Road Trip to Haunted Huguenot Street

During the spooky season, there is no shortage of thrilling events and family-friendly fetes. For those interested in fusing the Halloween season with a Hudson Valley history lesson, look no farther than Haunted Huguenot Street, located in New Paltz, NY. Read on to learn more about what to expect during a visit to New Paltz and Historic Huguenot Street in October or any time of the year.

Visit New Paltz, NY

Tucked near the middle between the Albany and New York City metropolitan areas, New Paltz, NY, offers visitors a wealth of natural beauty, historical significance, and small town charm. Whether you spend it hiking in the Mohonk Preserve, eating at a quaint café, or learning about the past at Historic Huguenot Street, a New Paltz day trip offers a little something for everyone.

Step Back in Time at Historic Huguenot Street

One of the crown jewels of a visit to New Paltz is the opportunity to engage with the past at Historic Huguenot Street. This 10-acre National Historic Landmark offers visitors a chance to see some of the oldest preserved stone houses in the United States, including a French Church from 1717 and the community’s original burial ground. Recognizing the complex realities of European settlement and the history of the land, Historic Huguenot Street tells the stories of the area’s original French settlers along with the indigenous people from the area and the Dutch settlers who immigrated to the Hudson Valley.

Historic Huguenot Street offers daily tours throughout the spring, summer, and fall along with a revolving schedule of special tours and events.

Relive the Thrills and Chills of 18^th Century Settlers at Haunted Huguenot Street

If you’re planning a day trip to New Paltz in October, make sure to schedule a stop at Historic Huguenot Street’s most infamous and popular seasonal event: Haunted Huguenot Street. With the help of local historians, including a troop of students from the nearby SUNY College at New Paltz, Haunted Huguenot Street takes visitors on a trip back in time, with an emphasis on the spooky. Through a series of theatrical vignettes that blend history and legend, visitors learn about the burial rituals of early settlers, experience the hauntings of various buildings, and may even get the chance to witness a “ghost marriage” in the historic French Church.

Haunted Huguenot Street tours only take place in the evening and last approximately one hour. With limited time and space available, these tours are among the most popular seasonal events in the area. Be sure to register in advance.

Extend the Fun at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort

If you are traveling from far away or otherwise want to extend the fun of your New Paltz day trip, consider booking a stay at the nearby Rocking Horse Ranch. Located in Highland, NY, which is right next door to New Paltz, Rocking Horse Ranch is an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort that offers visitors a host of onsite activities to keep them busy.

As its name implies, Rocking Horse Ranch has a full-scale stable facility that houses more than 100 horses that take guests on daily rides and tours around the 500-acre property. It’s also home to the Big Splash Indoor Water Park and El Dorado Hot Springs, both of which are open year-round. In addition, guests can keep cool at the Boulder Bay Outdoor Aquatic Adventure during the summer.

In the winter months, Rocking Horse Ranch activities include ice skating, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and winter trail rides. The ranch also offers a number of seasonal outdoor activities, including mini golf, bonfires, sports courts, wildlife exhibits, and more.