Electric Park: 1901–1920

Situated on 40 acres along the shore of Kinderhook Lake, the Electric Park opened in 1901. Developed by the Albany & Hudson Railroad, the amusement park attracted visitors from Albany to Manhattan.

A generic term for amusement parks operated by railroad and electric companies, so-called “electric parks” dazzled with bright lights, motorized trolleys, entertaining rides, games and vaudeville acts. Operated by the A&H Railway and Power Company, Kinderhook Lake’s Electric Park was first constructed as a way to encourage travel on their new trolley line between Albany and Hudson. 

World War I austerity measures forced the Electric Park to close for the 1917-1918 season, and it struggled to reopen after the War. By 1920, the Electric Park had effectively closed, unable to sustain itself.

Exhibited in 2017 at the CCHS Museum 2nd Floor Gallery.