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If you have done the things to do in Greece, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Ithaca.
Nestled amidst rolling hills and cascading waterfalls, Ithaca beckons visitors with its natural beauty and vibrant culture.
With a plethora of activities, from hiking ancient gorges to indulging in farm-to-table dining, Ithaca offers an unforgettable experience that appeals to all senses.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Ithaca:
1. Cornell Botanic Gardens
Cornell Botanic Gardens is a nature lover’s paradise spanning over 3,500 acres, showcasing mesmerizing gardens, stunning landscapes, and beautiful natural areas.
What to see or do: – Wander through the enchanting gardens, including the Mundy Wildflower Garden, the Botanical Garden with blooming flowers, the F.R.
Newman Arboretum, and the Kahn Herb Garden.
Don’t miss: – The breathtaking views of the Fall Creek Gorge from the suspension bridge in the F.R.
Newman Arboretum.
Insider travel tips: – Check the website for seasonal events and programming.
2. Ithaca Farmers Market
A vibrant outdoor market located on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, New York.
What to see or do: Shop for fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and ready-to-eat meals from local vendors. Take in the waterfront scenery and live music as you browse the offerings.
Don’t miss: The homemade bakery items and artisanal cheeses are a must-try. Be sure to also experience the art installations and workshops that take place throughout the season.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to beat the crowds and avoid the hottest part of the day. Bring a reusable bag or basket to carry your purchases.
Consider taking a water taxi or shuttle from downtown Ithaca to avoid parking and traffic. And be sure to bring your appetite!
3. Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park is a natural wonder located in the Finger Lakes region of New York.
What to see or do: There is something for everyone at Buttermilk Falls State Park. Visitors can enjoy swimming, hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, and more!
The park boasts a variety of trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes, all of which offer breathtaking views of the falls and gorge.
Don’t miss: Of course, the main attraction at Buttermilk Falls State Park is the magnificent waterfall after which it is named.
The 165-foot cascade is truly a sight to behold and is especially beautiful in the autumn when the surrounding foliage is ablaze with color.
Insider travel tips: – To avoid crowds, plan to visit Buttermilk Falls State Park on a weekday or during the off-season.
4. Ithaca Commons
Ithaca Commons is a pedestrian-only shopping and entertainment district in downtown Ithaca, New York.
What to see or do: This vibrant area has a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, shops, and galleries, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
There are often events happening on the Commons, such as art shows, live music, and festivals.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the street performers and buskers that often line the sidewalks, creating a lively atmosphere.
Take a stroll down the many side streets that lead off the Commons to see even more local boutiques and eateries.
Insider travel tips: Parking can be a challenge in the downtown area, so consider taking public transportation or walking. The Ithaca Farmers Market also sets up on the Commons on Saturdays, offering fresh produce, crafts, and other local goods.
5. Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls State Park is a stunning natural wonder located in Ithaca, New York.
What to see or do: The main attraction of the park is the breathtaking Taughannock Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies.
Visitors can hike along the Taughannock Gorge Trail to fully appreciate the beauty of the falls, or enjoy swimming and boating in Cayuga Lake.
The park also has picnic areas, playgrounds, and campsites for visitors to enjoy.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the stunning Taughannock Falls up close, as well as hike through the gorge and take in the surrounding natural beauty.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive at the park early to avoid crowds.
6. Robert Treman State Park
Robert Treman State Park is a beautiful park located in Ithaca, New York. It features a spectacular gorge with stunning waterfalls, hiking trails and plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing and picnicking.
What to see or do: – Take a hike along the park’s many trails, which vary in difficulty level and offer amazing views of the gorge and waterfalls.
Don’t miss: – The 115-foot Lucifer Falls, which is one of the park’s main attractions and can be seen from several view points throughout the park.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water for your hike, as some of the trails can be steep.
7. Johnson Museum of Art
The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art is an art museum located on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
What to see or do: The museum houses over 35,000 art objects from across the globe and ranging from ancient to contemporary.
