Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Deposit, NY

  • Published 2022/09/09

The quaint village of Deposit, New York, has an eccentric appeal that sets itself apart from famous locations with busy crowds and tall buildings in the state.

Deposit humbly rests in the county line, forming its first half within Broome County and the other half within Delaware County.

At the same time, it sits in the Catskill Mountains in the Delaware River’s valley, where Indians from different tribes occupied the part of the valley before the settlement of the whites.

Incorporated in 1811, the village is said to stem its name from being the place of deposit of logs made by lumberjacks, who then formed their logs into rafts to float down the Delaware River to the south, usually to Philadelphia.

Deposit proudly beams with historical sites, picturesque views, supportive community, and natural riches while keeping its small-town charm.

If you get the chance, discover the best things to do in Deposit, New York!

Visit the Churches in Deposit

First Presbyterian Church in Deposit

DanielPenfield, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can pray anywhere, but if you’re looking for churches, you can find a few along Second Street.

These churches are Saint Joseph’s Church, Deposit United Methodist Church, Sherman Bible Chapel, and First Baptist Church.

Near Second Street is Monument Street, where Sherman Bible Chapel Youth and Christ Episcopal Church nest.

If you’re at Deposit Memorial Park or Deposit State Theater, the nearest church you can head to is West Branch Bible Baptist Church, which sits on the same street as the two.

The churches embrace a welcoming ambiance, and so does the community.

Step Back to the Village’s Past at the Deposit Historical Museum

If you’re curious about the village’s history, appease your interest by visiting the Deposit Historical Museum.

The following years after its establishment in 1874 for banking purposes, the museum became a mailing room, short-term school room, a large family residence, and a meeting place until the Deposit Historical Society bought it in 1977.

Here, you’ll see various exhibits and historical pieces, such as folk art carving of a tavern scene, a live steam engine model, the Farmers National Bank’s restored teller’s cage, which is the main room’s centerpiece, and more.

Every year, the museum features an auction.

You can also participate in their scheduled events and learning opportunities.

You can find the Deposit Historical Museum along Second Street.

Relax at Deposit Community Park

Deposit Community Park is a thriving park located on Borden Street, bringing excitement to the residents and visitors of the village.

You can picnic with your family at the pavilion brimming picnic tables while keeping an eye on your kids enjoying the play area featuring slides, climbing walls, and swings.

There are sports facilities for those who want to play or practice basketball, baseball, softball, and hockey.

Strengthen your leg muscles by hiking or jogging on the paved trail that offers scenic views of Oquaga Creek.

Moreover, there is an accessible fishing site on Oquaga Creek, which is home to trout, and another tranquil spot to connect with nature.

Overall, Deposit Community Park is a neighborhood park for relaxation and recreation.

The park charges a rental fee to help with its maintenance costs.

Find Good Books at Deposit Free Library

The village’s Deposit Free Library is a proud Four County Library System member, providing services in Broome’s, Delaware’s, Chenango’s, and Otsego’s member libraries.

This library opened to the public on July 6, 1929, and expanded in 1962 to house a thriving collection.

Serving as a lender of popular materials and a multi-media information center, this public library has rooms for children and non-fiction books collection, while other rooms store fiction books collection and computer stations.

It has a well-organized wide selection of books by well-known authors.

Aside from specialized materials like audiobooks and electronic books, the library offers access to local historical documents and information, computers, the internet, and more.

It also has a book sale room if you want to buy books.

You can find the Deposit Free Library along Front Street, 0.3 miles from Deposit Historical Museum.

Relish in Silence at Deposit Firemen’s Field Park

Fireman’s Field Park lies along Dublin Street nearby Deposit Community Park.

It is a simple open park where one can have simple outdoor activities.

Find a good spot in this quiet park to read your favorite book or just stroll around to breathe fresh air and spend some time in nature.

Bring a friend or two and enjoy talking about anything while eating some snacks as you view the accessible stream and relax in the serene atmosphere.

The park becomes full of energy during the Deposit Lumberjack Festival.

See the Camaraderie during the Deposit Lumberjack Festival

The Deposit Lumberjack Festival takes place at Deposit Firemen’s Field Park in July every year.

Since 1976, this three-day event has featured the Lumberjack Parade, carnival rides, games, tournaments, food and food vendors, a street fair, and more.

Aside from the festival name, the Deposit community continuously invigorates its history and culture by holding friendly lumberjack competitions and raft races in which rafts are personally hand-crafted by the racers themselves.

It is a special characteristic of the village that values its rich history of logging and woodworking.

Furthermore, it doesn’t end with those as there is much more fun, including live music, fireworks, and other events.

Watch, revel, or participate in the outdoor amusements during the Deposit Lumberjack Festival.

Spend a Movie Date at Deposit State Theater

Head to Deposit State Theater if you want to catch a movie.

This hub doesn’t only serve as a single-screen theater but also as a performance art center.

It was established in 1937 but suffered a roof collapse due to heavy snow in 1985, a destructive fire in 1994, and a flood in 2006.

Nonetheless, this theater still stands today after restorations.

Aside from providing visual entertainment and art performances, it hosts parties, meetings, fundraising, and other events.

Deposit State Theater is located along Front Street, a 2-minute drive from the Deposit Historical Museum.

