At Only In New York we’re more than guilty of gushing about our state’s fascinating natural wonders and all the stunning sites which Mother Nature has given us. Here to switch things up a bit, it’s time to acknowledge that within our northern borders lie many memorable man made structures. From hidden gems to tourist favorites, here are 14 of the most enchanting man made wonders in New York!
- Statue of Liberty
Monika Simpkins/Flickr There’s not a face in America that won’t recognize this historic beauty! One of the best gifts we’ve ever received, this iconic landmark was dedicated in 1886.
- The Egg
Daniel Mennerich/Flickr Owned by the state of New York, this unique structure that opened in 1978 will have you doing double takes. If you’ve never visited our state’s capital then it may be hard to imagine just what exactly this “egg” is. Believe it or not, hiding inside the Albany building is a performing arts center!
Click here to see a list of upcoming events.
- The Guggenheim
Flickr/Sharon Mollerus Located on the Upper East Side, this New York City museum is beautifully picturesque. Seen in the background of some of your favorite movies and shows, this museum underwent exterior restorations in the early 2000s that cost over $20 million. Wowza!
- Times Square
Joey Lax-Salinas/Flickr If you’ve ever ventured down to the Big Apple then we can almost guarantee that you’ve taken in the experience that is Times Square. Magnificently illuminated and full of life, this stretch of the city is often considered New York’s beating heart.
- Great Sacandaga Lake
Selbe Lynn/Flickr What do you do when two nearby rivers have an annual issue of dealing with floods? You create a nearly 30 mile long, gorgeous lake of course! Now one of every New Yorker’s favorite spots for water activities and outdoor fun, this body of water is sure to give you a memorable experience.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Kah-Wai Lin/Flickr While there are numerous religious sites throughout New York that are more than worth mentioning, this particular structure is an Empire State favorite. Regardless of your feelings on religion and all things holy, this breathtaking cathedral is mesmerizing. Easy enough to locate, this man made wonder is just across the way from Rockefeller Center!
- Brooklyn Bridge
Ludovic Bertron/Flickr The perfect place for a walk or bike ride, the jaw dropping views you’ll experience while crossing this bridge are unforgettable! Connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan, this iconic bridge was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
- New Croton Dam
Malinda Rathnayake/Flickr
Kwan Cheung Ho/Flickr Just north of the Big Apple, this reservoir is a part of the New York City water supply system! After the (original) Old Croton Dam needed work done in order to keep up with city’s demands, construction was completed and it was given the name New Croton Dam. Interested in visiting this uncommon waterfall pictured above? New Croton actually has a public park and trail that leads you right to it!
- Sonnenberg Gardens
A.D. Wheeler / The Explorographer
A.D. Wheeler / The Explorographer This alluring 50-acre estate decked out with two magical and public gardens is an absolute must-see. A favorite spot for weddings and other memorable events, the Sonnenberg Mansion also offers a Finger Lakes wine tasting. Yum!
- Empire State Building
Anthony Quintano/Flickr Would we be the Empire state without mentioning this building? One of New York’s most well-known skyscrapers, this colorfully lit structure has over 100 floors!
- New York State Capitol
andrew/Flickr Found at the Empire State Plaza, this gorgeous piece of architecture is home to New York’s State Legislature.
- Grand Central Station
Kwan Cheung Ho/Flickr
Rex Boggs/Flickr You won’t ever forget the first time you step inside this movie-worthy terminal.
- Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate
Jason Pier in DC/Flickr
Jason Pier in DC/Flickr Open for tours and overlooking the Hudson River, the Kykuit is one of New York’s most famous private residences. With unreal gorgeous gardens that will leave you feeling peaceful, this historic site is a man made piece of heaven.
- Storm King Art Center
jerry dohnal/Flickr
Kenneth Dellaquila/Flickr One of the most incredible sculpture parks you could ever lay your eyes on, this 500-acre art center will leave you speechless. Opening up to the public in 1960, this New York attraction is still going strong to date.
