Schenectady Community

Things to Do

Whether you currently live in the area or are new to Schenectady, you will want to know all of the fun things to do. We’ve put together a list of our favorite things to get you started! Looking for more ideas? Just ask us!

1. Catch a show at Proctors Theatre – What began as a vaudeville theatre in the early 20th century is now the Capital Region’s destination for major Broadway shows, cutting-edge film festivals, exciting special events, and everything in between. Over the past decade, Proctors has expanded and made numerous renovations, which have made it possible to accommodate large Broadway productions, giant screen films, local performers, and ever-growing audiences from around the country.
2. Gamble the night away at Rivers Casino and Resort – The casino is home to some of the hottest gaming action in New York. Play the huge selection of slot machines, one of eight video poker titles, or one of the 20 Keno machines. Rivers Casino and Resort is also offering guests 67 live table games and home to Rivers Sportsbook, New York’s premier sports betting destination!
3. Explore the Via Aquarium – Located in Rotterdam Mall, the indoor aquarium celebrates aquatic biodiversity with exhibits, experiences, and public programs designed to connect people of all ages with our planet’s aquatic creatures. Take your family on an unforgettable journey as you explore vivid underwater worlds across 37 exhibits. Feel the soft, smooth skin of a stingray as they swim right up to your hand in Stingray Bay and watch sharks swim overhead while schools of fish surround you in our immersive tunnel tanks. This is a fun activity for the whole family!
4. Visit miSci Museum of Innovation & Science – At miSci, exhibitions, educational programs, and events are designed with a mission in mind: “to inspire people to celebrate and explore science and technology past, present, and future.” The Museum fulfills its mission by preserving and interpreting the history of technological change and its societal impact, helping visitors explore the creative processes that inspire discovery and invention, and engaging visitors with interactive exhibitions and programs that encourage them to inquire about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subject areas.
5. Tour the Schenectady County Historical Society Museum – Nestled in the heart of Schenectady’s Stockade Historic District, the Museum is the perfect starting point for discovering the history of Schenectady County. Through programs and interactive exhibits, visitors can explore how Schenectady County has changed over the years. Adjacent to the Schenectady History Museum is the Grems-Doolittle Library, the perfect spot for researching Schenectady history!
6. Take a sip at Wolff’s Biergarten – Wolff’s Biergarten, an authentic German Biergarten in Schenectady, NY. They specialize in 3 things at Wolff’s: bier (The finest German, Belgian and Czech biers), peanuts (free unlimited salted peanuts for every customer) and soccer (televising all your favorite live games from around the world). Great place to catch a game!
7. Learn at the Edison Tech Center – The Edison Tech Center is an organization that celebrates the progression of technology and importance engineers have made in our society. They encourage everyone to understand engineering and provide multimedia resources to help you discover the world of engineering. Learn about the engineering pioneers who helped improve our world through artifacts.
8. Take a tour of the Schenectady Distilling Company – In February, 2018 Schenectady Distilling Company opened their New York tasting room, selling only New York State produced spirits, wine, cider and craft beer. The tasting room offers a great selection of creative handcrafted drinks for your enjoyment. Open from Thursday to Sunday they sometimes have live music and offer both informal and formal tours of the Distillery. They also offer private events for up to 64 people. Stop in for a taste today!

Schools and Education

The Schenectady area has many schools and we believe it is important that our residents know all about them! Below are local schools:

1. Schenectady City School District – This school district serves nearly 10,000 students and is one of the largest districts in the Capital Region. The district includes seven elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school and an adult continuing education center. Schenectady graduates continue their educations at some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country. Schenectady High School graduates currently attend more than 100 colleges and universities throughout the world.
2. Notre Dame – Bishop Gibbons School – ND–BG is a coeducational, Catholic, Diocesan college preparatory school serving students in grades six through twelve. The school is located in Schenectady and has served that community for over 50 years. Fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, ND-BG serves a diverse ethnic, religious, and socio-economic student population from a wide geographical area. The students receive the personal attention and care of many devoted faculty and staff members who believe that “learning is a life-long process and that Christian commitment never ceases.”
3. Madeleine Sophie School – St. Madeleine Sophie School is a Catholic elementary school serving students from three years old to fifth grade. The school works to provide academic excellence by recognizing, respecting, and nurturing the unique gifts of their students, enabling them to reach their full potential.
4. Brown School – The Brown School community is strong and supportive, and believe that their students deserve not only an academic education but also a place to enjoy traditions and experiences that they cherish for years to come. Their faculty and administration are committed to mindfully educating each individual student in a nurturing and collaborative environment.

Higher Education Opportunities

1. SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) – SCCC is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and emphasizes high-quality academic programs, broad access for students, and responsiveness to the needs of the community. They offer an array of options to help you meet your educational goals. If it’s completing one of our 50+ degree or certification programs, they have the options that distinguish their College as one of the top Community Colleges in the region.
2. Union College – In 1795, Union College became the first college chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York. Since its earliest days, Union has been an innovator in the movement to support multicultural and multi-faith organizations on college campuses. The very name “Union” comes from the founders’ commitment to inclusion. Today, Union College offers over 60 majors and minors available to students to truly excel.

Government offices and services

It’s important to learn about the area around you if you’re new to the City of Schenectady, New York. This government services guide is here to help.

1. Schenectady Police Department
   531 Liberty St, Schenectady, NY 12305
   Phone: (518) 382-5200
   The Schenectady Police Department was officially created on June 15th, 1870. They enforced the law by walking foot patrol on their assigned beats. Today, SPD employs approximately 154 sworn officers and 50 civilians, making it one of the larger police departments in New York State. The Department also has many specialty divisions where members go through intense specialty training while retaining these positions. Some of these positions are: Special Operations (SWAT), Special Investigations Unit (Vice), Forensics, K-9, Youth Aid, Counterterrorism, Sniper Sharp-shooter, Hostage Negotiator, Motorcycle Patrol and Bike Patrol.
2. Schenectady Fire Department
   360 Veeder Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12305
   Phone: (518) 382-5141
   The Schenectady Fire Department was formed in 1900, incorporating several disparate fire districts. Today the city is covered by four fire stations: Station 1 in Downtown, Station 2 in Woodlawn, Station 3 in Bellevue, and Station 4 in the Northside. There are 121 proud men and women that are members of the Schenectady Fire Department. These Professional Firefighters are on duty 24/7 to serve the community.
3. Schenectady Post Offices
   Schenectady has six post offices throughout the city. Check out the site and find the one closest to you.
4. Schenectady County Public Libraries
   Phone: (518) 388-4544
   Schenectady has six public libraries across the city. Libraries are open to everyone. The Schenectady Public Libraries offer great programs for people of all ages.
5. Schenectady County Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
   2025 State St, Schenectady, NY 12304
   Phone: (518) 381-9181
   To get a license, a state ID, permit, CDL, or to take care of other plate related matters, you can visit this office.