23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Troy (NY)

Troy is a rich city and the county seat of Rensselaer County, New York, United States. 

Troy was popularly referred to as “Collar City” because of its support during the 1900s era in producing shirts and other textiles. It is also called the “Home of Uncle Sam.”

This is an energetic community that is excellent for both visitors and locals. The city features several beautiful and thrilling attractions, including historic sites, museums, arts & culture centers, restaurants, sports facilities, and more.

You will be amazed by all the city has to offer, let’s explore the best and fun things to do in Troy, NY.

Things to Do in Troy, NY

1. EMPAC – Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center

The Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center is nestled at the Poly Institute of Rensselaer. The center brings sciences, technology, and art together with four great venues.

The Center allows artists, researchers, and audiences to investigate, experience, create and experiment in order to advance the surrounding environment and technology.

The organization operates an in-residence artist scheme, hosting several screenings and performances throughout the year and encouraging locals and visitors to attend.

The Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center features Evelyn’s Cafe, which is open for lunch daily before events.

Address: 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States

2. Prospect Park

Whenever you and your family want to spend quality time together, Prospect Park is one of the best places to visit in Troy, NY.

Prospect Park is owned and operated by the city of Troy. It is one of the three prominent parks in the city.

The Park covers 80 acres. It originally belonged to the Warren Family but was donated in 1902 to the city.

It is open to the entire public each year from April to November. The Park features several recreational facilities and areas.

Prospect Park has a comfort station, picnic pavilion, soccer field, basketball courts, and a spray pool.

The Park also features fourteen tennis courts, a softball field, four handball courts, fully equipped playgrounds, and nature trails with eight parking spaces.

You get to pick from a large number of thrilling activities according to your preference.

Address: 65 Prospect Park Road, Troy, NY 12180, United States

3. Joe Bruno Stadium

Joe Bruno Stadium is the home stadium of the ValleyCats baseball team from the minor league. The baseball team is also part of the reputable New York Penn baseball league.

Joe Bruno Stadium is located on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College in the heart of the Tri-City region of the New York capital area.

The area consists of Troy, Albany, and Schenectady, which is why the name of the baseball team is “Tri-city ValleyCats.

Joe Bruno Stadium hosts over thirty baseball matches from June to September.

Address: 80 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy, NY 12180, United States

4. Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

Of course, no list of the best things to do in Troy, NY, would be complete without a visit to Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has existed as a music hall since 1875. It is a National Historic Landmark.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall was originally erected in 1823, though it was used as the Savings Bank of Troy.

The Music Hall is very popular throughout the globe for its possession of amazing and unrivaled acoustics.

Several prominent musical legends and artists from different parts of the world have graced the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

Some of the artists that have performed on this stage include Vladimir Horowitz, Ella Fitzgerald, Yo-Yo Ma, Boz Scaggs, Trey Anastasio, India Arie, and more.

 Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is a fascinating and thrilling place for music lovers and artists as they get to experience great music.

Address: 30 Second Street, Troy, New York 12180, United States

5. Oakwood Cemetery

The Oakwood Cemetery, located at the northeast end of Troy, is a non-sectarian, undeveloped cemetery.

The cemetery was founded as a reply to New England’s thriving rural cemetery movement in 1848.

It consists of paths of roughly twenty-nine miles, two residential structures, a crematorium, about sixty thousand graves, a chapel, four artificial lakes, and 24 mausolea.

The Oakwood Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. It attracts people due to its dense foliage and rolling lawns.

The facility is still one of the highly preserved and prestigious rural cemeteries from the nineteenth century in New York.

Address: 50 101st St, Troy, NY 12180, United States

6. PhotoCenter

 If you have always aspired to become an expert in photography, a visit to PhotoCenter ought to be on your itinerary of top things to do in Troy, NY.

PhotoCenter showcases a large collection of imagery, including photography, by regional and international photographers, plus the center’s members.

You will find modern images and themed exhibitions on display, including several historical cameras that have existed for over a century.

The Center offers neatly used equipment for guests to purchase, such as printers, lenses, and cameras.

The PhotoCenter features a shooting studio with different backgrounds, props, and lighting setups important to photographers. There’s also a library concerned with art and photography, along with a reading space.

