Elmira New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Elmira, New York.
1. Harris Hill Soaring Corporation
GLIDE ABOVE THE VALLEY
Harris Hill Soaring Corporation offers visitors the exhilarating experience of soaring in a glider over the picturesque Chemung Valley. Visitors can enjoy scenic glider rides with professional pilots while learning about the science and history of motor-less flight. The facility includes time to explore the nearby glider museum before or after flights, making it a comprehensive aviation adventure.
2. Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira
HISTORIC FINAL RESTING PLACE
Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira is a peaceful historic cemetery where Mark Twain and his family are buried, attracting literary enthusiasts from around the world. The cemetery features quiet, tree-lined paths that create a serene atmosphere for visitors paying respects or enjoying a contemplative walk. History buffs will appreciate learning about John W. Jones and the Underground Railroad connection while exploring this expansive and well-maintained grounds.
3. Eldridge Park
HISTORIC FAMILY AMUSEMENT PARK
Eldridge Park is Elmira's premier historic family amusement park with roots dating back to the 1860s, offering visitors a blend of nostalgia and modern fun. The park features a beautifully restored 1890s Looff Carousel that serves as its centerpiece attraction. Families can enjoy a safe, healthy, and fun environment with various rides and activities throughout the park grounds.
4. National Soaring Museum
GLIDERS THROUGH HISTORY
The National Soaring Museum houses a world-class collection of sailplanes and gliders that chronicles the fascinating evolution of motor-less flight. Located adjacent to an active glider port, visitors can observe real gliders taking flight while exploring the comprehensive exhibits. The museum preserves the rich history and heritage of soaring flight through its impressive collection and educational displays.
5. Mark Twain's Grave
LITERARY LEGEND'S MEMORIAL
Mark Twain's Grave is located in Woodlawn Cemetery, offering literary pilgrims a chance to pay respects to one of America's most celebrated authors. The simple yet dignified gravesite honors Samuel Clemens and his family members who are also interred there. Visitors often leave small tokens of appreciation at this cultural landmark that commemorates the life of the man who created Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
6. Tanglewood Nature Center & Museum
WILDERNESS EXPLORATION HEADQUARTERS
Tanglewood Nature Center & Museum offers nine miles of scenic trails showcasing the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region and Chemung Valley. The center provides year-round hiking opportunities and special winter activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Inside the nature center, visitors can explore educational exhibits about local wildlife and ecosystems before venturing out onto the trails.
7. Arnot Art Museum
ARTISTIC TREASURES DOWNTOWN
The Arnot Art Museum is housed in the elegant 1833 neo-classical Arnot family mansion in downtown Elmira, creating a stunning backdrop for its impressive collection. As one of the last remaining private art collections open to the public, it showcases valuable artworks in an intimate and historical setting. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the museum's landmark status in the art world and its contribution to Elmira's cultural landscape.
8. Chemung Valley History Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Chemung Valley History Museum preserves and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Elmira and the surrounding Chemung Valley region. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing local history from Native American settlements through industrial development and beyond. The museum offers educational programs and rotating exhibits that connect residents and tourists alike with the area's fascinating past.
9. Clemens Center
PREMIER PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Clemens Center, named after Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), serves as Elmira's premier concert and theater venue hosting a variety of performing arts events. The center features professional touring Broadway shows, musical performances, and community productions throughout the year. With excellent acoustics and comfortable seating, the venue provides residents and visitors with access to high-quality entertainment in the heart of Elmira.
10. LECOM Event Center
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ARENA
LECOM Event Center is the home arena for the Elmira Aviators of the North American Hockey League, offering exciting sporting events throughout the hockey season. The multi-purpose venue, which opened in 2000, has hosted various hockey teams over the years including the Elmira Jackals, Enforcers, Mammoth, and River Sharks. Beyond hockey, the center serves as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, and community events that bring entertainment to the Elmira area.
11. Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY DESTINATIONS
Shopping in Elmira offers visitors a mix of downtown boutiques, antique shops, and the Arnot Mall just outside the city limits. The Arnot Mall features numerous national retailers, specialty stores, and dining options for a complete shopping experience. Downtown Elmira's shops provide more unique items and local crafts that showcase the region's character and creativity.
12. Dining
LOCAL FLAVORS AND FAVORITES
Dining in Elmira features establishments like Hill Top Inn, known for its panoramic views and traditional American cuisine that has been serving the community for generations. Visitors can also enjoy authentic Italian dishes at Moretti's Restaurant or sample craft beers and pub fare at Brady's Pub in downtown Elmira. The city's culinary scene offers everything from casual family dining to upscale restaurants that showcase locally-sourced ingredients from the Finger Lakes region.
13. Hiking
SCENIC TRAIL ADVENTURES
Hiking in Elmira centers around the Tanglewood Nature Center with its nine miles of well-maintained trails that wind through diverse ecosystems and scenic landscapes. The nearby Catharine Valley Trail extends for 12 miles between Watkins Glen and Horseheads, offering hikers a converted rail trail experience with gentle grades and beautiful views. For more challenging terrain, hikers can explore the Finger Lakes Trail segments that pass near Elmira, connecting to a 580-mile system that traverses New York State.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S PARADISE WATERS
Fishing enthusiasts visiting Elmira can cast their lines in the Chemung River, which flows through the heart of the city and offers excellent opportunities for smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike. Newton Creek and its tributaries provide trout fishing options within a short drive of downtown Elmira. The nearby Finger Lakes, including Seneca and Keuka Lakes, offer world-class fishing experiences with a variety of freshwater species just a short drive from Elmira.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT ESCAPES
Camping near Elmira includes Watkins Glen State Park, located about 30 minutes away, offering scenic campsites nestled among waterfalls and stunning gorge views. Closer to town, Newtown Battlefield State Park provides camping facilities with historical significance as the site of a Revolutionary War battle. Private campgrounds like Ferenbaugh Campground and Hidden Valley Camping Area offer family-friendly amenities including swimming pools, planned activities, and full RV hookups within a short drive of Elmira.