Kerhonkson brings together Ukrainian cultural history, sacred architecture, access to the O&W Rail Trail, and animal attractions that may be available seasonally. If you’re looking for a hotel in Kerhonkson, these different themes can help you plan your stay: Would you mainly like to explore cultural history and architecture, or include the trail and animals as well?

Cultural History and Food

In 1952, the Ukrainian National Association acquired the property that became Soyuzivka in Kerhonkson. It served as a cultural center for its community and offered language workshops, heritage studies, concerts, art exhibitions, and children’s camps. The educational programs emphasized language and cultural transmission; concerts and exhibitions complemented the program with music and visual arts, while the children’s camps offered a dedicated program for children. Soyuzivka’s history can thus be understood as a combination of learning, art, and community life.

Soyuzivka’s main building is home to Sofia's Kitchen, a dining establishment that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This adds a concrete culinary connection at the same location as the property’s cultural history.

The Kerhonkson Synagogue was founded in 1922 as an Orthodox synagogue by early Jewish farmers and business owners. Its sanctuary is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized for its architecture. It is considered a window into 100 years of Jewish life in the surrounding agricultural communities. The year 1922 marks the synagogue’s founding; the 100 years refer to Jewish life in the surrounding communities and thus to a broader historical context. The synagogue therefore offers a different perspective from Soyuzivka’s Ukrainian cultural history.

Sacred Architecture

Holy Trinity Church was completed in 1976. It subsequently received widespread recognition in The Architectural Review, Progressive Architecture, and the Journal of the American Institute of Architects. Critics praised its combination of Ukrainian architectural tradition and modern design principles. The Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church was designed by architect Radoslav Zuk to blend into the natural landscape. Visitors interested in architecture will find both a blend of tradition and modernity and a design that incorporates the landscape.

Trail and Animal Attractions

A trailhead with a small parking lot on Main Street in Kerhonkson provides access to the southern end of the O&W Rail Trail. Check current parking conditions before you arrive.

Kelder's Farms Goat & Animal Barn is home to goats, rabbits, donkeys, calves, llamas, and alpacas. The animal attraction may operate seasonally, so check in advance whether it will be open on your visit date. This lets you compare access to the trail as a focus for outdoor activities with the animal attraction, which may operate seasonally.

The cultural themes also differ in their geographical focus, which may help you choose what to prioritize: Soyuzivka’s history is tied to a cultural center for a community in Kerhonkson, while the synagogue’s sanctuary focuses on Jewish life in the surrounding agricultural communities. This can help you weigh local cultural work, regional history, architecture, and outdoor activities as you plan.

Discover more destinations: Oliverea, Accord, Saugerties, Rosendale, Hurley, New Paltz, Wallkill, Ellenville

For the main travel overview: Ulster.