5 New York State Museums Worth The Road Trip

New York state has endless options of places to explore, experiences to take in and historical sites to learn from.

Some of our museums are well known while others may be hidden gems in the area. Some of these New York state museums have fascinating historical stories to share and offer unique opportunities.

These New York state museums are worth the road trip anyday of the week.

1.) Star Trek Origiinal Series Set Tour Museum

The Star Trek: Original Series Set Tour is a museum located in upstate New York. Guests can visit Ticonderoga to see this unique attraction.

This museum shared that James Cawley rebuilt sets from the Star Trek TV series that include scenes that look similar to the original sets from the show. At The Star Trek: Origins Series Set Tour, guests will notice that the sets are recreations. These were built from the blueprints that were the originals from Star Trek, they are licensed by CBS.

Those who visit Star Trek: Original Series Set Tour can purchase tickets online and also at the door. These tours run for about an hour.

Star Trek: Original Series Set Tour has tour hours for each season with different times available. Be sure to check out their hours of each season on their website and social media platforms.

Guests can find free parking for this museum in the lot located at the studio. More information about this museum can be found on their website.

Star Trek: Original Series Set Tour

112 Montcalm Street, Ticonderoga, NY 12883

2.) Corning Museum of Glass

This is one of my favorite museums in New York state. The Corning Museum of Glass is located in Corning, NY. When I arrived, I was surprised at how large the facility is and all of the activities to enjoy on site.

This museum was first established in the 1950’s by Corning Glass Works. This not for profit museum dedicates everything to glass and draws in about 300,000 visitors each year.

The Corning Museum of Glass is definitely a hidden gem in upstate New York. When I was there, I discovered that they have over 50,000 objects on display.

Those who visit can experience hands-on exhibits in the Corning Museum of Glass's Innovation Center.  They can also watch professionals blow glass, create their own glass products, visit the gift shop and more. 

The Corning Museum of Glass also offers lectures, seminars and more.

Corning Museum of Glass

 1 Museum Way, Corning, NY 14830

3.) Borscht Belt Museum

This popular Hudson Valley museum hasn’t fully opened yet they still have been bringing guests into their space. The Borscht Belt Museum will officially open in 2025 in Ellenville, NY.

Their museum features pop up exhibits and highlights the time periods, memories and more of the Borscht Melt era in the Hudson Valley. I’ve been to their pop up exhibits before and it’s fun to learn about the rich culture and how it influenced our area.

They closed their pop up exhibits in the winter and will reopen their space in April 2025. I’m looking forward to seeing more information about the official opening date of this soon to be museum.

Borscht Belt Museum

90 Canal St, Ellenville, NY 12428

4.) Hudson River Maritime Museum

This unique museum is located on the historic grounds of the Roundout Creek in Kingston, NY.

It's also also known as, 

“A is a multi-functioning education hub and dynamic working waterfront.”

The Hudson River Maritime Museum has the Wooden Boat School and Sailing School on site. They also offer boat tours and they operate a historic landmark, the Rondout Lighthouse.

This Ulster County, NY museum could see more than 30,000 people each year. I was fascinated to learn about Mathilda, a tug boat with an interesting past. The Historical Marker Database shared that his boat was donated to the Hudson River Maritime Museum and guests can stop by to see the Mathilda and more.

Hudson River Maritime Museum

50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY 12401

5.) Motorcyclepedia Museum

Did you know that there’s a museum dedicated to motorcycles in New York state? This one of a kind museum is located in Newburgh, NY. Its 85,000 square foot area has over 650 motorcycles on site.

I love that this museum is family owned and operated which has been running for over 80 years.

Motorcyclepedia Museum  

250 Lake St, Newburgh, NY 12550

Which museum in New York state have you visited? Are any of these museums on your list? Tell us more below.