About This Community
Wawarsing, which means “where the streams wind,” sits in the western part of Ulster County, surrounded by the Shawangunk Ridge and Catskill Mountains. The town’s expansion began with the D&H Canal, which opened the valley to trade, and the water of the Rondout Creek powered mills and factories.
Later, the railroads introduced tourists to the natural and pristine beauty of Wawarsing. Today, they come here to hike at Minnewaska State Park, explore the ice caves at Sam’s Point Preserve, or play golf at Honor’s Haven Retreat & Conference.
Take a drive on the picturesque Catskills Scenic Byway, visit the Wawarsing Historical Society and Knife Museum, or go off-roading. There is much to discover and enjoy in Wawarsing, including the quaint village of Ellenville.
Ellenville’s small size belies its big charms, from local and national history to free and famous cultural events to all kinds of outdoor activities. It even has an airport, Joseph Y. Resnick Airport, for people and freight.
Among the highlights are the renowned Shadowland Stages and the annual Blueberry Festival, which is just one of many festivals hosted in the village. Locals and visitors alike also get to enjoy free outdoor concerts, a farmers market, a local history museum, and the Ellenville Public Library & Museum that houses a collection of more than 50,000 books.
