Did you know, the most popular sport in 19th century America has roots right here in the Hudson Valley?

We're talking about harness racing! And this week’s Road Trip: Close to Home uncovers some fascinating local history at the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Goshen.

The museum is an interactive experience that brings you the sights, sounds, and feeling of being pulled on a race bike by Standardbred horses.

It's a sport packed with hundreds of years through American history and this museum has a unique way of immersing you at every corner. 

"This is important because harness racing was born in America, started around the same time as baseball did, and was extremely popular," says Janet Terhune, Executive Director of the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame

From the earliest days of harness racing in the 1800s, through today, you'll learn from more than 70,000 well-preserved artifacts from the Hudson Valley and beyond.   

"You'll learn about how Harness Racing evolved, we have so much history that people don't know about," says Terhune.

Walking through replica structures and stables of the sport is so much more than what meets the eye. Because in some areas, you're actually stepping foot on harness racing history.  "This building here was built in 1913, it is the original stable," explains Terhune.

One of the fascinating exhibits are the detailed statues represent local and global drivers, trainers and more – created museum's own sculptress -- Kristin Roberts. 

The museum is open Monday thru Friday from 10 to 4. 

For more information, click here.