Casino potsdam

Without a doubt, Potsdam is one of the most underrated East Coast cities in the U.S. to visit. Nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains between the sprawling six-million-acre park and the St. Lawrence River, the city is also one of the most beautiful towns in New York. But, in addition to its breathtaking wilderness views and lush landscapes, the charming mountain escape is the perfect destination for those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of popular New York hot spots like NYC.

Home to SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson University, the city was founded in , so its historical roots run deep. And, from its many interesting museums to its vast parks, not to mention the stunning grandeur of the Adirondacks nearby, the town certainly offers visitors a wealth of outdoor adventures.

Related: Top 10 Towns To Retire To For Cheap In Beautiful Upstate New York

Top Things To Do In Potsdam, New York

For a scenic New York getaway, here are some of the best local attractions and excursions that Potsdam has to offer.

1 Visit The Potsdam Public Museum

Nestled in the heart of the city's historic downtown district, the Potsdam Public Museum itself is a historical point of interest. The building was built in and served as the city's First Universalist Church.

Inside the museum, visitors will find incredible collections about the history of Potsdam, including 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century decorative arts.

• Address: Civic Center, 2 Park St, Potsdam, NY
• Hours: Open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 am to 4 pm (also open the second Saturday of each month)

2 Take The Little Ones To The North Country Children's Museum

For tourists visiting with children, the North Country Children's Museum is located less than half a mile away from the Potsdam Public Museum. Let their imaginations run wild in the various hands-on exhibits, which include a playspace, a kids co-op and bakery, and a construction zone.

• Address: 10 Raymond St, Potsdam, NY
• Hours: Open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm
• Cost: $8 for adults and children; free for children under 12 months old

3 Hit The Mini Golf Course

Hit the mini links at SwingTime Mini Golf for some family fun. Situated in Potsdam's beautiful farmlands, the mini golf course offers a day of excitement for all ages.

• Address: US, Potsdam, NY
• Hours: Open Saturdays from 12 pm to 6 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm (check the website for seasonal schedule updates)
• Cost: $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 4 to 12

4 Tour The Art Museum At SUNY Potsdam

Part of the State University of New York at Potsdam, this art museum is known as the Gibson Gallery. It's open to the public, just be sure to check the website for updates on the current and future exhibits.

• Address: 44 Pierrepont Ave, Potsdam, NY
• Hours: Open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 1 pm to 5 pm and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 pm to 7 pm

5 Enjoy A Picnic In Lehman Park

Situated on the banks of the Raquette River, Lehman Park is the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon picnic or stroll along the waters. The park, which is owned by SUNY Potsdam, is located right next to the state university.

• Address: Pierrepont Ave, Potsdam, NY

6 Hike Along The River Via Munter Trail

Embark on a peaceful hike through Potsdam via the area's many picturesque trail options. Perfect for those looking to take an afternoon stroll, the mile out-and-back Munter Trail is relatively easy and provides a scenic view of the Raquette River.

7 Explore Hannawa Falls

Located about miles south of Potsdam, Hannawa Falls is a lovely hamlet along the Raquette River. Perfect for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the area features miles of hiking trails, the sandy Postwood Beach, and the lush Postwood Park — making for quite the outdoorsy New York outing.

• Address: Hannawa Falls, New York

8 Go Kayaking In Sandstoner Park

This acre park along the Raquette is an absolute must for sports lovers. In addition to its indoor ice skating rink, which is typically open between October and March, the recreational facility has fields for baseball, softball, and soccer as well as six pickleball courts.

And, for those steamy summer vacations, the beach affords visitors a plethora of fun in the sun. Not to mention, kayak and paddle board rentals are also available for excursions out on the river's rushing waters.

• Address: 43 Pine Street, Potsdam, NY

9 Lounge On Waddington Beach

Waddington Beach may be located about 20 miles outside of Potsdam, but it's surely worth the drive. Nestled along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, which runs between Canada and New York, the beach is a great option for campers.

Camping sites are available for rent at Leishman Point, which each feature a fire pit and picnic table.

