Copland House
Phone: (914) 788-4659
Aaron Copland’s longtime residence was a 1940s prairie-style, hilltop house surrounded by 3 acres of woods near the Hudson River in Cortlandt Manor. A National Historic Landmark, Copland’s house is the only composer’s home in the U.S. devoted to nurturing and renewing America’s rich musical heritage through a broad range of programs. The home is the site for Copland House’s coveted composer residency programs, educational activities, and musical events. Copland House is open, by appointment only, for school field trips, and guided tours for community and senior groups, as well as individuals. For more information, or to visit, please contact Copland House.

Croton Dam
Address: Route 129 two miles northeast of the Village of Croton.
Phone: (914) 271-3293
Sometimes called "the eighth wonder of the world," the Croton Dam is second only to Egypt's great pyramids when it comes to hand-hewn stone structures. Visitors are awed by the water cascading over the spillway and the immensity of the construction. The public can enjoy walking on the top of the dam and picniking in the park below.

FDR Veterans' Administration Hospital
Address: Route 9A, Montrose
This vast hospital on 210 acres overlooking the Hudson River, was previously the estate of Stats Morris Dyckman. His mansion, Boscobel, was saved from demolition, moved, and rebuilt on a site to the north in Garrison. A garden at the hospital contains bronze busts of veterans from all the wars in which the United States has participated, sculpted by one of the residents.

Little Red Schoolhouse
Address: Locust Avenue
Built as a one-room school house in the first half of the 19th Century, the red building has been restored by the Van Cortlandtville Historical Society. It is used as a working local history museum for many area schools.

Old St. Peter's Church
Address: Oregon Road
The one-room frame church was dedicated in 1767. During the Revolutionary War it was used as a shelter for soldiers and as a hospital for Continental and French soldiers. The simple building has been carefully renovated and is lovingly cared for by the current generation of stewards. Many Revolutionary War soldiers, including some from France, Brig. General Seth Pomeroy and John Paulding are buried in the adjoining cemetery.

Post Hannoch House
Address: Kings Ferry Road just west of Lake Meahagh
Identified by a historical marker recently placed by the Cortlandt Historical Society, the Post-Hannoch House was originally the home of the Keeper of the King's Ferry. Washington hosted a dinner in the house in 1780 to honor Paulding, Williams and Van Wart, the captors of Major Andre.

Railroad Station Sculpture
A large sculpture outside the new Metro-North Railroad Cortlandt Station commemorates the history of the area. It depicts a Native American, a Dutchman and a brickmaker.

Steamboat Dock
Address: Route 6 and 202
Recently restored by the town, Steamboat Dock is the perfect spot to park, picnic, watch the river -- and think about Revolutionary War events and the days when fishing was a big industry in the area. Verplanck - Broadway to The Battery and then right. Tollhouse - This historic, quaint Bear Mountain Bridge Tollhouse was restored by New York State and the Town of Cortlandt. It is used as a Visitors Center.

Town Hall Exhibitions
Address: 1 Heady Street
The hallways of Cortlandt Town Hall are often used as gallery space by local artists, with changing exhibits.

Upper Manor House
Address: Oregon Road
The Upper Manor House of the Van Cortlandt family was a gambrel roofed, brick house, built before 1773. Extensive changes have occurred since Cornelia (Van Cortlandt) Beekman refused to give a representative of the British spy John André an American officer's uniform she had in safe-keeping. It is now part of the adjoining nursing home.

Verplanck
Undoubtedly the site of one of the nation's most splendid military reviews, when Washington and Rochambeau staged a welcome to the French army in 1782, Verplanck is now a quiet, unique hamlet. In the 1830's it was planned as the northern "capital of Westchester," hence the unusually broad streets. But, it was bypassed by the railroad and has remained a singular community. Locals are proud to call themselves "Pointers," (Verplanck's Point), of whom actor Mel Gibson is one.

Lake Meahagh
Address: Kings Ferry Road, Verplanck
This is actually an artificial lake created by the Knickerbocker Ice Company to ship ice to New York City residents. Swans, ducks and the ubiquitous Canadian geese now enjoy the facility. There are some spots along the shore suitable for picnics.
Bear Mountain Bridge Tollhouse
This historic, quaint toll house was restored by New York State and the Town of Cortlandt. It is used as a Visitors Center.

Camp Smith Trail
Address: Toll House on Route 6/202
Phone: (914) 271-3293
The Camp Smith Trail extends from the former Toll House, to Anthony's Nose and the Appalachian Trail. It offers expansive views and opportunities to watch hawks, turkey vultures, and, in the winter, bald eagles. Croton Gorge Park - The large park at the base of the Croton Dam has a memorable picnic spot, great fishing, and a superior sledding site in the winter. Parking fee (during the summer season): $7.

George's Island Park
Address: Dutch Street, Montrose
Phone: (914) 737-7530
The shoreline of Georges Island is still sprinkled with bricks, indicating the enormous brick making industry of a century ago. The island also has spectacular river views, two covered picnic pavilions, playgrounds, a ballfield, boat launch, labeled nature walks and hiking trails through the woods and along the river. A favorite feeding spot for bald eagles on late winter afternoons. Turn west from Route 9A at Dutch Street, Montrose, proceed to the park. Boat launch is open from 8 a.m. - dusk. Fee.

Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway
Phone: (914) 693-4117
The trailway begins on the west side of the Croton Dam, where there is limited parking, or alternatively, take the white, switchback, gravel path that begins just north of the restrooms of Croton Gorge Park. One of the joys of the trailway is that it is relatively level -- unusual for trails in Historic River Towns of Westchester. It follows the path of the aqueduct that was once used to bring fresh water from the Croton River to New York City. It is owned and managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct have published an award-winning map detailing the route of the trail and attractions along the way. It is available, for $4.50 by calling (914) 693-4117.

Croton Gorge Park
Address: Off Route 129.
Phone: (914) 827-9568
This large park at the base of the Croton Dam has a memorable picnic area, great fishing, and a superior sledding site in the winter. Parking fee (during the summer season): $7

Oscawana Park
Address: Furnace Dock Road (west), off Route 9A
This nine-acre park provides a pleasant walk to the vistas of the Hudson River shoreline, over the railroad tunnel. There are wetlands to examine, native raspberries to savor in early July and, in the fall, it is a spot where monarch butterflies like to rest on their trip south

Sportsman Center
Phone: (914) 737-7450
Located on 300 acres of the Blue Mountain Reservation, the center provides safe, convenient and diversified target areas for trap and skeet, small bore and large bore rifle, pistol and archery. New York State pistol permit required for pistols only. Open weekends and holidays. Thursday and Friday hours from April through November. (914) 737-7450.