The purpose of the Corporation is to maintain and improve Kinderhook Lake, a beautiful natural lake located in New York State at the northern edge of Columbia County. KLC was incorporated in 1953 when the dam, which was originally constructed in the 1700’s failed and drained the lake to its original level. Members of the Improvement Association joined together to form the Corporation, purchase the bottom of the lake and rebuild the dam.

KLC is a nonprofit, volunteer organization composed of about 250 on-lake and off-lake members and is operated by a 12-member volunteer Board of Directors that is elected by the members and serve three-year terms.

The primary source of income is annual dues of $110 which are used to support a Dam-Reserve Fund, Water Quality and Fish Stocking Funds. A minimum of $10,200 is added to the Dam Reserve Fund each year to insure that adequate monies are available to repair the dam in case of emergency. For example, erosion and a faulty gate mechanism were repaired in 2000 at a cost of $67,603, entirely from the Reserve Fund, at no additional cost to members or municipalities around the lake. This type of foresight, as well as innovative programs on the part of the Board to improve water quality and regulate weed growth, have continually improved the esthetics and appeal of the lake over the years.

Of all the lakes in New York State, Kinderhook Lake has the unique distinction of having been one of the first to be "electrified." In the early 1900’s, the Albany and Hudson Railway which operated a third-rail trolley from Albany to Hudson built an “Electric Park” on the East Shore of Kinderhook Lake with some of the first electric lights and amusement rides in the country. In the summer, revelers from all over the state as well as Boston came to enjoy the amusement rides, the giant slide into the lake, plays and dancing. The Park closed during World War I, but the Lake has remained as one of the most enjoyable and picturesque recreational locations in NY State.

More about the History of the Lake, Merchandise on sale by KLC, Events, Membership and Sponsors can be found on the links at the left.

Thank you for your interest in Kinderhook Lake and the Corporation.

P.O. Box 53, Niverville, New York 12130
Phone: (518) 784-2050