Favorite Schenectady Attractions

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Enjoy The Unique Attractions That Make Schenectady, NY A Great Destination

Fine Arts, exciting exhibits and museums, first class theatre...it's all in Schenectady County!

Art and Theatre

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 let’s 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 NY'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 world wide 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 program to exhibits to well-known and 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 above. 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.