Widow Jane Mine, New York
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
One of the best things about taking road trips is that you can stop and see anything you want without any consequence. You’re on your own schedule. That interesting roadside attraction? Why not stop and check it out. That’s what a road trip is all about. And while Widow Jane Mine in New York might not be your traditional roadside stop, it’s certainly one of the stranger locations you may choose—albeit one that’s very much worth the time.
The Widow Jane Mine is as unique as they come, but also a core component of much of America’s monuments. It was originally a cement mine (more commonly called Rosendale cement based on the town of Rosendale). It has high amounts of dolomite limestone. And Rosendale cement was used in the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, the base of the Statue of Liberty, and the Washington Monument.
If you’re going to visit the mine, then you’ll want to spend a decent amount of time at the mine itself. It’s a cool, dark, and wet place, so come prepared for all of those things. Waterproof shoes are an absolute must unless you want wet feet. It’s also not usually well lit (aside from the entrance which gets plenty of natural light), so bring a flashlight or headlamp along as well.
When you’re inside the mine, you’ll see pillars and smooth cut rock that has created the large, cavernous rooms. You can walk, splash, and explore to your heart’s content. Just a note: the mine does freeze during the winter, at which point they close it down for the year. Otherwise, enjoy the cool darkness, and keep an eye out for the ghost of Widow Jane (although no one is quite sure who she even is).
The Century House Historical Society is the organization responsible for maintaining the Snyder Estate (the original family to operate the mine). They oversee the grounds as well as the mine itself. It’s technically private property, but as long as it’s open, you’re welcome to visit and see the lavish area.
There are several exhibits that are open to the public, including some that are year-round, after the mine has frozen over for the year. There’s a very large collection of carriages and sleighs that have been collected by the last owner of the area.
One of the cool things about the mine is its acoustics. It’s regularly hailed as being acoustically perfect. Enough so that several musicians have opted to record in the area, allowing the mine’s natural reverberation to provide a natural boost to their instrument’s sound.
The Century House Historical Society regularly hosts performances in the mine, complete with stages, chairs, and lighting. There are dances, drum circles, orchestral performances, and more. One particular event of note is the Subterranean Poetry Festival. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area while there’s a show happening, make sure it’s on your list.
The Century House also operates a museum on the Snyder Estate. It’s a dedication not just to the mine, but to the Rosendale Cement industry as a whole. In conjunction with that, you’ll learn about the D&H Railroads and canal, which were used to help transport the cement, and more of the local history.
Inside the museum, you’ll find loads of photographs of the area, as well as business documents that tell the rich history of the mine and the family that ran it. There’s a geology exhibit where you can learn all about Rosendale Cement and what makes it so popular. Either before or after you visit the mine, make sure to stop into the museum to learn more about the unique area.
There’s a fair amount of ground on the Snyder Estate. On the grounds, you’ll find a short walking trail. It’s generally an easy walk—not a hike at all—and is nice for reacclimating yourself to the sunlight.
Along the way, you’ll find several art installations. When you’re there, be respectful and follow all of the directions on the signs and gates. Because the ground beneath is a mine, it’s relatively dangerous to walk around off the trail not to mention you’re technically on private land. Be safe, and be respectful.
Out in a seriously wooded area, Interlake RV Park puts you right in the middle of some beautiful trees. It sits in the Hudson Valley, just 90 minutes from New York City, and has been hosting families for 50 years. The park packs a lot in terms of amenities too, starting with full utility hookups. You can also enjoy a large heated swimming pool, or go fishing in a 20-acre lake. It’s also a gated park, so you can sleep nice and soundly knowing you won’t be disturbed.
Will you be traveling with youngsters? Jellystone Park at Birchwood Acres may be a great option for you. Jellystone Parks are well known among RVers with kids because they offer so much in terms of entertainment. This one, located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, has a four-acre lake with fishing docks and paddleboat rentals, plus a Water Zone Water Park. There’s also an arcade, a pool, and Yogi and his friends usually around to say hi as well. (Don’t worry. It’s also got full hookups so you can relax in the RV while the kids are out doing their thing.)
Tucked in between two rivers is Rondout Valley RV Campground. It’s a historic park, where you can fish, hike, or take a quick trip over to New Paltz for a fun day of sightseeing. There are full hookups here for your RV, plus several sports courts and fields for an active day. Play bocce ball, or even a round of mini-golf. And don’t forget about the huge pool.
Upstate New York is a popular travel destination. It’s one reason why you’re seeing a Jellystone Park on this location. And while all Jellystones share some similarities, each one is also unique. Jellystone Park Gardiner, for example, is on a massive 100 acres of land. There are incredible views, and, more than that, even more, incredible amenities. The kids will love the jumping pillows and the Water Zone and Splash Pad. The full-hookup campsites are also nicely wooded, offering some shady reprieve from the summer sun.
Comfortably between upstate New York’s farm country and the Big Apple itself, this New York City City North / Newburgh KOA is everything you want from a campground. Kampgrounds of America are popular with RVers because they’re so consistently good, and this is no exception. There are two swimming pools, a fishing pond, a massive jumping pillow, and more for the kids. A snack bar is open for the midday munchies, and there’s a wine bar featuring local New York wines for more adult-themed cravings. All of this, of course, with full RV hookups.
There aren’t any proper dining outlets at Widow Jane Mine. Honestly, while dining in a giant, cool, waterlogged mine does sound like a unique experience, you’re probably better off eating in the daylight outside. For that, you can pack a picnic that you prepare from the kitchen of your rental RV. Just remember to pack out anything that you bring in.
The small towns of upstate New York are brimming with quaint restaurants. Rosendale alone has several great spots, from upscale burgers, fries, and sandwiches to sushi places to food trucks that serve things like hot dogs. Search a little farther and you’ll find small taverns serving up delicious bar food and even more. Have picky eaters in your crew? Don’t worry. You’re in New York, so you definitely won’t have trouble finding a good pizza place.
As you make your way across New York, whether you’re heading to or away from the city, you’ll find plenty of small towns that are loaded with delicious food. And while you may be a long way from Buffalo, don’t pass on the Beef on Weck or the wings—two upstate New York specialties.