The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York is known for its eleven long, narrow lakes carved by glaciers. This landscape provides a setting for small towns that combine natural beauty with year-round activities. The area offers vineyards, waterfalls, and hiking trails. In winter, skiing is popular, while summer brings kayaking and sailing. From wine country villages to historic lakeside communities, these towns each offer a unique Finger Lakes experience, sharing a welcoming atmosphere.
Key Takeaways
- The Finger Lakes region features 11 glacier-carved lakes in upstate New York.
- Small towns in the area offer diverse attractions, from wine tasting to outdoor activities.
- Each town provides a distinct experience, blending history, nature, and local culture.
- Year-round activities include boating, hiking, skiing, and cultural festivals.
- The region is known for its natural beauty, including clean lakes and dramatic waterfalls.
Skaneateles: A Lakeside Gem
Skaneateles sits at the northern end of its namesake lake. This lake is often called the cleanest of the Finger Lakes. Its water is so clear it provides unfiltered drinking water to Syracuse. This purity contributes to the town's appeal.
From Clift Park's pier, the water appears a striking blue. Genesee Street runs along the shoreline, featuring 19th-century buildings and local shops. The main street extends inland to the Mirbeau Inn & Spa, a French-inspired resort. This inn serves as a base for exploring the town.
Fact: Cleanest Lake
Skaneateles Lake is recognized as one of the cleanest lakes in New York, supplying drinking water without filtration to the city of Syracuse.
Mid-Lakes Navigation offers narrated cruises past wooded slopes and historic estates. Village festivals take place along the waterfront during summer and fall. The lake's calm, clear, and reflective waters define the town's pace.
Aurora: Historic Charm on Cayuga Lake
Aurora is located along the eastern edge of Cayuga Lake. Mornings here feature soft light reflecting off the water. Evenings offer quiet walks along the shore. This village is known for the Inns of Aurora.
The Inns of Aurora are a collection of 19th-century homes. They have been converted into a resort that combines historic architecture with lakeside relaxation. A short distance away, MacKenzie-Childs operates from a Victorian farm. Artisans there create handcrafted ceramics and furniture with bold, recognizable designs.
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is one of the oldest wine trails in the United States, established in 1983. It features numerous wineries offering tastings and scenic views around the lake.
For outdoor activities, Long Point State Park provides a small beach, shaded trails, and lake access. Aurora is also a prime location for wine tasting. Many wineries are part of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. These wineries are situated around the lake or in the countryside, providing unique settings for enjoying local wines.
Trumansburg: Waterfalls and Wilderness
Trumansburg is nestled in the western hills of Cayuga Lake. It is a small village known for its scenic beauty. The town features 19th-century architecture. Main Street showcases Italianate cornices and brick storefronts, giving the area a distinct character.
Gimme! Coffee, located centrally, serves strong brews. It has a quiet creekside patio, a popular spot for locals when weather permits. A few blocks away, the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts hosts music events. These events occur inside an 1851 Greek Revival church, with stained glass providing a unique backdrop.
"The Finger Lakes region offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural depth. Each town provides a different perspective on this stunning area," noted a local tourism official.
Just outside the village, Taughannock Falls State Park presents a dramatic natural scene. It features a 215-foot waterfall that drops into a gorge taller than Niagara Falls. On the opposite side, the Finger Lakes National Forest provides rolling pastures and forested trails.
Penn Yan: A Blend of Cultures and Waterways
Penn Yan's name reflects its origins: part Pennsylvania, part Yankee. This blend of roots remains evident in its atmosphere. The town is located at Keuka Lake's northeastern tip. The Keuka Outlet river and its accompanying trail run through the town. They pass waterfalls and stone ruins, creating a natural soundtrack of rushing water.
Main Street features historic brick storefronts. Seneca Farms is a local favorite, known for its fried chicken and homemade ice cream. A short walk leads to Indian Pines Park, which opens onto the lake. It offers a sandy swimming area and open skies.
Did You Know?
The Windmill Farm & Craft Market in Penn Yan is one of the largest craft markets in the Finger Lakes, drawing thousands of visitors each weekend during its season.
For a colorful local experience, the Windmill Farm & Craft Market operates each weekend through late fall. It sells Amish quilts, cheese, and produce. This market connects the area's agricultural heritage with its relaxed present.
Watkins Glen: Racing and Gorges
Watkins Glen is situated at the southern tip of Seneca Lake. Water gently laps against its downtown area. Clute Memorial Park provides a great spot for swimming or walking between downtown and Seneca Harbor Pier House. Nearby docks offer seasonal lake cruises, ranging from sunset sails to small-group tours.
Watkins Glen State Park is central to the village. Glen Creek flows through a 400-foot-deep gorge, creating 19 waterfalls along the 2.2-mile Gorge Trail. Visitors can walk under Cavern Cascade, pause at Rainbow Falls, or climb stairs to view Central Cascade closely.
Watkins Glen International
Watkins Glen International is a historic motorsport road course. It has hosted Formula One, NASCAR, and IndyCar races, attracting fans from around the world.
Beyond nature, Watkins Glen International is located minutes from town. It is known for its world-class racing events. These events bring excitement to the area throughout the year.
