is based in a house built initially by Zopher DeLong and later restored in 1968 and features antique furnishings and historical artifacts documenting Glen Falls in the 1900s. Visitors to the Chapman Historical Museum can enjoy guided tours of the DeLong House, explore the ever-changing exhibitions, a range of hands-on activities and family programs for families and children, and finding unique souvenirs in the gift shop.
348 Glen St, Glens Falls, NY 12801, Phone: 518-793-2826
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
4.Hike, Ski, or Snowshoe the Trails of Cole's Woods
© lial88/stock.adobe.com
Cole's Woods is a multi-use trail system named for local blacksmith Norman Cole and offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities throughout the year. Opened in 1971, the park featured North America’s first lighted cross-country ski trail system and now offers an array of different trails and terrains for users to enjoy. The trail system is used in summer for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, geocaching and birdwatching, and cross-country skiing, ice-skating at the Glens Falls Recreation Ice Rink and sledding in the winter. Cole's Woods hosts several cross-country skiing races each year, along with running races and other community events.
40 Parkview Ave, Queensbury, NY 12804, Phone: 518-761-8216
5.Catch a Concert, Event, or Game at Cool Insuring Arena
© Melinda Nagy/stock.adobe.com
The Cool Insuring Arena, previously known as the Glen Falls Civic Center, is a multi-purpose arena with a seating capacity of 4,800 that currently serves as the home of the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League). Built in 1979, the Cool Insuring Arena was originally the home of the Adirondack Red Wings, and now hosts the ECHL's Adirondack Thunder. The arena hosts high school basketball tournaments every winter, as well as a range of music concerts, family-friendly performances, ice shows, and other events. Other attractions at the arena include a walking track and an ice-skating arena.
1 Civic Center Plaza, Glens Falls, NY 12801, Phone: 518-798-0366
6.Savor Craft Beer and Pub Fare at Davidson Brothers Brewing Company
© Davidson Brothers Brewing Company
Davidson Brothers Brewing Company is a casual brewery and restaurant based in a historic 130-year old building in the Exchange Street Plaza that serves classic American fare and local house-brewed craft beers. The brewery produces a range of traditional IPAs using aroma-filled hops to create a hoppy, medium-bodied beer, along with a variety of other beers, casual wines, and handcrafted cocktails. The restaurant offers a delicious menu of pub-style fare such as hearty burgers and juicy steaks, fresh salads, fish and chips, pasta dishes, and homemade soups, and guests can enjoy live music while dining on several nights of the week.
184 Glen St, Glens Falls, NY 12801, Phone: 518-743-9026
7.Cheer on the Adirondack Thunder at an Exciting ECHL Hockey Game
© Irina Volkova/stock.adobe.com
Adirondack Thunder is a professional ice hockey team in the ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) that is affiliated with the NHL's New Jersey Devils and is based at the Cool Insuring Arena. The Cool Insuring Arena, previously known as the Glen Falls Civic Center, is 4,800-seater stadium hosts the ECHL's Adirondack Thunder, along with high school basketball tournaments every winter, as well as a range of music concerts, family-friendly performances, ice shows, and other events. Other attractions at the arena include a walking track and an ice-skating arena.
1 Civic Center Plaza, Glens Falls, NY 12801, Phone: 518-480-3355
If you are traveling with kids:
8.Spark Curiosity at the Interactive World Awareness Children's Museum
© World Awareness Children's Museum
The World Awareness Children's Museum is a child-centric institution that encourages children to explore, discover, and learn through play. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibitions, including ¡Hola, Mexico!, World Music, The Marketplace, Home and Family Life, World Fashion, and the One World Gallery, among others. The museum also offers a host of multicultural programs and exciting events for visitors of all ages that feature hands-on games and challenges, story-telling, dance, and music performances. Other attractions at the museum include guided and self-guided tours, a series of outreach programs, and an International Youth Art Exchange Program.
89 Warren St, Glens Falls, NY 12801, Phone: 518-793-2773
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Downtown Glens Falls – Discover local shops, art galleries, cafés, and live entertainment.
- Crandall Park – Stroll, picnic, or ice skate seasonally in this large, scenic community park.
Where to Eat
- Davidson Brothers Brewing Company – Locally brewed beer and hearty pub fare in a lively setting.
- Downtown City Tavern – Trendy American eats and craft cocktails with indoor and outdoor seating.
- Seasoned – An intimate student-run restaurant featuring fresh, creative dishes (check hours before visiting).
If you are interested in local events:
- Adirondack Theatre Festival (Summer) – Professional summer stock theater with new and innovative productions.
- Glens Falls Chronicle Book Fair (Fall) – Celebrate regional authors, publishers, and book lovers of all ages.
- Adirondack Balloon Festival (September) – Watch dozens of colorful hot air balloons take flight in nearby Queensbury and Glens Falls.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Glens Falls, New York:
- Lake George (15–20 min) – Swim, hike, take a steamboat cruise, or stroll along the lakefront village.
- Saratoga Springs (30 min) – Enjoy mineral springs, horse racing, shopping, and the historic Saratoga Spa State Park.
- Fort William Henry (20–25 min) – Tour a reconstructed British fort from the French and Indian War.
- Adirondack Adventure Center (25 min) – Go ziplining, tubing, or whitewater rafting in the great outdoors.
- Moreau Lake State Park (20 min) – Hike wooded trails, fish, swim, or relax along a quiet lake beach.
- Queensbury (10–15 min) – Shop, dine, or visit Six Flags Great Escape for rides and water park thrills.
- Fort Edward (10 min) – Visit the Old Fort House Museum or catch a scenic ride on the Amtrak line.
FAQ:
-
Where is Glens Falls located?
- Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains and surrounded by spectacular natural beauty, the city of Glens Falls is packed with things to see and do for the whole family.
-
What makes Glens Falls a popular destination?
- Exuding the quaint architectural charm of the past in many of its buildings, Glens Falls is a well-known destination for the arts and entertainment, with plenty of excellent museums, galleries, and cultural institutions to explore.
-
What festivals take place in Glens Falls?
- The town also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Adirondack Theatre Festival and the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council’s June Arts Festival.
-
What entertainment options are available at the Glens Falls Civic Center?
- The Glens Falls Civic Center presents a variety of concerts, extravaganzas, and family-fun events.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents: