Cooperstown, a quiet and charming village, is most popular for its National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. It is nestled in the Catskill Mountains and at the southern tip of Otsego Lake, offering a variety of recreational opportunities.
The small, picturesque settlement was founded in 1786. It has beautiful architecture and many old buildings scattered around. There are many fine museums within the city, including exquisite art galleries and the Glimmerglass Op. These add to their appeal.
You can also bike and hike around the lake after learning everything you need to about baseball. Its sparkling surface is also ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming.
12. Hyde Hall
The huge Hyde Hall estate, which is architecturally important, can be found along Otsego Lake’s northeastern shore. It is now a museum and its exquisitely decorated rooms can be enjoyed with the grand gardens outside.
It was once the most expensive private residence in America. The estate was constructed by George Clarke, a wealthy landowner. Many people enjoy the unique mix of Federal, Palladian and Neo-Classical features that it has been designed by Philip Hooker.
The English estate boasts more than 50 rooms, many of which are furnished with period items and authentic artifacts. It includes dining and drawing areas, as well as servants’ quarters and entertainment areas. You can walk around the Glimmerglass State Park where it is located and then cross the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge.
11. Cooperstown Farmers Market
FlickrThe Cooperstown Farmers Market is a colorful, chaotic event that takes place in town every Saturday. It is a lot of fun to browse, with countless stands and vendors laden full of all types of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods and cheeses.
Over thirty vendors, artisans, and farmers have been selling their goods and art at the market since 1991. Visitors can find everything they need, from jams, breads, and pottery to handcrafted jewellery and wax candles. There are many snack and coffee stalls scattered around, so you can stop by for something to drink or a bite.
The market also hosts live music on Tuesdays during the summer months, which runs from July to September.
10. Abner Doubleday Field
DreamstimeIt is just one stone away from the famous Abner Doubleday field, which is known to be the “birthplace” of baseball. It is a beautiful venue with a intimate feel and a historic look that makes it a wonderful place to see a game, whether it’s played by retired or amateur legends.
You can feel the park’s rich history as you walk up to its brick entry. It dates back to around 1920. You can take in the magnificent views from its grandstands of the players and pitch.
It is well-known throughout the country by fans of baseball and the Hall of Fame nearby if you’re interested in this popular spectator sport.
9. Museum of Baseball Wax
collectionlaw / FlickrFans who are particularly passionate about baseball may want to visit the Baseball Wax Museum, which features over 30 famous wax characters in historic settings. This family-friendly attraction is located along Main Street in the Village, just a few blocks from the Hall of Fame.
It is the only museum in its type anywhere on earth. The life-size replicas of iconic Hollywood stars, as well as hard-hitting heroes such Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth, are displayed. They include Marilyn Monroe, Abbott and Costello. There are also striking scenes from Field of Dreams and A League of Their Own that often play in the background.
You can now try your luck in the virtual reality batting cage after watching some of the ‘bloopers” from baseball history.
8. Smithy Gallery
Smithy GalleryJust a few blocks from Main Street is the Smithy Gallery, with its huge sculpture garden. It is one of the best cultural institutions in town. The three floors contain incredible paintings, photographs, and pottery. Classes and concerts are regularly held.
It was established in 1957 in Cooperstown to foster an appreciation of the arts. It was built by Judge William Cooper in 1786. Today, the walls are alive with activity as tourists and locals alike visit the museum to take classes and enjoy concerts.
You can also visit the beautiful gardens and take part in workshops led by friendly, experienced instructors.
7. Glimmerglass Opera
DreamstimeApart from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the Glimmerglass Op, the most popular reason people visit the village for vacation is the amazing Glimmerglass Orchestra. Every year the packed season attracts thousands of people with its rare and lesser-known works.
It is the second largest festival of its type in America and has presented four top-quality productions each summer since 1975. The intimate Alice Busch Opera Theater is tucked away on the northern shores of Otsego Lake. It’s a great place to see a spectacular show.
Operagoers have a great view of all the performances from every seat and balcony. Guests can stroll the beautiful grounds and take in the stunning views over the lake before and after the opera, or during intermission.
6. Otsego Lake
(c) ShutterstockCooperstown lies along the southern shoreline of Otsego Lake. It is nearly impossible not to spend some time at Otsego Lake. You can swim, fish, and even boat, but you also have the option to bike or hike around the beautiful parks and natural points along the lake.