• Address: Waddington Beach, Waddington, NY
• Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm

10 Get Lost In The Adirondack Park

Featuring six million acres of wilderness to explore, Adirondack Park is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in New York State. From the mammoth mountains of the Adirondacks and boreal forests to the shimmering waterways and fantastic vistas, it's arguably the best thing to do during a Potsdam getaway.

• Hours: Open 24 hours
• Cost: Free

11 Best Time To Visit

Featuring a humid continental climate, Potsdam is a dream just about any time of year. However, for more favorable weather for outdoor activities, the best time of year to visit the small town is during the summer, from late June to about the beginning of September.

The hottest months are June, July, and August; and, rainfall can occur throughout the year, so be sure to pack accordingly.

12 Best Ways To Get Around

Although it's not as expansive as larger cities, and understandably so, Potsdam's public transportation system is still a good option for navigating the area.

Otherwise, a car is a great option for getting around the city, especially if tourists are interested in visiting attractions outside of town, such as portions of the Adirondack Park and Waddington Beach.

13 Where To Eat

Potsdam has plenty of great eateries for every meal.

Breakfast

Village Diner

• Address: 22 Depot St, Market St, Potsdam, NY

Old Market Coffee

• Address: 1/2, Main St, Potsdam, NY

Lunch

Eben's Hearth

• Address: Maple St, Potsdam, NY

Sergi's Italian Restaurant

• Address: 10 Market St, Potsdam, NY

Dinner

Potsdam Little Italy

• Address: 30 Market St, Potsdam, NY

Cactus Grill & Cantina

• Address: 11 Raymond St, Potsdam, NY

Drinks

Maxfields

• Address: 15 Market St, Potsdam, NY

1/2 Ton's Bar & Grill

• Address: 1/2 Market St, Potsdam, NY

Related: New York Street Food: What's Worth It, What's Not, & What You Need To Try

14 Where To Stay

Looking for accommodations in Potsdam? There are hotels to suit every budget.

Budget-Friendly Hotels

Scottish Inns Potsdam

• Address: US Route 11, Potsdam, NY
• Amenities: Complimentary breakfast and free parking

Northern Family Motel

• Address: State Highway 56, Potsdam, NY
• Amenities: Casino, parking, and complimentary breakfast

Mid-Tier Hotels

Hampton Inn Potsdam, NY

• Address: Market Street, Potsdam, NY
• Amenities: Indoor pool, free parking, and fitness center

Butternut Ridge Bed & Breakfast

• Address: Butternut Ridge Road, Potsdam, NY
• Amenities: Parking and complimentary breakfast

Upscale Hotels

Pert House

• Address: 16 Elm Street, Potsdam, NY
• Amenities: Free parking and complimentary breakfast

The Clarkson Inn

• Address: 1 Main Street, Potsdam, NY
• Amenities: Complimentary breakfast

Related: Deserted But Not Forgotten: 10 Towns In New York State That Have Been Lost To Time

15 Tips To Know When Visiting

This charming New York mountain town is brimming with excitement at every turn.

However, for those interested in partaking in more leisurely activities, there are several popular shopping attractions in the area, including Maple Run Emporium — which carries a variety of maple products, gourmet foods, teas, spices, and more — and the Isle of You.

And a helpful tip on the weather: pack wisely because rainfall could be on the forecast no matter what time of year a traveler chooses to visit.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Eco-Tourism Destinations To Visit In New York (& What To Do There)

16 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Potsdam, New York

Start the morning strong with a steaming cup of coffee and a nourishing breakfast at Old Market Coffee on Main Street. Then, spend the afternoon seeing the local area. Explore Potsdam's lush green spaces, including Ives Park, Falls Island Park, and Lehman Park before visiting the town's museums, including the Potsdam Public Museum and the Art Museum at SUNY Potsdam.

Later, grab lunch at Eben's Hearth on Maple Street before spending the rest of the day trekking through Adirondack Park. Alternatively, tourists can make the short drive out to Waddington Beach for fun along the St. Lawrence River.

For dinner, grab a table at Potsdam Little Italy before finishing the evening off with a nightcap at Maxfields, which is located right around the corner about miles away.