Ever find yourself wanting to visit one of New York's amazing attractions, but end up making other plans because you're not willing to put up with the crowds and chaos? Well then, you're just in luck! Compiling a list of some of our favorite lesser-know treasures around the state, here are some phenomenal destinations that you may not be as familiar with but should absolutely make a point to experience.

1. Allegany State Park - Salamanca

A state park so big it had to be divided into two sections, Allegany State Park is made up of the Red House Area and Quaker Area. Covering over 64,000 acres the park, needless to say, has so many outdoor activities to offer. From amazing camping spots and cabins to waterfront activities that surround Red House Lake, this amazing destination out along our Southern Tier is a wonderful place to spend the weekend exploring.

To find out more and to read our original article, click here.

2. Kaatskill Kaleidoscope - Mount Tremper

Part of Emerson Resort & Spa in the town of Mount Tremper, this hidden spot is a gem of the Catskills. A great place to take a day trip, the Emerson Country Store is where you can find the World's Largest Kaleidoscope! Built inside of what was originally a grain silo, the kaleidoscope puts on a show that you won't be able to forget. After experiencing the actual kaleidoscope, you can shop around the store to look at even more fascinating kaleidoscopes and interesting goodies to take back home with you.

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3. Beardslee Castle - Little Falls

One of the most magical restaurants you'll ever dine at in the Empire State, this Central New York restaurant is set within a castle that was built back in 1860. Styled after an Irish Castle, you'll find a handful of dining rooms on the main floor as well as The Dungeon Bar & Grill that's great for casual dining and drinks.

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4. The Wild Center's Singing Forest - Tupper Lake

By now you may be familiar with the remote attraction that is Tupper Lake's Wild Center, but you might not know that this year the natural history center added an actual singing forest! Take a walk along a 1,000-foot long loop through the woods as Pete Weyer's enchangint composition "I Walk Towards Myself" plays through 24 speakers that have been hidden throughout the woods.

To find out more and to read our original article, click here.

5. Roseland Waterpark - Canandaigua

You'll find that there are handfuls of water parks around New York, but there's a hidden one that particularly will blow your mind. The water park features a variety of attractions that are great for all ages and the entire family, but one of the coolest things about this place is that they also have their own Wake Park as well!

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6. Secret Caverns - Howes Cave

When it comes to waterfalls, there's no state that does it better than New York. Home to more of these natural wonders than you could imagine, there's one waterfall hiding in our state that you may not know about. But don't feel too bad! This one is hiding all the way underground at the end of a half-mile long cave. The underrated gem that's right near the famous Howes Caverns, avoid the crowds at our more well-known attraction and take a trip here instead.

To find out more and to read our original article, click here.

7. Vale of Springs - Saratoga

While walking around the city of Saratoga Springs, you'll easily bump into multiple springs and water fountains that make up this amazing area. But if you haven't taken the time to fully explore Saratoga Spa State Park, you might not be aware that New York's fountains of youth are right here. Known for having healing powers, each spring in the city has different benefits for your health.

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8. Widow Jane Mine - Rosendale

Interested in doing some exploring that will take you to an abandoned place? Then take an out-of-the-ordinary trip to

Widow Jane Mine down in the town of Rosendale. The town has an interesting history when it comes to cement manufacturing, once a booming industry of the area that this mine was a major part of. Now abandoned and left to explore, this deep, dark mine is an interesting place to explore if you're willing to bring a flashlight and aren't afraid of entering the dark!

To find out more and to read our original article, click here.

9. Rock City Park - Olean

A destination that generally only locals know about, this place is one of our more interesting destinations when it comes to taking day trips to New York's rock formations. Home to the largest formation of Quartz conglomerate in the entire world, you can explore the nature trails of this 23-acre park and feel like you've stepped inside a fairy tale.

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10. Jackson Sanatorium - Dansville

An abandoned castle that was once a place where you could find celebrities and those looking to escape away to a luxurious spa, the Jackson Sanatorium is frequently known as the Dansville Castle or The Castle On The Hill. Overlooking the town of Dansville, the castle's history dates back to the 1800s and was officially abandoned in 1971.

To find out more and to read our original article, click here.

11. Green Lakes State Park - Fayetteville

One of the main attractions of Green Lakes State Park, the park actually has two lakes but where you can find a unique swimming spot lies on the shore of Green Lake. One of the only lakes in the world that doesn't experience any turnover, the water here is so vibrant and clear that it'll steal your breath away in the matter of an instant.

To find out more and to read our original article, click here.

12. Lavender By The Bay - East Marion

If you've already crossed Lockwood Lavender Farm in the Finger Lakes off of your bucket list, visit a hidden gem of Long Island by taking a trip to Lavender by the Bay in East Marion. A stunning paradise that's guaranteed to relax you, walk through fields of lavender on this 17-acre property and breath in the amazing aroma.

To find out more and to read our original article, click here.

Which one of these hidden gems is your favorite? To makes sure you've crossed everything off of your bucket list, take a peak at The 14 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In New York Everyone Should Visit!