MARGARETVILLE — Tucked into a green bowl of mountains along the East Branch of the Delaware River, the village of Margaretville turns 150 years old in 2025 — and if you listen closely, you can almost hear the echoes of horse hooves and the clang of the old railroad mingling with today’s relaxed hum of visitors.
Founded in 1875 after the arrival of the Ulster and Delaware Railroad, Margaretville quickly blossomed from farmland to a bustling hub for travelers, dairy farmers, and local merchants. It grew up alongside America’s great railroad age — and though trains no longer run here, the spirit of exploration remains.
This summer, the village will celebrate its sesquicentennial with a calendar of events: parades, live music, exhibits and other special events illuminating the soft outlines of the Catskills. But the real magic of Margaretville lies in how little it has changed — still quietly offering mountain air, slow afternoons, and a warm welcome.
Begin your visit along Main Street, where the past and present weave together easily. Stroll past handsome brick storefronts dating to the late 1800s, many lovingly restored after the floods of Hurricane Irene in 2011.
The Historical Society of Middletown, Cemetery Road, is a must-stop for anyone curious about the town’s railroad past, its agricultural roots, or the hotels that once made the Catskills the “playground of New York.”
Margaretville’s dining scene is unpretentious but thoughtfully curated. At Binnekill Tavern, housed in a century-old building, the menu nods to Catskills’ heritage with dishes like trout almondine and braised short ribs. Sit by the stone fireplace in cooler months or on the porch overlooking the river in summer.
No trip to Margaretville is complete without getting into the hills.
• Hike the short but steep climb up Dry Brook Ridge for sweeping views.
• Paddle the placid waters of the Pepacton Reservoir (permit required).
• Bike the flat, scenic Catskill Scenic Trail, built atop a former railbed stretching through farmland and forest.
• In Arkville, the Delaware & Ulster Railroad — newly revitalized — now offers scenic train rides east toward Fleischmanns, retracing part of the original rail route that put Margaretville on the map 150 years ago.
In an era when many mountain towns have been reshaped by short-term rentals and fast tourism, Margaretville stands out for something quieter: a sense of permanence. It’s not just the architecture or the anniversary bunting on the lampposts. It’s the familiar way shopkeepers greet visitors, the patience in the pace of a summer afternoon, the still-wild backdrop of the Catskill peaks.
Margaretville’s 150 years have left it polished not by progress, but by enduring character. This summer, that’s worth celebrating — and savoring.
The main celebration will be on Saturday, July 26th, with a block dance, vintage cars, food vendors, and a community portrait. There will also be a history presentation on Sunday, July 13th at the Middletown History Center.
For more information villageofmargaretville.com or mtownhistory.org
