John Boyd Thacher State Park

Thacher Park Center

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This Place is in
New York
This Place protects
Land for Recreation
This Place involves
Park Improvements

Building on the Thacher Park Legacy

In May 2017, we joined officials, community leaders, and park lovers in celebration of the new Thacher Park Center. The center provides a first-time four-season park destination to serve as the gateway in exploring John Boyd Thacher State Park along Albany County’s Helderberg escarpment.

Building on our decades-long land conservation success in and around the popular park, OSI launched a private fundraising campaign for Thacher Park Center and raised $800,000 through the generosity of local businesses, families and individuals.

“Our collaboration with OSI was truly essential in improving the overall quality of the new Thacher park Center.  OSI’s efforts in developing high level exhibits, building community support and enhancing the overall visitor experience made this great park even greater.”  -Alane Ball Chinian, Saratoga-Capital Region Director for the NY State Parks

Our campaign funded state-of-the-art exhibits that highlight the park’s unique geology and natural history, as well as indoor and outdoor furnishings that allow visitors to learn about the park and plan their excursion to one of its many trails or other recreational offerings.  

  • Building view from the back.
  • Entry way of Thacher Park Center, featuring the fossil pendant lamps.
  • Help Desk, Park Map, and touch screen Activity Kiosk.
  • Timeline of the geological history of the Helderberg Escarpment
  • People and the Park exhibit highlighting the more recent, human history of the park.
  • Kids Cave. An interactive children's exhibit on caves at Thacher Park with fossil rubbing station.
  • Thacher Park Center hearth.
  • Engraved pavers that were sponsored from Thacher Park Center's fire pit patio.

Our Helderberg History

Over the past two decades, OSI has added more than 1,200 acres to Thacher State Park, doubling the size of the park through direct acquisition.

In the greater Helderberg region, OSI has also protected small family-owned farms, including Indian Ladder Farm and Ketchum Farm, around the park. These conservation successes have expanded recreational opportunities and protected views and habitat throughout the landscape. 

Thacher Park Center Places

What You Can Do

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