Attractions and Places To See around Siena College - Top 20

The area around Siena College offers various outdoor activities, particularly cycling and hiking. You can explore the Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike Trail, a paved, shared-use path connecting Albany and Schenectady counties, which is part of the state-wide Canalway Trail. For more options, consider exploring the many cycling routes or hiking trails available in the region.

Yes, several spots are great for families. Lions Park offers picnic areas with views of the Mohawk River, public restrooms, and a restored train depot, along with access to the Mohawk-Hudson Bike Trail. Washington Park in Albany is another excellent choice, featuring 89 acres with a lake, various paths, and amenities suitable for all ages.

Convenient parking is available at several locations. Lions Park has a large parking area with access to the Mohawk-Hudson Bike Trail. Another option is Mohawk Hudson Trail Watervliet Parking, a day-use lot that also provides direct access to the trail and offers picnic tables with Hudson River views.

The campus features several notable landmarks. The St. Mary of the Angels Chapel is a central spiritual and architectural highlight, known for its beautiful design and stained glass windows. Siena Hall, one of the main academic buildings, is admired for its gold dome and houses the Hickey Financial Technology Center. The campus also showcases original 1930s architecture alongside modern designs.

Yes, the Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike Trail is a paved, shared-use path that is wheelchair accessible, offering great views of the Hudson River. Additionally, the Mohawk Hudson Trail Watervliet Parking area, which provides access to the trail, is also wheelchair accessible.

Siena College is home to several significant academic facilities. The Hickey Financial Technology Center in Siena Hall provides students with hands-on experience in financial software. The Standish Library serves as a major academic hub, and the new Nobel Hall (opened January 2025) is a cutting-edge science building. The college also houses the Siena Research Institute, which conducts various polls and surveys.

The Siena College campus itself is well-maintained with various green spaces, walking paths, and courtyards, including oaks and maples shading the quad. There's also a nature trail leading to the townhouses on campus. Nearby, Washington Park in Albany offers 89 acres of beautifully sculpted hedges, lawns, and a 5.2-acre lake.

Siena College has a vibrant student life and often hosts cultural events open to the public, including art exhibitions, musical performances, and theatrical productions. The college also has strong school spirit, particularly around its NCAA Division I athletic events at venues like the UHY Center. Major campus events include SienaFest and Family Weekend, featuring student bands, food trucks, and talent shows.

Yes, The Grotto, opened in 2014, is an outdoor devotional area on campus designed as a peaceful spot for welcome, hope, healing, and reconciliation. It's also a popular location for enjoying campus sunsets.

The Empire State Trail is a statewide multi-use trail. Near Siena College, you can access it via the Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike Trail. There's a significant fork in the Empire State Trail where the western path becomes compacted gravel following the Erie Canal, and the northern path is paved, following state roads towards the Canadian border.

Visitors frequently enjoy the well-maintained trails and scenic views. The Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike Trail is praised for its excellent surfaces and views of the Hudson River. Spots like Lions Park are appreciated for their picnic areas and access to the trail, while Washington Park is loved for its extensive green spaces, lake, and diverse paths.

Yes, the Breyo Observatory is located at the Morrell Science Center on campus. It houses the largest telescope in the Capital Region, offering a unique opportunity for stargazing and astronomical observation.