Plattsburgh was founded in 1785, and the amphibious Battle of Plattsburgh took place in the area. The fight ended hostilities in the Northern United States and was a significant win for America. Incoming settlers were drawn to the new town of Plattsburgh because of its prime location, halfway between Montreal and Albany. In the War of 1812, the British made it a top strategic target because of its location. In 1815, the core neighborhood was incorporated as a village, and in 1902, Plattsburgh was established as a city.
Because of the construction of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base in the 1950s, the town's population exploded. With the development of the Adirondack Northway and Plattsburgh State University College, rapid expansion carried on well into the 1960s and lasted into the 1970s and 1980s. The region's economic foundation was revived when Plattsburgh Air Force Base was shut down in 1995. The Air Force Base has been successfully converted to civic development, housing, industry, and business. The Plattsburgh International Airport, Clinton Community College, the Plattsburgh International Airport, and a number of significant industries and businesses are all located in the city. Plattsburgh also enjoys the benefits of a robust regional economy.
Plattsburgh, which has a current population of about 20,000, is well known for its extensive history. Situated on the Adirondack Coast, the city is a great location for water activities and has stunning coastline vistas. A popular location is Plattsburgh City Beach, one of the country's biggest freshwater beaches, with picnic spots, kayak rentals, and even a hangout called the Cabana Beach Bar. If you enjoy fishing, you should join an iFishLakeChamplain trip or take a Lake Champlain Angler Fishing Charter. Cumberland Bay State Park is another excellent location for outdoor recreation, where you may spend a day swimming, hiking, rock climbing, or playing golf.
You should stop by a couple of the many engaging educational centers in Plattsburgh if you enjoy museums. The War of 1812 Museum, the Clinton County Historical Association and Museum, and the Champlain Valley Transportation Museum are a few places well worth seeing. Wine enthusiasts should visit the Elfs Farm Winery and Cider Mill while beer enthusiasts might want to go to Oval Craft Brewing. If you feel like shopping, go to Champlain Centre Mall, which has a wide range of shops, a movie theater, and a food court.
Campgrounds Near Plattsburgh, New York
Cumberland Bay State Park is a fantastic option. The 250-acre campsite and recreational area will give you opportunities for swimming, fishing, and water sports. This Plattsburgh RV park has rough, trailer-accessible-only campsites and is close to a recreation area with a playground, a pavilion, and playing fields.
Shady Oaks RV Park is ideal for travelers in RVs and large trailers. The park's 44 acres are made up of shaded, oak- and cedar-lined areas. The constant cold wind from Lake Champlain is one of the great advantages of staying at Shady Oaks during summer.
You can also stay at Plattsburgh RV Park, a 100-acre park in upstate New York between the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. There are more than 200 camping spots available, and the park offers a variety of on-site entertainment options, such as swimming, relaxation games, and organized programs.
State Parks Near Plattsburgh, New York
Ausable Point Campground is a tranquil outdoor retreat in Peru, New York, close to the Lake Champlain shoreline. Campers may choose from a wide range of activities at the state park, including bird-watching, hiking, playing on the playground, kayaking, and biking. You may take leisurely walks along Lake Champlain's natural beach coastline. Swimming is enjoyable in clear, shallow water, but you can also enjoy other water activities, such as canoeing, boating, surfing, and tube riding. Although there are no hookups, there is an RV dump station, and the campground is accessible to people with disabilities.
One of Vermont's largest camping spots is Grand Isle State Park, a 226-acre park close to Burlington. The park has a nice nature trail and a large section of Lake Champlain's shoreline that is ideal for swimming and fishing. You can camp at the premium Grand Isle State Park campground. The campground is open all year long, but you must make a reservation to guarantee a spot.
Only accessible by boat, Burton Island State Park is a stunning waterfront location with a marina, several miles of picturesque hiking trails, a museum, a café, and a nature store. The gorgeous park is only accessible from the end of June until the middle of September. Burton Island State Park has a relatively temperate climate, with chilly winters and warm summers. The park is home to deer, squirrels, and groundhogs. In the waters around Burton Island, you may spot different fish species, including smallmouth and largemouth bass.
National Sites Near Plattsburgh, New York
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park preserves the residence, studios, and gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The property was his vacation lodgings and eventually his permanent home from 1900 until his demise in 1907. Over 100 pieces of art, including the Shaw Memorial and the "Standing Lincoln" statue, are currently on exhibit in the park. In addition to making sculptures, Gauden created the 1907 Twenty Dollar Gold Piece, one of America's most beautiful coins. You can view an extraordinary collection of sculptures and other artworks housed in the beautifully maintained mansion and planted grounds. The park's strategic position makes it easy to access rural and urban areas in New Hampshire and the neighboring New England states.
The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is the perfect location if you're interested in history and conservation. The park is located northwest of Vermont's Woodstock and is the only national historic site in Vermont. It is home to various historical artifacts, architectural treasures, and beautiful landscapes. The park's major attraction is the 550 acres of stunning woodland that may be explored on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback through several trails. Throughout the year, the park offers programs and workshops to educate visitors on forestry and conservation, tree identification, wildlife tracking, and trail maintenance.
You may also visit Saratoga National Historical Park, which honors the first significant American military triumph of the Revolutionary War. This park, which is close to Stillwater, New York, spans a number of interesting locations, including Schuyler House and the Saratoga Monument. To pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for American independence, you should take the time to climb the 188 steps at the Saratoga Monument.
National Forests Near Plattsburgh, New York
White Mountain National Forest, which spans 800,000 acres in eastern New Hampshire and western Maine, is a fantastic place for RV camping. You may see stunning mountains, hardwood woods, lakes, rivers, and a variety of species on your tour. Numerous recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and camping, are available in the forest. Hiking will provide stunning views of the lakes, streams, and forests found in the national forest. You can fish in one of the many lakes, ponds, or streams, including South Pond, Long Pond, Russell Pond, and the Peabody River.
The Green Mountain National Forest offers places to go hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, hunting, and fishing. Moose are one of the main attractions in the park, so keep an eye out for them. Fishing is permitted in several locations inside the park's limits, including the Chittenden Reservoir, the Colton Pond, the region around the Dufresne Dam, the Mettawee River, and the Red Mill Pond. Along with its abundance of natural beauty, the park is home to nearly 2,000 historical and archaeological monuments.
In the spring, the Finger Lakes National Forest is a wonderful spot to observe a plethora of wildflowers, impressive waterfalls, and deep canyons. Along with geocaching, you may go hiking, fishing, bicycling, skiing, and more. Many bird species, including uncommon grassland birds like the Henslow's sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, American kestrel, northern harrier, and bobolink, are available for birdwatchers to witness. Because there is very little light pollution in the area, the Finger Lakes National Forest is one of the best locations for stargazing.