Kinderhook is a town in the northern part of Columbia County, New York, United States.

The name of the town means "Children's Corner" in the language of the original Dutch settlers (Kinderhoek).

The name "Kinderhook" has its root in the landing of Henry Hudson in the area around present-day Stuyvesant, where he was greeted by Native Americans with many children.

The eighth president of the United States, Martin Van Buren, was born in Kinderhook and retired to it.

[4] Hudson had mixed dealing with the local Mohican natives, ranging from peaceful trade to minor skirmishes.

President Martin Van Buren's retirement home, Lindenwald, is in the town of Kinderhook.

[12] The 19th-century rural Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse, named for the Washington Irving character patterned after Kinderhook schoolteacher, Jesse Merwin, is adjacent to the Van Alen House.

[13][14] The Columbia County Historical Society is headquartered in the town, with four historic properties, including the 1737 Luykas Van Alen House, the 1850 Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse, the c1819 James Vanderpoel 'House of History', and the 1915 CCHS Museum & Library building.

The Historical Society also owns and exhibits a permanent collection consisting of important and unique genealogical materials, archives, paintings, textiles, furniture and decorative arts relating to Columbia County's culture and heritage.

[18] Other activities are often scheduled for the fair day, such as the Kinderhook Memorial Library Book Sale, free tours of the James Vanderpoel House, and live music.