Virtually Visit State Parks
Although we're discouraged from venturing too far from home for our nature fix, we can still “explore” state parks without leaving home.
State Parks offers more than 120 virtual tours featuring 360 degree views of parks, historic sites, and other public lands. Yes, there are the expected popular trails, waterfalls, and iconic landscapes. But as you begin “touring,” you’ll discover a surprising number of features you might miss on a real-life visit.
You can use the virtual tours to:
- Find pavilion and shelter setups to reserve for weddings, family reunions, or other events.
- Campgrounds and cabins to rent
- Find that ideal picnic table
- Gauge the accessibility of a location for someone you may know with physical limitations.
- Just be inspired and soothed by nature
Following are a few virtual tours from around the state.
LAKE TAGHKANIC
The virtual tour of this Hudson Valley park features its waterfront with abundant canoe and paddle boat options, playgrounds, and pavilions, as well as lodging accommodations. Which of the 16 lakefront cottages would you choose?
FOUR MILE CREEK
Yurts? Yes. This park, located just 20 minutes from Niagara Falls, boasts two of these round nomadic-style tents. Discover the park's amenities as you "step off the deck" of a yurt, feel the vastness of Lake Ontario or select your favorite picnic area for that future day trip you may be planning.
FILLMORE GLEN
Tour the replica of the modest log cabin in which our 13th president, Millard Fillmore, was born. Imagine the calming sound of the waterfall at Cowsheds or the cool feel of a dip in the natural swimming area.
OQUAGA CREEK
In Central New York, just off Interstate 88 near the town of Bainbridge, you’ll find a year-round getaway at Oquaga Creek State Park. Tour the inside of a cottage (upstairs and downstairs) and get a view of the natural surroundings the back deck. Or check out the more rustic cabins for those of you who want to be even closer to nature.
WELLESLEY ISLAND
Take the virtual tour of one of New York’s most northern state parks to scope out an ideal beach spot for a dip in Eel Bay on the St. Lawrence River. Experience the interior of the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center or check out the variety of cabins and RV campsites that dot the park's 2,600 acres.
RIVERBANK
You can almost feel the breeze off the Hudson in these views from Manhattan's Upper West Side. Check out the amphitheater that comes alive with engaging summer performances, the active ball courts and fields, the indoor hockey rinks, therefreshing swimming pools, and, of course, the riverside carousel. Also included is a view from Sofrito, a restaurant based in the park where you can drink and dine while enjoying the river as your background.