Things To Do
Buttermilk Falls State Park
The namesake falls at this park are a 165-foot gradual cascade of water over a beautiful rock-layered cliff that flows toward Cayuga Lake. There are ten falls in total to see along the trail here! Buttermilk Falls State Park has a small lake, hiking trails through woodlands and along the gorge and rim, picnic areas, and playing fields.
Robert H. Treman State Park
Located about ten minutes from downtown Ithaca, this popular state park offers visitors a stunning view of Enfield Glen with highlights, including the 115-foot-tall waterfall, and more. You’ll find six trails with spectacular rocky gorges, wooded sections, and a three-mile section of the long Finger Lakes Trail that cuts through the park.
Taughannock Falls State Park
Known as one of the most spectacular state parks near Ithaca, NY, Taughannock Falls is truly a nature scene that will remain in your memory on a visit to the Finger Lakes Region. Not only is this one of the tallest single-stream waterfalls on the East Coast, but the trails offer up-close views from above and below.
Ithaca Falls Natural Area
This park is home to one of the most accessible waterfalls in the area, with a drop of 150 feet and a width of 175 feet. Ithaca Falls is one of the Finger Lakes region’s most potent and impressive examples! This is one of the best places to bring a picnic lunch and relax after exploring the shops and art galleries in Ithaca
Watkins Glen State Park
This part is a bit of a drive from downtown Ithaca, but it’s home to one of the region’s most impressive collections of waterfalls. The around two-mile hike takes you through some of the most beautiful rocky gorges with natural stone steps and by and under 19 different waterfalls of all shapes and sizes.
Ithaca Farmers Market
The Ithaca Farmers Market is known for its high-quality, locally produced goods, commitment to the community, and as a joyful and vibrant gathering place and destination. The Market is financially sustainable, governed cooperatively by its members, and is a key contributor to the local and regional economy.
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University welcomes visitors to experience original works of art across a wide spectrum of global traditions, time periods, and media for education, inspiration, and delight.
Museum of the Earth
The Paleontological Research Institution’s Museum of the Earth was established in 2003 to provide the general public with a unique opportunity to explore our world through a mix of natural history displays, interactive science features, and art exhibitions. The museum’s 8,000-square-foot permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey through 4.5 billion years of history, from the Earth’s origin to the present day.
Downtown Ithaca Alliance (The Ithaca Commons)
The Ithaca Commons is a four-block pedestrian shopping area with more than 100 independently owned and operated shops and boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, service providers, street vendors, and entertainers. In addition, the Commons is lined with some of the city's most interesting and historic architectural facades and features the beautifully designed Raimondo DeVincentis Water Fountain, the Sagan Planet Walk, a playground, and Bernie Milton Pavilion where the outdoor summer concert series take place.
Purity Ice Cream Co.
Purity has been the "Ice Cream of the Finger Lakes" since 1936. Founded by Cornell grad Leo Guentert, Purity has remained a locally owned business since. Even to this day, approaching a century later we're still dedicated to creating happy memories and sticky smiles through superior ingredients and craftsmanship.