Washington Park is one of the oldest parks in the United States. It was designated a park by city charter in 1686 and today it still remains a vibrant part of Albany. Designed by architects John Bogart and John Cuyler, the park with its lush green lawns, etched walkways and colorful flowers is a tranquil oasis downtown. This public park also serves as an entertainment venue and hosts variety of events like flower festivals, concerts, fund-raisers, ethnic festivals and more.
The Albany Pine Bush Reserve is one of the few remaining inland pine barrens in the world. It is truly a work of nature created by the last Glacial flows, where this ecosystem harbors all types of flora and fauna. At the preserve, the counties of Albany and Schenectady have created a nature center that allows young and old alike to discover this treasure. There are plenty of recreational activities like cycling, hiking, cross-country skiing and jogging, making it a great place to visit any time of year.
