Every adventurer in New York is looking for something different, some of us prefer to chase waterfalls, while others may be interested in a simple stroll through the woods or a vigorous hike up one of our High Peaks. Well, down in the Hudson Valley there’s an outdoor adventure that combines a variety of exciting elements. Giving you a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore a piece of Rosendale’s small-town history, check out why it’s impossible to forget a trip to this mine in the Empire State.
Set back from the road off of NY-213 in the small town of Rosendale, Widow Jane Mine was an operating cement mine up until the early 1970s.
Widow Jane Mine/Facebook
Today, the abandoned mine is now open to the public and free to explore for anyone who’s brave enough to enter the large and dark cavernous space.
Widow Jane Mine/Facebook
Covering 32-square-miles, the entrance to Widow Jane Mine stays well-lit by natural light, but the further you go into this cave, the darker things quickly get.
Widow Jane Mine/Facebook
To anyone that’s interested in exploring the old mine, you’ll want to be sure you’re equipped with a good pair of sneakers or boots that you won’t mind getting dirty or possibly wet, and a flashlight for when you go further into the mine.
Widow Jane Mine/Facebook
This unique outdoor attraction is one that often feels a bit eerie yet will also make you feel like you’ve stepped into one of the mansions in the Flinstone’s neighborhood with the mines’ large pillars.
Widow Jane Mine/Facebook
One of the most exciting parts about this abandoned mine is that it often hosts events throughout the year, with the next event being a Japanese Drumming Concert on July 15th.
gideonansell/TripAdvisor
Pay a visit to Widow Jane Mine and feel like a true explorer as you make your way around this stunning piece of history.
Widow Jane Mine/Facebook If you’re unfamiliar with the town’s history, Rosendale used to be a booming town for cement manufacturing. On a piece of Widow Jane Mine’s property that’s run by the Century House Historical Society, you’ll find a museum that gives you a great insight into the area’s history involving cement. In the late 1800s, Rosendale manufactured almost half of the country’s cement. Fun fact? Rosendale cement was used to create structures like the New York State Thruway, Croton Aqueduct, and wings of the U.S. Capitol! To learn more about Widow Jane Mine and to see what other exciting events are coming up this year, click here. How to get here: 668 NY-213, Rosendale, NY 12472
Widow Jane Mine/Facebook
gideonansell/TripAdvisor
If you’re unfamiliar with the town’s history, Rosendale used to be a booming town for cement manufacturing. On a piece of Widow Jane Mine’s property that’s run by the Century House Historical Society, you’ll find a museum that gives you a great insight into the area’s history involving cement. In the late 1800s, Rosendale manufactured almost half of the country’s cement. Fun fact? Rosendale cement was used to create structures like the New York State Thruway, Croton Aqueduct, and wings of the U.S. Capitol! To learn more about Widow Jane Mine and to see what other exciting events are coming up this year, click here. How to get here: 668 NY-213, Rosendale, NY 12472
Did you realize that Widow Jane Mine even existed? For more unique outdoor attractions, read about The Little Known Cave In New York That Everyone Should Explore At Least Once!
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