Explore Our Regions

Potsdam is a small town, even if it does happen to be the quintessential college town where life revolves around two universities. But there's more to Clarkson's location than meets the eye — and a lot more to do.

If you're an adventurer, ski slopes beckon. Hiking trails call. Caves that are hidden throughout the Adirondacks wait to be explored and numerous lakes and rivers of the North Country beg for some kayak and rafting action. There are also a couple of shipwrecks in the St. Lawrence Seaway that are waiting to be discovered by a lucky diver. Have you ever done any of these things? Experienced members of the Outing Club will teach you if you haven't.

If you're more of an urban explorer, you can absorb the culture and rack up international travel points in nearby Ottawa and Montreal. Although New York City and Boston are several hours away, that doesn't stop Clarksonians who are always up for a road trip.

Clarkson University’s CRC is situated in Schenectady, N.Y. Centrally located to many of the University’s corporate partners for research, graduate education, talent development and alumni networking, the campus affords convenient transportation via train, air and automobile interstates. The campus is less than 15 minutes from the state capital in Albany, and less than three hours from New York City, Syracuse and Boston. If you want to take in the real Empire State experience, you can also be in New York’s great Adirondack Park with world-class recreation, camping and international tourism venues in less than an hour.

Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, a subsidiary of Clarkson University, is headquartered in the City of Beacon in Dutchess County, New York. The mission of Beacon Institute is to create and maintain a global center for scientific and technological innovation that advances education, research and public policy regarding the environment — specifically rivers and estuaries.

Beacon Institute at Clarkson University implements its mission through a multidisciplinary focus on science and technology, education and policy. Teams of scientists, engineers, educators and policy experts take an integrated, data-driven view of how communities and ecosystems interact to create new mechanisms through which humans can gain a more sophisticated understanding of rivers and estuaries for the benefit of public health, economic development, ecosystem restoration and quality of life.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, Potsdam is the answer to your dreams. World-class downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, cycling, kayaking and canoeing are just a short drive away. So are rock and ice climbing, whitewater river rafting, fishing, caving, mountain climbing and camping — all thanks to the Adirondack Park and Lake Placid, just a few miles from campus.

Of course, you can also enjoy the nature and the outdoors right on our 640-acre campus, thanks to 3 miles of trails for hiking, biking or cross-country skiing through woods and wetlands. Not to mention, canoeing and kayaking are within walking distance of your room, thanks to Clarkson's canoe house on the Raquette River.

Looking for a quick taste of city hustle and bustle? Cosmopolitan culture? Big-time entertainment? A little trip north to Canada's Ottawa or Montreal will probably do the trick. Each of these major cities is within two hours of campus by car.

The capital region is surrounded by business, culture, politics and shopping. Located just north of the Albany city center, the CRC is nestled next to some of our corporate partners.

There is multitude of things to do, from sightseeing at the capitol buildings to fine dining and shopping at malls. There are museums, history and art that are related to one of the oldest states in the country — New York. Explore history and take in the culture while completing your graduate or professional degree.

A short drive away from Syracuse, New York City and Boston, you will have no shortage of things to do while attending Clarkson. Take a ride to the city on the train to get a taste of the bustling urban environment or go shopping in Boston for the day. It's all within a quick car or train ride.

Located just north of New York City on the Hudson River is the Beacon Institute, which focuses on environmental innovation and research. It is a mere hour and a half from Manhattan and offers spectacular views of nature. Being directly on the Hudson offers opportunities for adventure as well.

Take a boat tour, kayak or hike in the natural wilderness around the river. This location is a unique mix of urban and suburban, as the campus resides in a sprawling city yet is less than 30 minutes away from foothills and trails.

Make the most of your research by attending the Beacon Institute and enjoying your time while you do.