Rensselaer is in the heart of New York’s Capital Region, putting a world of cultural and recreational opportunities within reach.

The area offers both a relaxed lifestyle and easy access to the high-energy metropolitan centers of the Northeast.

Distance from campus (in miles):
Albany	9		Burlington, Vt.	148
Bennington, Vt.	31		New York City	159
Saratoga Springs	34		Boston	174
Lake Placid	133		Montreal	225

History, Culture, and Metros

The history, entertainment, culture, shopping, and festivals in and around Troy and New York State’s Capital of Albany are minutes away from the Rensselaer campus. Drive a few more minutes and you’re in Saratoga Springs for horseracing in the summer and a happening nightlife year-round. Famous havens like Cooperstown and Woodstock are a quick drive away. A trip to Manhattan can be a scenic Hudson River ride on Amtrak or explore downtown Boston — both are equidistant from Troy, less than three hours away. Just a bit farther are Niagara Falls near Buffalo, or cosmopolitan Montreal, Canada.

Mountains, Lakes, Nature, and Parks

The Capital region offers myriad trails for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and mountain-bikers. The Adirondack Mountains of New York, the Berkshires in Massachusetts, Vermont’s Green Mountains, and New York’s Catskills are all within an hour of Troy, and offer hundreds of areas for camping, hiking, and skiing. Many clubs sponsored by the Rensselaer Union take full advantage of these natural resources.

For closer access to nature, Grafton Lakes State Park is minutes from campus. Only a little farther is swimming, boating, or sightseeing at gorgeous Lake George.

Arts, Music, and Sports

Arts organizations of every description are also found in the area. The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, considered by many experts to have the finest acoustics in America, is a short walk from campus as is a new downtown arts center. Nearby Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is the summer home to the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Tanglewood in Lenox, Mass. is also close by and the summer venue for the Boston Pops. Albany’s Times Union Center hosts a wide array of top-name musical groups, sporting events, and other entertainment options.

Learn more about the Capital District