Canfield Casino and Congress Park

Canfield Casino and Congress Park is a historic gambling venue and grounds located in Saratoga Springs with an impressive three-story Renaissance Revival structure. The building displays intricate brickwork, sandstone details, grand ballrooms decorated with ornate plasterwork and hanging chandeliers throughout its interior spaces.

The site began in 1870 when John Morrissey established the Saratoga Club House, before Richard Canfield purchased the building in 1884 and transformed it into one of the region's most notable gaming establishments. The ownership change brought significant shifts in how the place operated and who it served.

The building now serves as the Saratoga Springs History Museum, where visitors can explore exhibits about the region's development and how this place shaped local society over time. The displays show the role it played in bringing people together and creating memorable moments in the community.

The place is now mainly open for museum visits and tours of the historic interiors and grounds, allowing visitors to walk through the spaces at their own pace. It is worth allowing time to appreciate the architectural details and examine the surrounding park areas.

During its heyday as a gaming establishment, the casino maintained strict entry rules that excluded women and local residents while allowing only cash transactions. These selective policies reflected the exclusive nature of high-stakes gambling in that era.