Stop by Deposit Memorial Park

Deposit Memorial Park sits across from Deposit State Theater.

This park stands with a purpose: to honor and remember.

It highlights a 9/11 Artifact from the World Trade Center, honoring all lives lost on that day.

At the same time, Deposit Memorial Park exalts local heroes.

During the Christmas season, colorful lights draw attention to people passing by.

Get Some Pizzas at Little Italy

If you feel famished, go to Little Italy on Front Street near Deposit State Theater.

It is a pizzeria and restaurant offering a cozy space where you can enjoy your favorite Italian food and pizzas.

You can try chicken parmigiana and cheese steak with green peppers, onions, and mushrooms, or choose their daily specialty slices.

They also have a menu for the kids, quick bites, and offers coffee for coffee lovers.

Chill out for a while before leaving Little Italy.

Buy Fresh Produce at Catskill Cattle Company

Nesting along Laurel Bank Avenue, Catskill Cattle Company is a farm that presents natural freezer beef and fresh local agricultural products.

If you’re in Deposit, stop by to pick affordable registered and commercial cattle of high quality, such as Simmental, Angus, and Sim-Hereford, which are naturally kept in an antibiotic-free environment.

While you can choose natural pork and chicken, nutritious vegetables and fruits are also available, including spinach, collards, strawberries in spring, pumpkins in autumn, and more.

Likewise, you can buy homemade pies, jams, or other products as a gift for your friends or eat them with your family when you get home after your Deposit trip.

Meats, fresh produce, and other products at Catskill Cattle Company are inexpensive.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Soak in the Alluring Scenery at Guestward Ho Family Campground

Guestward Ho Family Campground is a great spot for camping with friends and family.

It is located on H Decker Road, more or less than 12 minutes from Deposit Community Park.

It presents 81 campsites with water and electric hookups and rewards you with magnificent spectacles while making the most of your time on outdoor activities.

Groove by swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in the 15-acre lake, or you go hiking and biking.

Stroll around, sit, and relax on the lakeside as you see the lake’s view.

There are playgrounds, a horseshoe pit, a pavilion, picnic tables, a gift shop, and other amenities that make your stay worth it.

Evidently, Guestward Ho Family Campground is a family and friends space with an opportunity to meet amiable people and a terrific experience of nature and outdoor adventures.

If these things thrill you, check out their rates and see why it’s an ideal getaway.

See Wildlife at Whitaker Swamp State Forest

Covering 812 acres, Broome County’s Whitaker Swamp State Forest has plenty of things to offer.

It contains a 2.2-mile multi-purpose trail best for people who want hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

This trail passes by two ponds and Whitaker Swamp, where you’ll see wetland wildlife species, including ducks, geese, herons, and more.

If you want primitive camping in this area, keep your campsites at least 150 feet away from the nearest trail, road, or body of water.

You must also secure a permit from a Forest Ranger if you camp for more than three nights or in groups of at least ten.

Oak, northern hardwood-white pine, red pine, and Norway spruce are among the covers you’ll see in this nature reserve.

If you’re in Whitaker Swamp State Forest, abide by their rules and follow safety practices.

Discover Cat Hollow State Forest

It takes around a 15-minute drive to get to Cat Hollow State Forest from Deposit Community Park.

Using Bond Act funds, this forest was acquired in the 1960s, with its name derived from cougars roaming the area before 1900.

This forest lies in Broome County and envelops 759 acres with recreational opportunities in store.

It’s an ideal site for birdwatching, hunting, hiking, and biking on a 1.2-mile road.

Aside from that, it also features other activities like snowmobiling and skiing.

While they allow primitive camping, your campsites must be more than 150 feet away from the nearest body of water, trail, or road.

Moreover, a permit from a Forest Ranger is required should you go camping for more than three nights or in groups of at least ten.

Using Cat Hollow State Forest, you must follow their regulations and safety practices.

Chill Out at Dream Catcher Estates

When you’ve visited all the attractions in the village of Deposit, drive about seven minutes via River Road from Deposit Community Park to Dream Catcher Estates.

Nestled on the west branch of the Delaware River, it is another great place to escape from busy city life.

Outdoor lovers and guests can explore nature’s beauty.

You can revel by trying the popular activity here, which is fly fishing for trout, with a full attire with flies, rods, as well as lunch and drinks.

Otherwise, spend your hours picnicking, viewing the beautiful waters, relaxing in the calm atmosphere, or staying at the lodge and cabins.

Dream Catcher Estates also has a fly shop that helps in selecting flies.

Learn Horse Riding at Cat Hollow Farm

Cat Hollow Farm nests along Gillet Road, about a 9-minute drive from Deposit Community Park.

It is an equestrian center in upstate New York’s charming mountains, offering boarding, training, lessons, pony parties, and more.

Invite your family members or friends to learn fun horse riding.

Have your companion photograph you riding a horse for memories.

Cat Hollow Farm also has day camps available in the summer.

Final Thoughts

Deposit is a serene village that sparks rural beauty and activities.

Visitors have a chance to explore the fascinating museum, beautiful churches, relaxing trails, attractive parks, and other attractions, enjoy outdoor adventures, and meet the vibrant community.

It may not be as well-known as the bustling cities in New York, yet it gives a special experience while connecting with nature.

With that said, take a trip to discover the best things to do in Deposit, New York.

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