harness racing museum & hall of fame

ChantillyLace28

Very nice to check out this place. There is a lot of history here. Nothing fancy, but found it enjoyable for children as well as adults. Have not been to a race yet, but plan on going!

ElviaJ

I enjoyed visiting this historic attraction in the village of Goshen NY. Don't leave without experience the theater with 3-D virtual reality harness race. You will feel and see what its like being a jockey. Onsite gift shop. Friendly and attentive staff. Must see...

smjack8088

If you're wondering where harness racing began, or perhaps you've heard the name Hambletonian, maybe you have a horse crazy child - then you need to visit the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame. Walk through the old stable-turned-museum, and marvel at the stalls and history, look at the sulky carts, try your hand at being a driver by climbing up into the sulky cart behind the fiberglass cart. Don't forget the virtual reality harness race. Step out onto the balcony, and look at the historic track. If you love history and/or horses, you'll enjoy your visit.

134sethr

A great place to visit for anyone who enjoys horses, or even sports in general. There are interactive exhibits which are fun for all ages. If you go in the AM you can go out on the balcony and see horses train- it's like being at the baseball hall of fame and watching a live practice at the same time! Oh, and it's free!

ABZ60

This museum offers great insight into what was the most popular sport in the nation at one time. A true look at real Americana. If you have a short attention span like me, this is a perfect spot. You can see everything in less than an hour but come away with some knowledge of an important part of America's past. If you are in the area this is a must.

EllenHarvey

I have been the Museum many times. There is no charge, so bring the kids or as many friends and family as you'd like. I suggest a trip in the morning, Monday through Saturday so you can look out the balcony on the second floor and see the horses training at adjacent Historic Track. The Museum is built around a historic old stable, with cobblestone floors and very thick oak stall doors. They even have a faint recording with faint clip clops of hooves to transport you back in time about 100 years. There is a 3D movie and many dynamic exhibits, including dress ups for the kids and a talking horse. On weekends in June and over 4th of July, there is racing at Historic Track right next door.

ejanem

The Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame is a wonderful, hidden gem in Goshen, NY. We have been there for the Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies (usually held around July 4th) a few times and the staff does a great job planning this event. The whole little town of Goshen goes all out on Fourth of July weekend - they decorate their homes and business in tons of fresh flowers and yards and yards of red, white and blue bunting. The racetrack (behind the museum) is literally right in the center of town and the quality of racing is first-rate. The Museum is a must-see for both racing and non-racing fans alike. SOOO much history - very well presented with lots of hands-on exhibits. Oh, and don't forget the gift shop... We'll be going back this summer!!

Debxpub

Would def go back for the exhibits. Seemed well organized. And the staff was extremely accommodating. Beautiful building with lots to explore.

gbbloom

I know next to nothing about harness racing. So I decided to go to the trotter museum with a friend. We ended up spending about an hour there. Two floors of very interesting reading, items from decades ago, and really cool images and mannequins. There are a few movies you can watch, too, and the hall of fame pieces are amazingly detailed. I wouldn't do it often, but I could see taking people there when they're in from out of town. Something interesting to do.

looksatsmallthings

Our company used the medium-sized reception area as a site for our holiday party, which took place in an adequate, but undistinguished space which could just have easily been in a small hotel or office building, ore even a Charley Brown's restaurant. The catering was brought in from the outside. The exhibits between the entrance and the room we used have various harness-racing-associated paraphernalia - harnesses, period pictures, etc. This may be very interesting to someone already interested in harness racing as a sport, to us, it was wallpaper.

History-Lover-NY

I work in the Museum field and this Museum is one of the hidden Gems in Orange County. I highly recommend it to all my friends and guests who visit. We love the IMAX movie and the live events in July!

DebbieC898

This musem is lots of fun, very educational, this is history right where it happened. Orange County is the cradle of the trotting horse.

SpeedbirdO

I love harness racing, so I couldn't pass up an opportunity to visit the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame. It's not too far off the I-87 and certainly worth the detour. First of all, the location is lovely. It has a historic charm and is well cared for. The staff is incredibly friendly and gave us a very warm welcome. The museum isn't very big, but contains many wonderful displays that are a great way to learn more about Standardbreds and harness racing. My travel companion knows next to nothing about harness racing, but she enjoyed the visit nonetheless. I'd say that this is a must for any horse lover... Definitely worth dropping by when you're in the area.

JerseyHorseLover

Everyone loves horses, and a trip to the harness racing museum when you are in Goshen is a treat for all, young & old. The museum is sin the middle of the town of Goshen that is a small town with cute shops. Right next to the museum is the Goshen harbess racing track, a non "betting" race track that has harness racing during the summer months (check the schedule!). The track is "old school" and so neat to see....a Fair track. The museum is very detailed with artifacts and original items from when the Standardbred horse and harness racing began. There are a few hands on activities inside, as well as a small area for children to enjoy. Take your time and you can spend a couple hours in there. Harness racing is still alive & well, and the museum will show visitors why it continues to be popular sport to watch

GaryfromChevyChase

While motorcycling through upstate New York on a lovely sunny day, and in need of a break, we happened to notice a small sign saying that admission charges were being waived that day at something called the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame. Why not?Entering the lovely building, we were presented with a series of beautiful exhibits, films, and interactive displays. Lovely painting of 19th century horses and drivers adorned the walls. Neither me nor my wife are particular harness racing fans (although I admit to dim memories of standing by the rail of Yonkers Raceway in the late '60's).But like they often say, no experience is needed. It was educational and accessible to those without any background whatsoever, but I could tell that for the serious afficianado the details of horse bloodlines, equipment changes, and historical tracks would have provided a wonderful few hours of exploration.Situated in historic and lovely Goshen NY, it turned out to be a lovely way to spend some interesting time.