- Boldt Castle
A.D. Wheeler / The Explorographer Located in the Thousand Islands, this is one of New York’s attractions that isn’t spoken of enough. Full of history and surrounded by beautiful views, Boldt Castle is a great place to take a day trip.
Have you ever been to any of these unforgettable man made wonders? Find us on our Facebook Page, New York Only and tell us which site gave you the most memorable experience!
Monika Simpkins/Flickr
There’s not a face in America that won’t recognize this historic beauty! One of the best gifts we’ve ever received, this iconic landmark was dedicated in 1886.
Daniel Mennerich/Flickr
Owned by the state of New York, this unique structure that opened in 1978 will have you doing double takes. If you’ve never visited our state’s capital then it may be hard to imagine just what exactly this “egg” is. Believe it or not, hiding inside the Albany building is a performing arts center!
Click here to see a list of upcoming events.
Flickr/Sharon Mollerus
Located on the Upper East Side, this New York City museum is beautifully picturesque. Seen in the background of some of your favorite movies and shows, this museum underwent exterior restorations in the early 2000s that cost over $20 million. Wowza!
Joey Lax-Salinas/Flickr
If you’ve ever ventured down to the Big Apple then we can almost guarantee that you’ve taken in the experience that is Times Square. Magnificently illuminated and full of life, this stretch of the city is often considered New York’s beating heart.
Selbe Lynn/Flickr
What do you do when two nearby rivers have an annual issue of dealing with floods? You create a nearly 30 mile long, gorgeous lake of course! Now one of every New Yorker’s favorite spots for water activities and outdoor fun, this body of water is sure to give you a memorable experience.
Kah-Wai Lin/Flickr
While there are numerous religious sites throughout New York that are more than worth mentioning, this particular structure is an Empire State favorite. Regardless of your feelings on religion and all things holy, this breathtaking cathedral is mesmerizing. Easy enough to locate, this man made wonder is just across the way from Rockefeller Center!
Ludovic Bertron/Flickr
The perfect place for a walk or bike ride, the jaw dropping views you’ll experience while crossing this bridge are unforgettable! Connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan, this iconic bridge was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
Malinda Rathnayake/Flickr
Kwan Cheung Ho/Flickr
Just north of the Big Apple, this reservoir is a part of the New York City water supply system! After the (original) Old Croton Dam needed work done in order to keep up with city’s demands, construction was completed and it was given the name New Croton Dam. Interested in visiting this uncommon waterfall pictured above? New Croton actually has a public park and trail that leads you right to it!
A.D. Wheeler / The Explorographer
This alluring 50-acre estate decked out with two magical and public gardens is an absolute must-see. A favorite spot for weddings and other memorable events, the Sonnenberg Mansion also offers a Finger Lakes wine tasting. Yum!
Anthony Quintano/Flickr
Would we be the Empire state without mentioning this building? One of New York’s most well-known skyscrapers, this colorfully lit structure has over 100 floors!
andrew/Flickr
Found at the Empire State Plaza, this gorgeous piece of architecture is home to New York’s State Legislature.
Rex Boggs/Flickr
You won’t ever forget the first time you step inside this movie-worthy terminal.
Jason Pier in DC/Flickr
Open for tours and overlooking the Hudson River, the Kykuit is one of New York’s most famous private residences. With unreal gorgeous gardens that will leave you feeling peaceful, this historic site is a man made piece of heaven.
jerry dohnal/Flickr
Kenneth Dellaquila/Flickr
One of the most incredible sculpture parks you could ever lay your eyes on, this 500-acre art center will leave you speechless. Opening up to the public in 1960, this New York attraction is still going strong to date.
Located in the Thousand Islands, this is one of New York’s attractions that isn’t spoken of enough. Full of history and surrounded by beautiful views, Boldt Castle is a great place to take a day trip.
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