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The battlefield provides an “outdoor museum” with opportunities for many recreational activities such as hiking, biking, wild-life watching and cross country skiing. The Wilkinson National Recreation Trail follows historic farm roads through the British sector and is 4.2 miles in length. The visitor center is open from 9AM-5PM (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years). Over 150,000 visitors come to the battlefield, 70,000 of whom visit the visitor’s center. Peak periods occur from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Bikers and hikers make use of the tour road and trails in spring, summer and |
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then are replaced by cross-country skiers in the winter.The typical visitor should plan on spending at least 2-3 hours at the battlefield. The first hour should be spent at the visitor center to view the 20 minute orientation film and browsing through the museum and obtaining park information. The remaining time can be |
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spent traveling the 4.2 mile tour road traveling through the armies’ defensive lines and battle positions. At many stops, there are way-side audio programs. Also, self guided audio tapes are available for a slight fee from the visitor center. After a tour through the park, you can make a small drive to nearby Schuylerville and visit the Schuyler House which is open for tours (check at the visitor center) and then the Saratoga Monument in Victory. There are many special programs conducted throughout the year including military encampments, evening battlefield walks and lectures. The Friends of Saratoga Battlefield sponsor many events such as the annual “March for Parks”. |
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There is a fee charged to use the battlefield tour road from May 1 to October 21st; the rest of the battlefield is free to visitors. Additional information is available by calling (518)-664-9821
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The Saratoga National Historical Park comprises three units. The battlefield is located in Stillwater, 30 miles north of Albany comprising 2 square miles of woodland and fields overlooking the Hudson River. The Schuyler House is located in nearby Schuylerville and the 155 ft. Saratoga Monument is located in Victory. The Hudson River and it’s bluffs are major features of the battlefield. There are many streams, hills, valleys, woodlands and fields. There is an abundance of wildlife species throughout including white-tailed deer, eastern coyote, wild turkey and bird species. There are many paths and historic roads suited to the most diverse interests of visitors. |
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The resources are numerous and varied. Eighteenth century occupation is represented by the archeological remains of British and American fortified lines and encampments sites as well as the John Neilson House and the Philip Schuyler House. The museum in the visitor center contains a wide variety of artifacts collected through archeological research and by donations and gifts through the years. The battlefield encompasses the ground where the two battles of Saratoga were fought It is one of a few 18th century battlefields that is almost entirely protected and still retains the topography today that so influenced the battle tactics of the time.The Schuyler House which was the summer residence of General Philip Schuyler was built in 1777 after the first house was burned. |
