places to visit in ithaca new york

Ithaca, New York, is a beautiful city located in the Finger Lakes region of the state. There are many things to see and do in Ithaca, including visiting Cornell University, exploring the Ithaca Falls, and hiking in the Buttermilk Falls State Park.

Ithaca is also home to many museums, theaters, and art galleries. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and restaurants to choose from. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, Ithaca is the perfect place for you.

Cornell University Campus

Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. Founded in 1865, Cornell is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and its campus is a beautiful and historic place to visit.

The campus is spread out over 745 acres, and it features a variety of architectural styles, from the traditional red brick buildings of the Arts Quad to the modern glass and steel buildings of the Science and Engineering Quad. The campus is also home to a number of museums, libraries, and gardens.

One of the most popular attractions on campus is the Cornell Botanic Gardens; The gardens feature over 4,000 species of plants, and they are a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Another popular attraction is the Johnson Museum of Art. The museum houses a collection of over 33,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.

If you are interested in architecture, be sure to check out the Andrew Dickson White House. The house was built in 1875, and it is a National Historic Landmark.

No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find something to enjoy on the Cornell University campus. Here are some tips for planning your visit⁚

• Take a guided tour. Guided tours of the campus are available daily, and they are a great way to learn about the history and architecture of the university.
• Visit the museums and gardens. The Cornell Botanic Gardens and the Johnson Museum of Art are both free to visit, and they are both great places to spend an afternoon.
• Attend a lecture or performance. Cornell University hosts a variety of lectures, performances, and sporting events throughout the year. Check the university’s website for a calendar of events.
• Eat at one of the campus dining halls. The campus dining halls offer a variety of food options, and they are a great place to meet other students and faculty.

Whether you are a prospective student, a current student, or just a visitor, you are sure to enjoy your visit to the Cornell University campus.

Ithaca Falls

Ithaca Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the heart of Ithaca, New York. The falls are 150 feet high, and they are a popular spot for swimming, hiking, and picnicking.

The best way to experience Ithaca Falls is to take a hike along the Cascadilla Gorge Trail. The trail is 1.5 miles long, and it follows the Cascadilla Creek as it flows through the gorge. The trail is relatively easy to hike, and it is suitable for all ages.

Along the trail, you will see a variety of waterfalls, including Ithaca Falls. You can also see the ruins of an old mill, and you can learn about the history of the gorge.

If you are looking for a more challenging hike, you can take the Rim Trail. The Rim Trail is 3.5 miles long, and it follows the rim of the gorge. The trail is more difficult than the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, but it offers stunning views of the falls and the gorge.

No matter which trail you choose to hike, you are sure to enjoy your visit to Ithaca Falls. Here are some tips for planning your visit⁚

• Wear comfortable shoes. The trails can be slippery, so it is important to wear shoes with good traction.
• Bring water and snacks. There are no facilities along the trails, so it is important to bring your own food and water.
• Be aware of the weather. The weather in Ithaca can change quickly, so be sure to check the forecast before you go hiking.
• Be careful near the falls. The falls can be slippery, and the water can be cold and fast-moving. It is important to stay away from the edge of the falls.

Ithaca Falls is a beautiful and popular destination, so it is important to be prepared for crowds. If you are visiting during peak season, be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot.

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls State Park is a beautiful park located just a few miles from Ithaca, New York. The park is home to a series of waterfalls, hiking trails, and picnic areas.

The most popular attraction in the park is Buttermilk Falls. The falls are 165 feet high, and they are a popular spot for swimming, hiking, and picnicking.

There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to difficult. The trails wind through the forest and along the Buttermilk Creek. Along the trails, you will see a variety of waterfalls, including Buttermilk Falls.

The park also has several picnic areas, which are perfect for a relaxing lunch or dinner. The picnic areas are located near the falls, and they offer stunning views of the gorge.

