Dutch Farming Heritage Trail

Explore the farmlands of Kinderhook’s early Dutch settlers on this 1.7-mile walking trail linking the Luykas Van Alen House to Martin Van Buren’s Lindenwald.

The historic farmlands of the Van Alen family once spanned around 500 acres, bordering the home and farm that was later purchased by Martin Van Buren. Walk alongside forest, farms and streams while traversing rolling hills, where it’s easy to close your eyes and imagine what life was like for these early settlers.

Visitors can park and start their walk at either historic site on the trail. At the rear of the Luykas Van Alen House property, a kiosk with a trail map marks the entrance to the trail. Green trail markers with pictures of hikers dot the landscape to keep hikers on track.

Visitor Information

Location:

2589 NY-9H, Kinderhook, NY 12106

Admission:

Free

Hours:

Open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year

Please Note:

No dogs, please.

The trail crosses over private, working farms, so please stay on the trail at all times and do not disturb the surrounding properties.

Also on Site

Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse

Visit this c. 1850 Kinderhook school to learn about one-room schoolhouse education in the 19th century and the literary lore that gives the school its name.

Luykas Van Alen House

The 1737 Luykas Van Alen House in Kinderhook, NY is recognized as one of the best remaining examples of a Dutch Colonial farmhouse in the Hudson Valley.

Early Heritage Narrative Walk

This permanent outdoor exhibition explores the multifaceted history of Columbia County through nine interpretive panels.

Land Acknowledgement​

Our sites are located on ancestral lands of the Muh-He-Con-Neok, “the People of the Waters that Are Never Still”.  Called Mohicans by the English, these people are now officially known as the Stockbridge-Munsee Community.  They have a rich and illustrious history which has been retained through oral tradition and the written word.