Address: 404 River St, Troy, NY 12180, United States

7. Houston Field House

The Houston Field House in the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a multi-purpose arena in Troy.

The Houston Field House is the United States’ 3rd oldest college Hockey center after Northeastern University’s Matthews Arena and Princeton University’s Hockey Baker Memorial Rink.

After the hockey rink of Princeton University, the Houston Field House is the second oldest hockey rink in the ECAC hockey league.

On the western wall of Houston Field House, you will find banners that pay tributes to the championship wins for the NCAA, ECAC, and AWCHA, with the pep band of America found during hockey games along the House’s eastern wall.

Address: 1900 Peoples Ave, Troy, NY 12180, United States

8. Tri-City ValleyCats

If you’re a staunch baseball lover, you will definitely be a fan of the Capital District of New York Tri-City ValleyCats.

The Tri-City ValleyCats is a must-visit during the summer, as they provide great experiences. They offer wonderful entertainment for visitors of different ages who are aficionados of the good, old style of baseball games.

You don’t need to be a baseball fan to love the Tri-City ValleyCats. Their games offer much more than just entertainment, including several promotions and attractions.

The “Kids Zone” provides an entertainment region for the little ones, as it features speed pitch, bounce inflatables, and lots more.

Don’t miss the Sunday Funday, pre-game activities, after-the-game base race, and other numerous activities.

Address: 80 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy, NY 12180, United States

Considering a vacation in New York, do not miss out on these attractions in Watertown, and Watkins Glen for a fun time here.

9. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Whether you’re in a celebration mood or not, visiting Dinosaur Bar-B-Que should be on your list of what to do in Troy, NY.

The Dinosaur Bar-B-Que offers the community a nationally recognized barbecue with award-winning food and sauces.

These famous sauces and food have been featured on Food Network, the Travel Channel, and Good Morning America, including in Men’s Health and Eating Well magazines.

It is known for serving the highest quality and delicious homemade food made with freshly sourced ingredients.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que boasts of showcasing great hospitality in order to provide a comfortable and exciting place for visitors to sample some of the best barbeques in the country.

The food menu offered is based on the barbeque traditions of the southern region, with external influences on the flavors and appearances.

The Restaurant serves Jumbo BBQ Chicken Wings, Creole Spiced Deviled Eggs, Chili Con Queso Nachos, Swag Sampler Plate, BBQ Fried Rice with BBQ Meats, Pulled Pork Poutine, Key Lime Pie, and more.

Address: 377 River St, Troy, NY 12180, United States

10. Burden Iron Works Museum

The Burden Iron Works Museum is next to Wynantskill Creek and the Hudson River. It was formerly an iron and industrial works complex.

The Museum was formerly the home of the Burden Water Wheel, known as the highest vertical water level in the industry’s history.

It is said that George Washington Ferris, the Ferris wheel inventor, had always observed the water wheel occasionally when he was a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Address: 1 E Industrial Pkwy, Troy, NY 12180, United States

11. Verdile’s Restaurant

Whenever you want to enjoy delicious meals, Verdile’s Restaurant is the number one place to be in Troy.

Verdile’s Restaurant is renowned for being Troy’s multi-generational, longest-existing Italian-American Restaurant.

The Restaurant provides a diverse atmosphere, with great comfort and an immense show of hospitality.

They have continuously honored the Italian tradition despite being operated by the third generation of the family.

Verdile’s Restaurant prides itself on offering the most outstanding customer service, taking guests back in time through its style of services, which was popular in the past.

The Restaurant is dedicated to being the neighborhood spot, aiming to draw and attend to every family’s dining needs.

They provide a lively and welcoming atmosphere for visitors to stop by with their family and friends without any form of doubt about having a great time.

Address: 722 2nd Avenue, Troy, NY 12182, United States

12. Hart Cluett Museum

If you’re a curious mind who is always ready to learn something new, add a visit to Hart Cluett Museum to your list of top things to do in Troy, NY.

Hart Cluett Museum is housed in a unique white-colored marble building. The building dates back to the nineteenth century, among others in the downtown district.

Hart Cluett Museum has been constantly cared for since its construction in 1827; now, it is a history museum.

The Museum still has architectural and cultural significance in the country, while its counterparts have been abandoned.

