Ithaca New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ithaca, New York.
1. Ithaca Falls
MAJESTIC NATURAL WONDER
Ithaca Falls stands as one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region, cascading 150 feet down and spanning 175 feet across. Visitors can enjoy easy access to this natural wonder via a short trail that leads to magnificent viewing areas. The thundering waters create a peaceful atmosphere that changes with the seasons, making it worth multiple visits throughout the year.
2. Cornell Botanic Gardens
DIVERSE BOTANICAL PARADISE
Cornell Botanic Gardens encompasses over 4,000 acres of natural and cultivated landscapes, offering a stunning collection of plants from around the world. The gardens feature more than 20 different garden areas, including herb gardens, wildflower gardens, and an international crop diversity garden. Visitors can explore miles of trails through mature forests, gorges, and meadows while learning about plant conservation and biodiversity.
3. Museum of the Earth
PREHISTORIC TIME JOURNEY
Museum of the Earth takes visitors on a 4.5-billion-year journey through the Earth's history with fascinating fossil exhibits and interactive displays. The museum houses an impressive collection including a complete skeleton of the Hyde Park Mastodon and a 44-foot Right Whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. Guests can engage with hands-on activities that demonstrate geological processes and the evolution of life on our planet.
4. Buttermilk Falls State Park
CASCADING NATURAL BEAUTY
Buttermilk Falls State Park features a magnificent cascade that tumbles down the valley, creating a foamy appearance that gave the falls their distinctive name. The park offers diverse recreational opportunities including swimming at the natural pool at the base of the falls, hiking along the Gorge and Rim trails, and picnicking with scenic views. Visitors can explore over 700 acres of natural beauty with varying difficulty levels of trails suitable for casual walkers and serious hikers alike.
5. Stewart Park
LAKESIDE RECREATIONAL HAVEN
Stewart Park offers breathtaking views of Cayuga Lake's southern shore along with recreational facilities for the entire family to enjoy. The park features playgrounds, tennis courts, and picnic areas set against the backdrop of the lake's glistening waters. Visitors can observe local wildlife, enjoy the restored historic carousel, or simply relax while watching boats navigate the waters of one of the Finger Lakes' most scenic spots.
6. Ithaca Farmers Market
LOCAL FLAVORS SHOWCASE
Ithaca Farmers Market brings together over 160 vendors selling locally grown produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted items in a picturesque waterfront pavilion. The market operates year-round with a bustling atmosphere full of live music, cooking demonstrations, and seasonal events that celebrate the region's agricultural abundance. Visitors can sample diverse cuisines, meet local farmers, and purchase unique crafts while experiencing the community spirit that makes this market a beloved Ithaca institution.
7. Johnson Museum of Art
ARCHITECTURAL ART TREASURE
The Johnson Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of over 35,000 works spanning six millennia and numerous cultures in a distinctive building designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei. The museum's fifth-floor viewing pavilion offers spectacular panoramic views of Cayuga Lake and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits ranging from ancient Asian art to contemporary installations while participating in regular educational programs and special events.
8. Taughannock Falls State Park
TOWERING NATURAL SPECTACLE
Taughannock Falls State Park features the highest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, with water plunging 215 feet down a dramatic rocky amphitheater. Visitors can view this natural wonder from multiple perspectives, including an accessible overlook or via a gentle trail that leads to the base of the falls. The park offers year-round activities from summer swimming and boating on Cayuga Lake to winter cross-country skiing and ice skating.
9. Sciencenter
HANDS-ON DISCOVERY CENTER
The Sciencenter engages visitors of all ages with over 250 interactive exhibits that make science accessible and exciting through hands-on exploration. Children and adults alike can experiment with physics principles, explore an outdoor science park, or observe live animals in the mini-zoo. The museum's immersive approach to learning includes regular science demonstrations, a climable DNA sculpture, and a seasonal outdoor mini-golf course that teaches players about the solar system.
10. Cornell University Campus
PRESTIGIOUS ACADEMIC GROUNDS
Cornell University's campus combines stunning natural landscapes with impressive architectural landmarks, creating one of America's most beautiful college settings. Visitors can tour iconic buildings like McGraw Tower with its 21-bell chimes, the dramatic suspension bridge over Fall Creek Gorge, and the A.D. White Library with its Gothic-inspired design. The university's grounds offer spectacular views of Cayuga Lake and Ithaca from various vantage points, making it worth exploring even for those unaffiliated with the institution.
11. Shopping
UNIQUE LOCAL RETAIL THERAPY
Shopping in Ithaca offers visitors a diverse retail experience centered around The Commons, a four-block pedestrian area featuring over 100 independently owned shops and boutiques. Shoppers can browse unique stores like Petrune for vintage clothing, Benjamin Peters for upscale menswear, Autumn Leaves Used Books for literary treasures, and specialty shops like Mockingbird Paperie and Home Green Home. Other notable shopping destinations include the historic Dewitt Mall, The Shops at Ithaca Mall, and the Ithaca Farmers Market where local artisans showcase their handcrafted goods.
12. Dining
CULINARY DELIGHTS ABOUND
Dining in Ithaca showcases the region's farm-to-table ethos with restaurants serving cuisine made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients throughout the city. Visitors can sample fine wines and regional specialties at Cellar d'Or Wine and Cider Shop, enjoy Cornell Dairy's famous ice cream and cheese curds at The Cornell Store, or explore the diverse food vendors at the Ithaca Farmers Market. The city's vibrant food scene includes everything from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, many located on The Commons and in the Dewitt Mall area, offering international cuisines alongside traditional American fare.
13. Hiking
SCENIC TRAIL ADVENTURES
Hiking in Ithaca offers outdoor enthusiasts access to numerous scenic trails that wind through gorges, alongside waterfalls, and through lush forests. Popular hiking destinations include the Gorge and Rim trails at Buttermilk Falls State Park, the Base Trail at Taughannock Falls, and the network of paths throughout Cornell Botanic Gardens. The Finger Lakes Trail system also passes through the area, connecting with shorter local trails and providing opportunities for both casual walkers and serious hikers to experience the natural beauty that earned Ithaca its motto: 'Ithaca is Gorges.'
14. Fishing
ABUNDANT AQUATIC PURSUITS
Fishing in Ithaca provides anglers with diverse opportunities on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest Finger Lakes known for its excellent fishing conditions throughout the year. Enthusiasts can catch a variety of species including lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass from the shores or by boat. Additional fishing spots include Fall Creek, Cascadilla Creek, and Six Mile Creek, where fly fishing for trout is particularly popular during spring and fall seasons.
15. Camping
NATURAL OVERNIGHT RETREATS
Camping in Ithaca allows visitors to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty with several campgrounds offering various accommodation options from tent sites to RV hookups. Buttermilk Falls State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park both feature campgrounds within walking distance of spectacular waterfalls and hiking trails. Robert H. Treman State Park offers another popular camping destination with over 70 sites and proximity to natural swimming areas, while private campgrounds around Cayuga Lake provide additional options with lakeside views and water recreation activities.