Traveling is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Stepping away from the day-to-day routine of your everyday life and exploring somewhere new can be an essential experience. It even betters your mental health.
If you’re looking for where to go on your next trip, you really might want to consider Cooperstown, NY. If you’re looking for a vacation that works for the whole family or even works as a couple’s destination, the town of Cooperstown can certainly deliver.
What’s there to do in the town that’s worth your time? If you’re only there for a brief stay it can be difficult to decide what to actually do or see. Read on, and we’ll walk you through a few of our favorite things to do in Cooperstown, NY.
1. National Baseball Hall of Fame
The most popular attraction in Cooperstown is likely to make the sports fan in your family quite giddy. That’s right: the National Baseball Hall of Fame is located right there on Main Street, easily accessible for all who want to pay it a visit.
It can be easy and enjoyable to embrace the history of what was once known as America’s greatest pastime. The Hall itself is an attractive and impressive three-story brick building that houses artifacts, historic records, and plaques celebrating the giant of the game.
Taking a stroll down the main hall of the museum can be quite a stunning experience, as you come face to face with some of the greatest baseball players the world has ever known. In a way, you can take a trip back to your childhood obsession with baseball cards, diving into the stats of each player and the amazing things they accomplished.
If your children already love baseball, this visit is sure to be a treat for them. If they’re not fans of the sport, visiting the hall might just send them down the path towards a new hobby and passion.
2. The Farmer’s Museum
Cooperstown, NY is quite an old city. It has a long history that dates back to some of the earliest days of America. If you’re spending time in town then you might want to visit the Farmer’s Museum and take in some of that rich and storied history yourself.
The Farmer’s Museum is an educational and enjoyable museum set up outdoors in town. It depicts the rural origins of the town and in some ways, America as a whole. The museum has recreated from scratch an authentic mid-1800s American village, featuring some impressively preserved buildings from the period.
Guests can explore the blacksmith shop, the farmstead, the tavern, the general store, and more locations to get a true sense of what life nearly 200 years ago was like.
There’s also a gorgeous carousel in the center of the museum that’s great for keeping the kids entertained if they get a little tired of all the learning.
If you’re planning on visiting the Farmer’s Museum a lot, you can use Cooperstown Stay to find housing in a location nearby. That will ensure easy access.
3. Fenimore Art Museum
If you’re looking for a different kind of museum experience, you might want to head towards the Fenimore, which sits on a cliff ledge above beautiful lake scenery.
The Fenimore represents and contains a great deal of art from a group that is far too underrepresented in the world of curation: Native Americans. This museum is dedicated almost exclusively to Native American art from a large span of time, including prior to the origins of America.
The museum itself is housed in an old estate, which means walking around the property is sure to be a stunning experience all on its own.
In addition to its expansive Native American collection, the museum also is home to a great deal of folk art, including the works of the Hudson River School. Even if you’re not a museum person, walking around here is sure to be a memorable experience.
4. Glimmerglass State Park
There’s a lot of gorgeous natural scenery to take while in Cooperstown, NY and there’s no better spot to do so than in Glimmerglass State Park. This state park is actually home to that natural scenery that inspired James Fenimore Cooper to write books like Deerslayer or The Last of the Mohicans.
The park itself is home to the incredible titular lake, sandy beaches, and plenty of stunning hiking trails. There’s an old (possibly haunted) mansion inside of the park as well which offers tours on a daily schedule.
If you really want to enjoy getting close to nature at the park, you can take a boat out on the lake and really feel the wind and water. The Glimmerglass Queen boat tour takes a great number of visitors out on the lake each and every day.
While there are plenty of other locations of great natural scenery in Cooperstown, few compare to the beauties of what Glimmerglass State Park can provide.
The Best Things To Do in Cooperstown, NY
If you’re visiting Cooperstown, NY for the very first time, you’re in luck. There are so many great things to do within the town’s borders that you’re bound to have a packed and fulfilling weekend. The above ideas and activities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Cooperstown’s many attractions.
Need more travel advice, tips, and tricks? Keep scrolling our blog for more ideas and information.