Visitors can see exhibits of art from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, as well as American art from the 18th to 20th centuries.
The museum also houses a collection of over 15,000 photographs and almost 700 artists’ books.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the museum’s collection of Asian Art, which includes a stunning array of Chinese jades and bronzes, Japanese paintings and woodblock prints, and Indian sculptures.
Make sure to also see the expansive views from the top floor of the museum’s unique architecture.
Insider travel tips: Admission to the museum is free, but donations are encouraged. The museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays, so plan accordingly.
Visitors should also be aware that parking on campus can be difficult, so consider taking a bus or shuttle to the museum.
8. Cascadilla Gorge Trail
A scenic hiking trail that runs along a picturesque gorge in the heart of Ithaca, New York.
What to see or do: Witness the stunning beauty of nature at its best as you walk along the trail, surrounded by waterfalls and lush greenery.
Be sure to bring your camera as there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the trail is the towering 150-foot waterfall, aptly named “The Cascadilla Falls”. Take a moment to admire the power and majesty of the cascading waters.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable walking shoes as the trail can be steep and slippery in some areas.
9. Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake is the longest of the Finger Lakes of New York and a popular tourist destination.
What to see or do:
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to witness a spectacular sunset over the lake from any of the many vantage points.
Insider travel tips:
10. Ithaca Falls Natural Area
Ithaca Falls Natural Area is a scenic natural park located in Ithaca, New York. It encompasses a diverse range of flora and fauna, and a beautiful waterfall that cascades 150 feet over rocky cliffs.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park’s hiking trails, which offer some breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, forests and creeks.
Ithaca Falls is the main attraction here, and it’s an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts. The park also has a picnic area where visitors can have lunch or spend an afternoon with family and friends.
Don’t miss: The Ithaca Falls itself is the highlight of the park, and it’s definitely one sight you shouldn’t miss. With its roaring cascades of water, the falls provide a mesmerizing sight that’s truly awe-inspiring.
As you stand at the edge of the falls, you’ll feel the cool mist of water on your face, and hear the sound of water crashing against the rocks.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the park early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
11. Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary
A nature preserve and bird sanctuary located in Ithaca, New York.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a hike on one of the many trails and watch birds in their natural habitat. There are also guided bird walks and bird watching stations throughout the sanctuary.
Don’t miss: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Visitor Center, which features interactive exhibits and a bird-themed gift shop.
Insider travel tips: Bring binoculars and a camera to get the best view of the birds. The sanctuary is busiest in the early morning and late afternoon, so plan accordingly.
12. The History Center in Tompkins County
The History Center is a museum and research facility in Tompkins County, Ithaca that showcases the rich history of the area.
What to see or do: The museum features exhibits on the region’s indigenous people, early settlers, agriculture, industry, and civic life. Visitors can also access the center’s extensive archives for genealogy research or learning more about local history.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the exhibit on the region’s role in the Underground Railroad, as well as the “Tommy Plane”, a local invention that played a part in early aviation.
Insider travel tips: Take advantage of the center’s guided tours to get a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits. Also, be sure to check out their calendar of events for special lectures, workshops, and other programming.
13. Museum of the Earth
A natural history museum focused on the history of the Earth’s evolution.
What to see or do: Explore exhibits featuring fossils, dioramas of ancient ecosystems, and interactive displays. Learn about the evolution of life on Earth, from the earliest living organisms to the emergence of humans.
Don’t miss: The Right Whale exhibit, which features a full-sized replica of a right whale and explores the history and conservation of this endangered species.
Also, check out the Earthquake exhibit, which simulates seismic activity and allows visitors to experience what an earthquake feels like.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to visit the Museum Store, which offers a variety of unique gifts and souvenirs related to natural history.
If you’re visiting during the summer, consider attending one of the museum’s outdoor events, such as a guided nature hike or insect collecting workshop.
Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the museum’s exhibits.