Things to Do in Schenectady
A colonial Dutch settlement on the Mohawk that grew into the home of General Electric.
See top-rated activities »About Schenectady
Schenectady was founded by Dutch settlers in 1661 on the Mohawk River, about 15 miles northwest of Albany. The original village, the Stockade, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhoods in the country, with dozens of houses from before the Revolution packed along narrow streets near the river. A walking tour takes an hour or so, past colonial Dutch gables, 18th-century churches and the small Riverside Park along the Mohawk, and the Stockade Villagers' Outdoor Art Show fills the streets each September.
In 1892 Edison General Electric merged with a rival to form General Electric, whose giant Schenectady works earned the city the nickname the Electric City. GE's research laboratory developed early radio and television broadcasts here, and the story is told at miSci, the Museum of Innovation and Science, along with hands-on science exhibits and a planetarium. The museum keeps limited public hours, mostly weekends, so check before you go.
Downtown, Proctors is a restored 1926 vaudeville and movie palace that now hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts and films, along with two smaller stages. State Street and the Jay Street pedestrian mall around it have restaurants and cafes, and Union College, one of the oldest colleges in the country, sits a few blocks east with a central rotunda building and the Jackson's Garden.
On the Mohawk, the Mohawk Harbor development has a casino, hotels, restaurants and a riverfront promenade, and the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, part of the statewide Empire State Trail, follows the river through Schenectady toward Albany in one direction and the Erie Canal country in the other. The Little Italy neighborhood along North Jay Street is known for its Italian bakeries. Schenectady is an easy 25-minute drive from downtown Albany, and Proctors makes it a good evening stop after a day of sightseeing elsewhere in the region.
Don’t Miss
Founded in 1661, with about 40 pre-Revolutionary homes on quiet streets by the Mohawk.
A restored 1926 theater hosting touring Broadway shows, concerts and films.
Science exhibits, a planetarium and the General Electric archives, open on weekends.
A casino and hotel on the Mohawk River with a riverfront walk and restaurants nearby.
A paved riverside trail that is part of the Empire State Trail.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Schenectady
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Get free trip quotes »Schenectady — FAQ
What is the Stockade in Schenectady?
The original 17th-century Dutch settlement, now a historic district of colonial houses near the Mohawk River. It is a residential neighborhood, so enjoy it from the sidewalks.
What shows play at Proctors?
Touring Broadway productions, concerts, comedy and films, plus smaller shows in its other theaters. Check the Proctors schedule for current shows.
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