Upstate New York Guide: Plattsburgh Local Attractions

Plattsburgh is a city that frequently has events based on the local history. If you are visiting Plattsburgh or vacationing nearby there are several activities in Plattsburgh to attend or visit during your stay.

Activities can be roughly divided into historical sightseeing and museums, and outdoor sports and other recreational activities.

The first category includes museums and historic sites. There are several museums to visit in Plattsburgh including the Horacon Museum, the Kent-Delord House Museum and the Plattsburg Art Museum are just a few of note.

The Kent-Delord House Museum presents a living family in period costume circa 1800 who were involved in the Battle of Plattsburgh during the War of 1812, the American Civil War, and the Women's Christian Temperance Union. It is sort of the Sturbridge Village of Plattsburgh. The Calendar of Events on their website shows all the events of the summer, including a concert series, fairs, chocolate tastings, special museum tours, lectures and other events of interest. The concert series are held in the barn and generally have a $5 charge.

Other museums can be found on a street called 'Museum Way", including The Champlain Valley Transportation Museum that displays vintage automobiles including early twentieth century limousines and other luxury cars, as well as service cars like an early fire engine. There are also transportation means in restoration such as a train and early carriages on display. The Kids' station has a child friendly flight simulator. For more information, visit their website.

There are several historical points of interest in Plattsburgh as well. One example is the Plattsburgh Barracks, which would be of particular interest to civil war buffs as it served as long standing barracks and a hospital. For more information visit their website.

The Battle of Plattsburgh is recounted at the Battle of Plattsburgh Interpretive Center. This is a museum that has lots of artifacts and interactive exhibits that tells of the battle step by step. For a schedule of events, visit their website.

Another activity for history buffs is visiting the Special Collections at SUNY Plattsburgh that house Rare and Archival Materials Focused on the North Country of New York State, primarily a newspaper collection, manuscripts, as well as Rockwell Kent' papers and prints. For information on visiting the Special Collections, visit their website.

There are several restaurants in Plattsburgh including local college fare, chain restaurants like Applebees and local restaurants and Taverns. The Ponderosa restaurant also has a Ponderosa Family Entertainment Center with go carts, miniature golf and boats.

Since Plattsburgh is on Lake Champlain, the sixth largest fresh water lake in the country, it is a very popular location for fishing and water sports. Plattsburgh has two state Parks for hiking, bird watching, nature photography, biking, fishing, and boating. The Point Au Roche State Park has a nature center with various programs for tourists.

If you were planning an outdoor activity but get rained out, then Champlain Center Shopping Mall is an activity for rainy days. Visit their website at for more details and directions.