Luykas Van Alen House

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1967, the Luykas Van Alen House is a restored house museum representing 18th-century rural Dutch farm life in the Hudson River Valley. Located on rural land once used by native Mohican peoples for hunting and seasonal camping, the house was the center of a prosperous farm and home to several generations of the Van Alen family. The last Van Alen descendant to live in the house, Maria Van Alen Herrick, died in 1935. The house was purchased in 1938 by William Van Alen, a descendant of Luykas’ brother, Johannes. In 1964, unable to undertake extensive restorations himself, William generously donated the house to the Columbia County Historical Society. Today, the property encompasses 33 acres and in addition to the house includes the c. 1850 Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse, Early Heritage Narrative Walk, and Dutch Farming Heritage Trail, which connects the Luykas Van Alen House to Martin Van Buren’s Lindenwald.

Amenities: Passport Stamp, Family Friendly, Restrooms