If you are looking for a place to spend a day outdoors, Buttermilk Falls State Park is the perfect place for you. Here are some tips for planning your visit⁚

• Wear comfortable shoes. The trails can be slippery, so it is important to wear shoes with good traction.
• Bring water and snacks. There are no facilities along the trails, so it is important to bring your own food and water.
• Be aware of the weather. The weather in Ithaca can change quickly, so be sure to check the forecast before you go hiking.
• Be careful near the falls. The falls can be slippery, and the water can be cold and fast-moving. It is important to stay away from the edge of the falls.

Buttermilk Falls State Park is a popular destination, so it is important to be prepared for crowds. If you are visiting during peak season, be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot.

Taughannock Falls State Park

Taughannock Falls State Park is a beautiful park located just a few miles from Ithaca, New York. The park is home to Taughannock Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the northeastern United States.

Taughannock Falls is 215 feet high, and it is a popular spot for swimming, hiking, and picnicking. There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to difficult. The trails wind through the forest and along the Taughannock Creek. Along the trails, you will see a variety of waterfalls, including Taughannock Falls.

The park also has several picnic areas, which are perfect for a relaxing lunch or dinner. The picnic areas are located near the falls, and they offer stunning views of the gorge.

If you are looking for a place to spend a day outdoors, Taughannock Falls State Park is the perfect place for you. Here are some tips for planning your visit⁚

• Wear comfortable shoes. The trails can be slippery, so it is important to wear shoes with good traction.
• Bring water and snacks. There are no facilities along the trails, so it is important to bring your own food and water.
• Be aware of the weather. The weather in Ithaca can change quickly, so be sure to check the forecast before you go hiking.
• Be careful near the falls. The falls can be slippery, and the water can be cold and fast-moving. It is important to stay away from the edge of the falls.

Taughannock Falls State Park is a popular destination, so it is important to be prepared for crowds. If you are visiting during peak season, be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot.

In addition to the falls, Taughannock Falls State Park also has a number of other attractions, including⁚

• Rim Trail. The Rim Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail that offers stunning views of the falls and the gorge.
• Gorge Trail. The Gorge Trail is a 0.5-mile trail that leads to the base of the falls.
• Suspension Bridge. The Suspension Bridge is a 100-foot-long bridge that crosses the gorge just below the falls.

Taughannock Falls State Park is a beautiful place to visit any time of year. The falls are especially impressive in the spring, when the water is flowing at its peak.

Cayuga Lake

Cayuga Lake is the longest of the Finger Lakes in New York State. It is a beautiful lake, with clear water and stunning views of the surrounding hills.

There are many things to do on Cayuga Lake, including swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. The lake is also home to a number of wineries and breweries, so you can enjoy a glass of wine or beer while you relax on the shore.

If you are looking for a place to spend a day outdoors, Cayuga Lake is the perfect place for you. Here are some tips for planning your visit⁚

• Bring sunscreen and insect repellent. The sun can be strong on Cayuga Lake, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun and the bugs.
• Bring water and snacks. There are no facilities along the lake, so it is important to bring your own food and water.
• Be aware of the weather. The weather in Ithaca can change quickly, so be sure to check the forecast before you go.
• Be careful near the water. The water in Cayuga Lake can be cold and fast-moving. It is important to stay away from the edge of the lake and to swim in designated areas only.

Cayuga Lake is a popular destination, so it is important to be prepared for crowds. If you are visiting during peak season, be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot.

In addition to the activities listed above, there are also a number of other attractions on Cayuga Lake, including⁚

• Cayuga Lake State Park. Cayuga Lake State Park is a beautiful park located on the eastern shore of the lake. The park has a beach, a playground, and a number of hiking trails.
• Taughannock Falls State Park. Taughannock Falls State Park is located at the southern end of Cayuga Lake. The park is home to Taughannock Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the northeastern United States.
• Ithaca Farmers Market. The Ithaca Farmers Market is held every Saturday on the Ithaca Commons. The market features a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods.

Cayuga Lake is a beautiful place to visit any time of year. The lake is especially impressive in the fall, when the leaves on the surrounding hills turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.