Geneva: Lakefront City with History
Geneva is a small city on the northern edge of Seneca Lake. Its historic streets meet the deep blue waters of the Finger Lakes. Belhurst Castle, located directly on the lakeshore, attracts visitors with its Old-World architecture, wine tastings, and spa. An adjacent pier provides boat access for lake excursions.
Seneca Lake State Park stretches along the city's eastern limits. It features beaches, hiking trails, marinas, and a disc golf course. Downtown, Linden Street becomes lively on weekend nights. Traffic is closed off, allowing for live music, outdoor dining, and strolling between the Smith Opera House, historic row houses on South Main Street, and local coffee shops.
- Belhurst Castle: Historic lakeside castle offering accommodation, dining, and wine tasting.
- Seneca Lake State Park: Public park with recreational facilities along the lake.
- Linden Street: Downtown hub for dining, entertainment, and cultural events.
Fishing enthusiasts know Geneva as the "Lake Trout Capital of the World." The National Lake Trout Derby attracts anglers from across the continent every Memorial Day weekend.
Montour Falls: Waterfalls on Main Street
Montour Falls is home to Shequaga Falls, a 165-foot waterfall that dramatically plunges at the end of Main Street. Catharine Creek flows through the village. The falls cascade into a green park, ideal for picnics and relaxation. North of town, Havana Glen Park offers trails, pavilions, and a playground.
Eagle Cliff Falls is a short distance away. It is a secluded waterfall with a quiet charm, appealing to those seeking serenity. History is also a strong presence in Montour Falls. The Brick Tavern Museum provides insight into the village's past, including its origins as the home of Queen Catherine Montour.
Ithaca: Gorges, Waterfalls, and Academia
Ithaca stretches along Cayuga Lake's southern shore. Gorges carve dramatic paths through the city. More than 150 waterfalls are found in wooded areas and city streets. A good starting point is Ithaca Falls, a 150-foot cascade with a natural pool. The Cascadilla Gorge Trail connects downtown to Cornell University's campus.
Cornell University itself is a prominent feature. Its Botanic Gardens and Johnson Museum of Art offer green spaces and striking architecture. South Hill Cider, just outside downtown, combines orchard views with handcrafted cider in a serene setting. For more outdoor immersion, Buttermilk Falls State Park features its 165-foot namesake waterfall at the entrance. Trails wind past summer swimming holes and shaded picnic areas.
Impressive Statistics
Ithaca boasts over 150 waterfalls within a 10-square-mile radius, making it a unique destination for natural beauty.
Canandaigua: Arts, Dining, and Lake Views
In Canandaigua, the City Pier extends into Canandaigua Lake. It is a popular spot for walks, sunset viewing, and live music. The lake reflects the soft evening light. Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park is nearby. It features a 40-room Queen Anne mansion and nine themed gardens spread over 50 acres. The park also hosts the Finger Lakes Wine Center, offering local wine tastings.
South of downtown, Kershaw Park borders the lakefront. It includes a beach, picnic pavilions, walkways, and a public dock. Beyond its natural beauty, Canandaigua has a vibrant arts and dining scene. Downtown features over 100 shops, galleries, and unique dining experiences. The Lake House on Canandaigua offers luxurious stays with amenities like restaurants and a spa, placing guests close to the action.
Seneca Falls: History and Hollywood
Seneca Falls blends cinematic nostalgia with significant history. The Women's Rights National Historic Park is central to the village. It commemorates the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention, the first women's rights convention in the United States. The park includes the Wesleyan Chapel, where the convention took place, and the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House, home of a key movement figure.
A short walk leads to the It's a Wonderful Life Museum. This museum celebrates the village's connection to the 1946 film. The town also hosts an annual "It's A Wonderful Life" Festival, drawing fans globally. The village is near the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and the Seneca River, part of the larger Finger Lakes system. This combination of history, film legacy, and nature makes Seneca Falls a notable destination.
Corning: Glass, Art, and Riverfront
Corning is a hub of creativity and history along the Chemung River in Steuben County. The Corning Museum of Glass is a major downtown attraction. It showcases centuries of glassmaking through live demonstrations and workshops. A short walk away, the Rockwell Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, displays American art and Native American pieces in the former City Hall.
Downtown, the Gaffer District extends along Market Street. It features brick storefronts, galleries, and artisan shops. The Centerway Clock Tower marks the neighborhood's heart. Nature is also accessible from Corning. The Spencer Crest Nature Center, south of the city, covers 250 acres with trails, ponds, and woodlands.
The Finger Lakes Name Origin
The Finger Lakes are named for their distinctive long, narrow shape, resembling fingers, which were formed by glacial erosion during the last Ice Age.
The Finger Lakes region is defined by its 11 bodies of water. From Ithaca's thundering waterfalls to Corning's glasswork legacy, Geneva's lakefront sunsets, and Seneca Falls' historic streets, each town offers a unique spark. Together, they create a region where beauty and character meet, whether in a vineyard, a canal-side stroll, or a lively downtown. These towns form the core of what makes the Finger Lakes a memorable destination.