The building is an example of the evolution of the city of Troy from its commercial background to an industrial system.

Address: 57 2nd St, Troy, NY 12180, United States

13. The Focus Lab

The Focus Lab is the best place for those who want to learn about urban design solutions extensively.

You get to know how professionals come up with distinct educational systems creating space while inculcating the creativity components.

Visitors can view numerous informative exhibits focusing on important topics like industrial waterfronts and the Hudson River ecology.

Focus Lab provides a kid-friendly environment for children to come in and learn through interactive exhibits, erecting waterfronts, and constructing boats.

Address: 19 3rd St, Troy, NY 12180, United States

14. Slidin’ Dirty

Slidin’ Dirty is recognized as the top gourmet food truck in New York State, offering full-time restaurant services.

The food truck began in 2012 as a gourmet food truck. In 2013, it was voted one of the best ten food trucks in the country.

To show how popular it is, Slidin’ Dirty was featured with Kelly and Michael on OnLive. Slidin’ Dirty offers craft beers and signature cocktails along with gourmet sliders.

They serve the best Avocado Fries, Short rib tacos, Buffalo Chicken Mac Bites, Impossible burgers Sliders, Cobb Salad, Sriracha Scallops, Slider Taco Trio, Macaroni, and more.

Don’t be deceived by the food truck, as they serve more delicious meals than most flashy and expensive restaurants.

Address: 9 First Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States

15. The Kate Mullany National Historic Site

The Kate Mullany National Historic Site, which appreciates the workforce of women in Troy, is an integral part of the city.

The Kate Mullany National Historic Site is in a humble house founded in the 1860s.

This historic site was named after Kate Mullany, an Irish immigrant known for establishing the Collar Laundry Union in 1864, an all-female labor union.

Visitors to this historic site learn a lot about the early era of Troy and the true tale behind the courage of Kate Mullany. She reformed the community’s norms and made it a better city for women.

In 1998, the interior secretary proclaimed the Kate Mullany National Historic Site as a National Historic Landmark.

Address: 350 8th St, Troy, NY 12180, United States

Planning a road trip in New York, check out our list of things to do in Port Jefferson, things to do in Oneonta, and things to do in Utica for a memorable trip.

16. Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market

A place like Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market, where you get to feel firsthand the unique festivity of the city, shouldn’t be absent from your list of the best places to visit in Troy, NY.

Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market was founded to provide services throughout the year as the only producer and independent marketplace.

The Market is the right location for locally grown produce, including locally made products and goods that benefit the producers & farmers, and the entire community.

It operates from May up until October. It is located in the heart of the downtown region of Troy and is famous for its quality goods and produce.

Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market welcomes about 15,000 visitors from the host community and surrounding areas every weekend.

There are several brands and vendors offering different kinds of products at Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market, such as Buddhapesto, Bard and Baker, Alias Coffee, and more.

Address: Monument Square, Troy, New York 13180, United States

17. The Ruck

Are you wondering what to do in Troy, NY, after a hectic day of exploration? Why not visit the Ruck with your friends and family to chill and relieve your stress?

The Ruck is known as the best craft beer spot in the Capital District of New York, offering a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for guests to enjoy.

The bar constantly offers a rotational collection of draught craft beers for customers to pick from based on their preferences.

When you visit, you will be offered an extensive beer list with a food menu featuring a variety of delicious meals.

The Ruck serves drinks like Sourbet Sour Ipa with Sweet Cherry, Lemon & Citra Hops, Tenement Pilsner, Planets Gotta Roll, Hot Fudge Monday, Reissdorf Kölsch, Tasteful Deception: Raspberry, BA wildlife reserve, and more.

While sipping from your drink, don’t forget to order meals like flatbread, burgers, salads, wings, sandwiches, small plates, and more.

Address: 104 3rd Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States

18. The Historic Green Island Bridge

The Historic Green Island Bridge was constructed in 1981 as a route that linked Green Island to Troy before passing through Starbuck Island.

This vertical bridge is occasionally raised during river traffic. When you go through the bridge, you will enjoy the gorgeous views of the Hudson River.

The first structures were destroyed by fire in 1863 before being replaced in 1884 by a railroad bridge made of steel and owned by the Hudson and Delaware Railroad.

