Our Hudson Home

River of life

Formed eons ago by massive glaciers, the geologic wonder known as the Hudson River is home to thousands of species – including our own. Sometimes called “America's First River,” the Hudson is intimately linked with the birth of the nation and the growth of our metropolis. For centuries humans have used the river as a transportation corridor, food source and recreational setting – while the wildlife with which we share its bounty has struggled to survive.

Overlooking the vast river and Liberty State Park, Our Hudson Home explores the often complex relationship between nature and humanity in this special and distinct ecosystem. This hands-on learning experience clearly demonstrates the balance required to achieve successful commerce, recreation and environmental preservation. 

Exhibition Highlights

Water Worlds
Explore four aquaria, some as large as 7,000 gallons, to see creatures living in the many different environments that make up the Hudson River. At the Harbor Tank, operate an underwater robotic vehicle to get a fish eye's view.

Port Crane
The Port of New York/New Jersey moves vast amounts of merchandise on and off ships every day. Climb aboard a virtual crane and get the feel of what it’s like to sit 100 feet in the air, performing the difficult task of loading and unloading cargo. Don't drop the container! You could smash a waiting truck or dump fragile cargo into the river!

River Rapture
Take control of the water and sediment in a 20-foot long model of the Hudson River! Control “rainfall” in the mountains, create dams and levees, and learn more about how sedimentation, erosion and pollution control work.

Experiment Station
Don a lab coat, follow instructions on a touch screen, and conduct your own mini-experiments in ecology. Weekday Hours: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

 Our Hudson Home is made possible through the generosity of NASA, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, the Victoria Foundation, the Charles Hayden Foundation and the New York Shipping Association.