Local Activities

Troy, New York and surrounding area has many local attractions for attendees of the 2025 NOS to enjoy.

Organized Afternoon Outings

The NOS Organizers have arranged for bus transportation for the following two activities

Captain JP riverboat cruise on the Hudson River

Tuesday June 24th

Photo of the Captain JP II River Boat-An activity for the 2025 NOS

  • Box lunch will be picked up at EMPAC after the morning session.
  • Participants will board tour buses at EMPAC and transported to the launch site.
  • 3-hour cruse includes a DJ and cash bar
  • Multiple deck boat, climate-controlled environment on two decks and handicap accessible
  • After cruise tour buses return participants to EMPAC
  • https://www.captainjp.com/
  • 125-person minimum and 375-person maximum
  • $55 per person

 

New York State Capitol Building & Albany Institute of History and Art

Wednesday June 25th

  • Box lunch will be picked up at EMPAC after the morning session.
  • Participants will board tour buses at EMPAC and transported to the NYS Capitol Building
  • Building tour at 1:00 pm is free and lasts about one hour
  • The Albany Institute of History and Art is a short walk from the NYS Capitol Building and it can be visited after or instead of the building tour. Tickets to the Institute can be purchased separately ($12 for adults; $10 for students with ID or seniors 62+ years old).
  • Empire State Plaza area can also be explored
  • Tour bus will depart at 4:15 pm to return to EMPAC
  • 55-person maximum
  • $20 per person to help cover transportation costs

 

Other Local Activities

Troy, New York and surrounding area has many local attractions for attendees to enjoy beyond on their owe. Some local favorites include:

Grafton Lakes State Park

The park has a concession stand for food and drinks (should the attendees want something in addition to the Sodexo box lunches and beverages that they will bring with them from EMPAC), a visitor center, restrooms, and changing area.

  • Distance from EMPAC: 15.4 miles, 24 min.
  • Entrance Fee: $8 per car
  • Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/graftonlakes
  • Phone: (518) 279-1155 Activities available:
    • Kayak rentals
    • Hiking 25+ miles of trails: Maps
    • Swimming: sandy beach with multiple lifeguards on site.

 

Walking Tour of Troy, NY

The Historical Society offers walking tours (participants wear headsets) of Downtown Troy, which showcases architecture in Downtown Troy or People, Places.

  • Distance from EMPAC: 0.5 miles walk to the starting point: the Hart-Cluett Museum (57 Second Street Troy, NY 12180)
  • Cost: Typically $25 (prices for 2025 were not available Jan, 2025)
  • Reservations (encouraged): 518-272-7232 or admin@hartcluett.org

 

Hart-Cluett Museum

The Museum in the downtown Second Street Historic District in Troy, New York, is comprised of two adjacent 19th-century townhouses. The historic and architecturally significant Hart-Cluett House serves as a historic house museum. Next door, the Carr Building hosts exhibits, programs, and an extensive research library. In addition, the Carriage House holds a permanent gallery showcasing transportation, manufacturing, and other large objects from their collections.

  • Distance from EMPAC: 0.5 miles walk to 57 Second Street Troy, NY 12180
  • Website: https://www.hartcluett.org/
  • Phone: 518-272-7232 or email adoren@hartcluett.org at least 3 weeks prior to your tour date for scheduling and pricing
  • Cost: Typically $20 (prices for 2025 were not available Jan, 2025)

 

Empire State Plaza, Albany

The Plaza and nearby surrounding area host a variety of activities, including the Plaza Art Collection, Corning Tower Observation Deck, Vietnam Memorial Gallery, Memorials on the Plaza, State Museum, and The Egg Performing Arts Center, tours, dining options, and a convention center.

  • Distance from EMPAC: 9.2 miles 15 min
  • Website: https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov
  • The tour bus listed above for Wed May 25 brings participants to this area of Albany

 

Golfing Options

For attendees interested in golfing, there are a couple of courses in Troy and the surrounding area for attendees to consider.

  • Frear Park Golf Course: this is an 18-hole (par 71) public golf course not far from RPI, open 7AM to dusk. 18 Holes: $37 per person; 9 Holes: $21 per person; 18 Hole 1/2 Cart: $20 per person; 9 Holes 1/2 Cart: $14 per person.
  • Route For Golf – Driving Range: This driving range is about a 10-minute drive from RPI open 9AM to 8PM – large bucket is $14, small bucket is $9.
  • Troy Country Club: The Troy Country Club is a private golf course that is also fairly close to RPI.
  • Wolfert’s Roost Country Club: This private course is located about 15-minute drive from RPI (Loudonville/Colonie area)

 

Pre- and Post-NOS Vacation Possibilities

  • Saratoga Springs (40 min)
  • Lake George and Adirondack State Park (1 h)
  • Tanglewood in Lenox, MA (1 h)