Glen Park New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Glen Park, New York.
1. Watkins Glen State Park
MAGNIFICENT GORGE EXPERIENCE
Watkins Glen State Park features a stunning trail network through a scenic gorge with 19 cascading waterfalls and historic stone bridges. Visitors can enjoy moderate to challenging hikes while taking in the lush vegetation and impressive geological formations. The park offers a magnificent bucket-list experience with its astounding natural beauty and various trail options including the Gorge Trail and North Rim Trail.
2. Seneca Lake Wine Trail
WORLD-CLASS WINE JOURNEY
The Seneca Lake Wine Trail showcases diverse world-class wines produced by wineries dedicated to quality and environmental stewardship. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the lake while stopping at various vineyards to sample distinctive regional wines. The trail provides a comprehensive culinary and beverage experience highlighting the unique terroir of the Finger Lakes region.
3. Watkins Glen International
THRILLING RACING DESTINATION
Watkins Glen International offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience a world-famous auto racing track from April through October. Racing enthusiasts can take their personal vehicles for a drive on the same course used by professional drivers in the Drive The Glen program. The venue also features the Fans R1st Viewing Area where spectators can watch exciting racing events throughout the season.
4. Lakewood Vineyards
FAMILY-OWNED WINEMAKING TRADITION
Lakewood Vineyards offers a welcoming wine tasting experience rooted in family tradition and Finger Lakes winemaking heritage. Visitors can sample a variety of award-winning wines while enjoying panoramic views of Seneca Lake from the tasting room. The vineyard provides educational tours that showcase their sustainable growing practices and traditional winemaking techniques that have been refined over generations.
5. Havana Glen Park & Gorge
THUNDEROUS WATERFALL AMPHITHEATER
Havana Glen Park & Gorge features the spectacular Eagle Cliff Falls, creating a natural amphitheater with the thunderous sound of cascading water. A scenic walking trail guides visitors through the gorge, providing access to this magnificent natural display that showcases the region's unique geology. The park offers a less crowded alternative to experience the breathtaking waterfalls characteristic of the Finger Lakes region.
6. Clute Park & Campground
LAKESIDE RECREATION HUB
Clute Park & Campground provides visitors with direct access to the southern shores of Seneca Lake with a beautiful sandy beach and swimming area. The park features playgrounds, picnic facilities, and special events throughout the summer including concerts and festivals. Visitors can enjoy water activities, stunning lake views, and convenient access to downtown Watkins Glen attractions.
7. Finger Lakes National Forest
PRISTINE WILDERNESS ESCAPE
Finger Lakes National Forest offers over 16,000 acres of diverse ecosystems with extensive trail systems perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. As the only national forest in New York State, it provides a uniquely preserved natural environment with stunning vistas of the surrounding Finger Lakes region. Visitors can experience a variety of recreational activities throughout the seasons, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter months.
8. Schooner Excursions
CLASSIC SAILING ADVENTURES
Schooner Excursions offers memorable sailing experiences aboard traditional wooden vessels on the pristine waters of Seneca Lake. Passengers can choose from various cruise options including sunset sails, wine tasting cruises, and historical tours that highlight the rich maritime heritage of the region. The knowledgeable crew provides fascinating narratives about the geological formation of the Finger Lakes and the area's significant role in transportation history.
9. International Motor Racing Research Center
RACING HISTORY ARCHIVES
The International Motor Racing Research Center preserves and celebrates the rich automotive racing heritage of Watkins Glen and beyond through extensive archives and exhibits. Visitors can explore historical documents, photographs, and memorabilia documenting significant racing events and personalities that shaped motorsport history. The center regularly hosts special events featuring racing legends and authors who share personal insights into this exhilarating sport's evolution.
10. Catharine Valley Trail
SCENIC RAIL-TRAIL PATHWAY
The Catharine Valley Trail follows a former rail corridor, offering a gentle multi-use path through picturesque landscapes connecting Watkins Glen to Horseheads. This 12-mile trail takes visitors alongside bubbling streams, through verdant woodlands, and past historical markers that tell the story of the region's transportation evolution. Perfect for walking, cycling, and cross-country skiing, the trail provides a peaceful alternative for exploring the natural beauty surrounding Watkins Glen.
11. Shopping
CHARMING BOUTIQUE DISTRICT
Shopping in Watkins Glen offers a delightful mix of unique boutiques including Franklin Street's Famous Brands Outlet, Watkins Glen Cheese Company, and O'Susannah's Quilts and Gifts. Visitors can browse locally-made crafts, regional food products, and distinctive souvenirs that capture the essence of the Finger Lakes region. The walkable downtown district combines historical architecture with contemporary shopping experiences, creating a charming atmosphere for discovering one-of-a-kind treasures.
12. Dining
LAKESIDE CULINARY DELIGHTS
Dining in Watkins Glen showcases the region's bounty through establishments like Graft Wine + Cider Bar, Blue Pointe Grille, and Nickel's Pit BBQ. Visitors can savor farm-to-table cuisine featuring fresh ingredients from local producers paired with Finger Lakes wines and craft beverages. Many restaurants offer scenic patio dining with views of Seneca Lake, creating memorable culinary experiences that highlight the area's agricultural heritage.
13. Hiking
BREATHTAKING TRAIL NETWORKS
Hiking in Watkins Glen offers spectacular experiences on trails including the famous Gorge Trail, challenging Finger Lakes Trail, and serene Catharine Creek Wildlife Management Area paths. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems ranging from dramatic gorges with waterfalls to ridge-top paths offering panoramic views of Seneca Lake and surrounding hillsides. Each trail provides unique perspectives on the region's remarkable geological features formed by glacial activity millions of years ago.
14. Fishing
PREMIER ANGLING OPPORTUNITIES
Fishing in Watkins Glen centers around Seneca Lake, offering year-round opportunities for lake trout, salmon, bass, and perch at locations like Clute Park Pier and the Catherine Creek spawning grounds. Anglers can enjoy both shore fishing and deep-water excursions with local charter services that provide equipment and expert guidance for targeting trophy-sized catches. The region's abundant waterways also include smaller streams with excellent trout fishing, particularly during the spring and fall seasons.
15. Camping
SCENIC OVERNIGHT RETREATS
Camping in Watkins Glen provides diverse overnight accommodations at facilities including Watkins Glen State Park Campground, Clute Park & Campground, and nearby Sugar Hill State Forest sites. Visitors can choose from traditional tent camping, RV sites with hookups, or rustic cabins nestled among towering pines with convenient access to hiking trails and water recreation. Each camping area offers unique amenities and natural settings that showcase the region's spectacular landscapes from lakeside views to forested ridges.