It was formed millennia back by slow-moving glaciers. The lake stretches nearly eight miles long with many bays, inlets, and beaches along its coastlines. It is also the biggest lake in the United States, and has been an integral part of the local economy for many years. Both residents and visitors can enjoy its beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures.
Visitors can relax on the waterfront, rent a boat, or just enjoy the view from the marina. They also have the opportunity to explore Hyde Hall and the Glimmerglass Op, which all border Otsego Lake.
5. Fenimore Art Museum
(c) DreamstimeThe Fenimore Art Museum has many more artifacts, exhibits, and artworks. It overlooks Otsego Lake and features a huge collection of fine folk art, photographs, landscape paintings and rare books.
It was established impressively in 1899 and now occupies the ex-neogeorgian farmhouse that belonged to the famous author. You can browse hundreds of antique Native American art and objects in the light-filled galleries. There are also photographs, portraits, and paintings from earlier times.
After you have explored the mansion’s richly decorated interior, it is possible to wander the grounds of the museum and take in the view over the sparkling lake.
4. Brewery Ommegang
(c) ShutterstockBrewery Ommegang’s Belgian-style beer is the perfect way to unwind after all of the sights, events and shows. You can enjoy tastings and tours at the farmstead, which is located ten minutes south of town.
It has been producing IPAs, abbey beer, and limited edition brews since 1997. You can visit the site and see its modern production lines. After that, enjoy some delicious beers.
In addition to enjoying amazing craft beers and the relaxed atmosphere, visitors can also listen and enjoy live music and sample some delicious food and snacks.
3. Main Street
DreamstimeMain Street, the heart of town is lined with dozens of shops and restaurants. Most of Cooperstown’s major attractions are either right next to or along it. It is the place where people go to shop, eat, and have fun in Cooperstown.
It runs parallel to the lakeshore and is located just a few blocks from Otsego Lake. The route crosses the Susquehanna River in its eastern end. Along the street’s length, there are a variety of restaurants and shops selling fine jewelry. There is also an assortment of unique boutiques.
You can walk to both the Baseball Wax Museum and the Hall of Fame. The Smithy Gallery and Abner Doubleday field are also within walking distance.
2. Farmers’ Museum
(c) ShutterstockThe magnificent Farmers’ Museum is located right next to Otsego Lake’s Fenimore Art Museum. The museum reflects rural life in the area during the 19th century. It features costumed craftsmen and interpreters who transport visitors back to that time.
The large living history museum was opened for the first time in 1944. It occupies land once owned by James Cooper. There are forty beautiful old buildings scattered throughout its vast site. They include a blacksmith, doctor’s office and general store that house over 23,000 artifacts.
You can also see live demonstrations of many trades, and the age-old methods used in them.
1. National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
c) ShutterstockThe National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is the main reason most people visit the village. It is located on Main Street and houses a huge collection of exhibits and artifacts about past managers, players, umpires, and executives.
It was built in 1936 as a tourist attraction to this town, following the Great Depression. The museum preserves the history of the sport and honours those who served the game well. There are many engaging displays on both the minor and major leagues. You will find thousands of helmets, bats and other trophies displayed on its three floors.
You can find your favourite players in the massive hall of fame and read about bigger-than-life heroes like Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth and Minnie Minoso. Enjoy some of the interactive games, then stop by the gift shop to purchase some souvenirs of your visit to Cooperstown.
Map of Things To Do in Cooperstown NY
Faqs
– Stephen Carlton Clark.
– Nancy Dupree.
– Omar D. Conger.
– George W. Morell.
– Robert Sterling Clark.
— Allow yourself five days in Cooperstown to take in the museums, visit a cider mill, and skim a canoe across the lustrous nine-mile-long Otsego Lake that James Fenimore Cooper dubbed Glimmerglass in his most famous book, “The Last of the Mohicans.”27-Sept-2015
The Hall’s motto is “Preserving History, Honoring Excellence, Connecting Generations”. Cooperstown is often used as shorthand (or a metonym) for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, similar to “Canton” for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
the National Baseball Hall of Fame
Cooper established the village of Cooperstown in 1786, laid out by surveyor William Ellison. At the time, the area was part of Montgomery County. It was incorporated as the “Village of Otsego” on April 3, 1807. The name was changed to “Village of Cooperstown” June 12, 1812, after the founder.
The charming village of Cooperstown boasts gorgeous views of Otsego Lake, quaint shops, fascinating museums, delicious bites and of course, lots of baseball! We’ve rounded up a few must-visit sites for tourists (& Albany locals) that are definitely worth the drive to Cooperstown.27-Jun-2018