Amid rolling hills and picturesque farmland, discover Central New York’s geological wonders and other unique attractions that showcase our rich national heritage. The Erie Canal stretches through the heart of the region, offering many options for scenic cruises as well as canal side paths and bike routes. Country roads lead to friendly villages, charming inns, and farm markets selling fresh local produce. The historic Route 20 Scenic Byway highlights roadside Americana.
Spend an afternoon at an old-fashioned amusement park, on a beautiful beach, tour a traditional brewery, or ride one of Binghamton’s six antique carousels. American history comes to life at restored homes, forts and a recreated farm village. Along with scenic beauty, these two itineraries celebrate great American art, ingenuity and adventure, as well as baseball and the perfect apple pie.
A. Canajoharie
Begin at the Arkell Museum, where the acclaimed collection includes paintings by leading 19th- and 20th-century American artists, from Winslow Homer to Georgia O’Keeffe, as well as classic early-1900s advertising art.
B. Little Falls
A short drive northwest takes you to the Herkimer Home State Historic Site, the restored 18th-century home of Revolutionary War general Nicholas Herkimer.
C. Herkimer
Go west, to mine for “diamonds” (quartz crystals) at Herkimer Diamond Mines. You can also try trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking and tubing on the property and stay at the KOA campground beside West Canada Creek. Take a scenic trip aboard the Lil’ Diamond II with<a href=">Erie Canal Cruises. Learn about canal history and experience “locking through,” as the ship is raised and lowered 20 feet.
Take a scenic trip aboard the
Lil’ Diamond II with
Erie Canal Cruises. Learn about canal history and experience “locking through,” as the ship is raised and lowered 20 feet.
">www.eriecanalcruises.com
D. Utica
Continue west to the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute to see works by great American artists from Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School, to contemporary painter Andy Warhol. Exhibits and performances are presented in the landmark gallery and in Fountain Elms, an 1850 mansion with stunning 19th-century American decorative art.
Nearby, tour the Saranac Brewery. One of the nation’s first microbreweries, it’s also known as the Matt Brewery, after the family who founded it in 1888 and still run it today. After the tour, you can taste carefully-crafted beers and sodas in the historic tavern.
E. Rome
Head northwest to explore the museum, shops and restaurants at Erie Canal Village, a recreated 1840s canal village. An excursion on the 1800s steam train and a mule-drawn packetboat ride on the canal will take you back to a simpler era. Stop at Fort Stanwix National Monument to learn about frontier life during the Revolutionary War and the Oneida Carrying Place, the 'super highway' of the era.
F. Verona
Just southwest of Rome, Turning Stone Resort & Casino features championship-caliber golf courses, big name entertainment, a nightclub, fine dining, plush accommodations and a spa.
G. Sylvan Beach
Just a few miles northwest, you’ll find Sylvan Beach Amusement Park. Set on the shores of Oneida Lake, it features traditional rides and arcades as well as entertainment, shops and food. A day at the beach may be ideal when you stop by Oneida Lake.
H. Chittenago
To the west you will find Chittenango, the birthplace of Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum and a historic canal town community. Learn about boats built to carry goods on the Erie Canal at the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum open daily. Just a few miles south take in a natural wonder of Central New York at Chittenango Falls State Park. The main feature of this park is a 167 foot waterfall that is beautiful in any season. Enjoy picnics, hiking, fishing and more.
Central New York – Southern Route
A. Howes Cave
Begin your tour at Howe Caverns, where an elevator takes you down to see amazing rock formations and a ride on the underground river. Disney's FamilyFun readers voted it a Top 5 Northeast Family Attraction.
Just down the road,
Secret Caverns has a natural entrance, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and a 100-foot underground waterfall.
See fascinating exhibits and programs that explore centuries of Native American history and culture at the Iroquois Indian Museum.
B. North Blenheim
Head south to visit the NY Power Authority’s Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project Visitors Center, housed in a 19th-century dairy barn. The interactive electrical energy exhibits and nearby Bluebird Trail generate good times.
C. Milford
Drive west to board the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad for a ride through local history and beautiful scenery.
D. Cooperstown
Drive a few miles north to explore the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the world’s best-known sports shrine. Thousands of baseball treasures and multi-media exhibits tell the story of our national pastime and reflect American history, from baseball's beginnings in the 19th Century through today's game.
Nearby, take a step back in time at The Farmers’ Museum. This recreated village shows what rural American life was like in 1845. Talk with farmers, weavers, blacksmiths and other "village people" as they demonstrate 19th-century crafts. At the country fair, you can try your hand at games from a simpler time and ride the carousel. If you're up for the task, you can even milk a cow!
Down the road, the Fenimore Art Museum is set in an elegant 1930s mansion. Exhibits include Native American art, American landscape paintings, and a whimsical Folk Art collection.
Just outside the village, the Glimmerglass Festival presents a summer season of acclaimed opera in a country setting beside Otsego Lake.
Take a tour of
Brewery Ommegang, a Belgian-style microbrewery set on a former hops farm. Daily tours show the process of beer making and finish with beer, cheese, and chocolate tasting.
E. Fly Creek
Just west of Cooperstown, the Fly Creek Cider Mill marketplace is stocked with delicious New York products like apple pies, maple syrup, cheeses and fresh-picked produce. Watch the 1889 water-powered press turn apples into cider. Pick up some treats for the road or relax on the Mill Pond deck with a farm-fresh snack.
F. Norwich
Head west to Norwich and the Northeast Classic Car Museum. Enjoy exhibits on the automobile and view over 160 classic cars spanning many eras on display.
G. Binghamton
Drive southwest to the Roberson Museum & Science Center, which has interactive science, art, nature and local history exhibits.
Nearby, the Discovery Center of the Southern Tier is a hands-on, interactive museum for children and their families. Fun exhibits and events are designed to encourage imagination and discovery.
H. Vestal
Just west of Binghamton, complete your trip with a star show at the Kopernik Observatory and Space Education Center, one of the best-sited and best equipped public observatories in the US.
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