Before the existence of the Historic Green Island Bridge, a bridge covered with wood truss was used as Saratoga and Rensselaer Railroad bridge.

Address: Green Island Bridge, Troy, NY 12180, United States

19. Shmaltz Brewing Company

The Shmaltz Brewing Company has been diligently serving the community for about 25 years.

The brewing company was founded and operated by Jeremy Rowan. It is an evolving company that has been on its path to perfection since 1996.

It is known for producing award-winning brews. The most popular products are the He’Brew flagship beers, including other brands such as Alphabet City Brewing and 518/838 beers.

The Shmaltz Brewing Company offers a variety of options, including championship-winning products, such as the HOP Momma IPA and the Hop Manna IPA.

Make sure you try out some of their brews, including the tasty Farmers Market After Party IPA and Flannel Hug stout brew.

Address: 200 Broadway, Troy, New York 12180; United States

20. Matt’s Refillery

If you have been searching for a trustworthy refill store in the city, you just found it. Matt’s Refillery aims to enlighten the public on reducing single-plastic consumption to encourage a more sustainable lifestyle.

When visiting the store, come with your jars and bottles to collect personal and home care products, such as conditioner, shampoo, laundry detergent, and more.

You can stop by the store any time from Tuesday to Friday and purchase some essential needs from 10 am to 6 pm.

When you visit Matt’s Refillery, you also get to discover unique products and, at the same time, uncover ways to protect your surroundings.

Address: 199 River St, Troy, NY 12180, United States

21. The Jewels of the Sea

What could be better than exploring the magnificence of the ocean as close as possible? Jewels of the Sea offers you this overwhelming opportunity to create unique memories.

The Jewels of the Sea was officially opened in 2012 in Troy by a couple after collecting and preserving seashells for 25 years.

The Museum is committed to technologies and removing the physical and natural components that support our human relationship with our world.

As a 3D museum, Jewels of the Sea offers you a clearer and larger view of numerous mollusks and seashells which have been dwelling in the waterways.

While the tour progresses, you get to learn a lot about seashells and their characteristics, composition, and everything else.

Stop by the 3D Stereoscope Exhibit, and the wonders of the underwater will blow you away. It is not like anything you have seen before.

Address: 30 3rd St, Troy, NY 12180, United States

22. The Troy Glo Winter Lighting Festival

The Troy Glo Winter Lighting Festival is an event peculiar to the city and organized by The Arts Center. Attending this festival is one of the fun things to do in Troy, NY.

The festival is done to honor the 18th-century architecture of Troy. It is held from December to January every year.

The event is all about displaying unique art installations of lighting which you can not find elsewhere. The Troy Glo Winter Lighting Festival attracts about 25,000 persons to the downtown region.

The event aimed to offer downtown Troy a charming glow-up in the festive season since it is the time when the area experiences the least amount of light.

The bright, dazzling modern open art light event offers visitors, including diners, explorers, or shoppers, a glowed-up experience.

Address: Historic Downtown District, Troy, NY 12180, United States

23. The Troy Hidden Garden Tour

 Troy’s immense beauty and glamor cannot be overemphasized and can be seen by everyone.

If you want to go deep into the streets to explore the attractions that show how gorgeous the city is, the Troy Hidden Garden Tour should be on your checklist of fun things to do in Troy.

Troy Hidden Garden Tour guarantees you an amazing experience, whether you’re a lover of gardening or not.

You can go on a self-guided walk through several private backyards of residential homes and enjoy the views of the bright plants.

This tour is held annually as a fundraiser, allowing members to walk through gardens from Washington Park, Sage College, etc.

Before your eyes, you will be captivated by the beautiful greens growing from the soil with samples of nature’s best works.

Some of the gardens you get to explore consist of spectacular pathways, pools, and fountains, with some packed with plants and flowers.

Address: 96 1st St, Troy, NY 12180, United States

Explore other cities in New York, check out our list of things to do in Rochester and things to do in New Paltz. 

Plan Your Trip to Troy

Troy is a city with a plethora of attractions, festivals, inventions, and industries. You will never run short on what to do here.

When you eventually visit Troy, make sure you make your time worthwhile by visiting as many places as possible. Take pictures and create unforgettable memories.

Have fun!