Orange: Museums, Nature and Active Holidays

Orange combines impressive military history, open-air art, protected natural areas and a variety of trails to create a destination with many different holiday ideas. You can visit historical exhibitions, spend a day at a lake, go hiking or cycling, and discover regional beverages.

Culture, History and Unique Experiences

The West Point Museum is dedicated to the United States Military Academy, the United States Army and the profession of the soldier. Its exhibits include weapons, uniforms and memorabilia belonging to American soldiers from the 17th century to the present day, as well as military artefacts from around the world. Those who would like to experience art in an expansive setting will find a 500-acre open-air museum at Storm King Art Center in New Windsor. The art centre can be reached by Metro-North Railroad and NJ Transit.

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and the Museum Village of Old Smith's Clove offer further insights into history and remembrance. The galleries of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor use interactive stations to trace the life stories of selected Purple Heart recipients. Museum Village focuses on small-town life in late-19th-century America. The museum's Natural History Museum houses the almost completely preserved skeleton of Harry the Mastodon. Visitors can make their own candles in the Candle Shop; pupils and families will find hands-on educational activities and learning experiences on site.

The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame preserves the history and traditions of Standardbred horse racing, along with more than 40,000 artefacts related to harness racing. Built in 1768, the Brick House was home to seven generations of the Hill family. At the Orange County Arboretum, the Remembrance Walkway and Garden honours people who lost their lives in the attacks of September 11.

Trails, Lakes and Nature Experiences

The Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge manages more than 6,000 acres of land in Orange County, New York, and Sussex County, New Jersey. The refuge offers nature-based recreation and protects habitats for forest and grassland birds, migratory waterfowl, overwintering raptors and endangered species. The Heritage Trail is ideal for active days of hiking, cycling and rollerblading. The trail is 19.5 miles long and provides access from Goshen to Harriman. When snow conditions are suitable, it can also be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Winding Hills Park contains 40-acre Diamond Lake and a four-acre pond. The trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Boating is possible on the 40-acre lake at designated times from May to October. Cronomer Hill Park features a wooded hiking trail and a 30-foot-high observation tower. From there, views extend across the Hudson River Valley and the surrounding region to High Point in New Jersey.

On the Hudson River lies the 102-acre Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point. Managed by the Orange County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, the park area has a 2,000-foot-long sandy shoreline. Boating, fishing and hiking offer different ways to enjoy a stay by the water.

The Right Base for Planning Your Trip

The variety of experiences makes choosing a holiday apartment in Orange a matter of your preferred travel rhythm. If museums and historical topics are the main focus, you can include West Point, the Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Museum Village and the Harness Racing Museum in your plans. For active days, the Heritage Trail, the trails in Winding Hills Park or the observation tower in Cronomer Hill Park offer different focal points. Those looking for experiences on the water can turn their attention to Diamond Lake or the Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point. This allows you to choose your accommodation according to your personal interests without trying to fit every activity into a single day's itinerary.

Culinary discoveries are also part of the region's character. Brotherhood Winery was founded in 1839 and is the oldest continuously operating winery in the United States. Orange County also has a craft beverage scene with local breweries, wineries and cideries. For further orientation, you can also explore New Windsor, Newburgh, Port Jervis, Goshen, Greenwood Lake, Chester, Middletown, Highland Falls, Slate Hill, New Hampton, West Point, Woodbury, Cornwall, Orange Lake, Walden, Fort Montgomery, Montgomery, Florida, Campbell Hall and Unionville.

For the higher-level travel overview: New York.