Things to do

13 Things To Do In Cooperstown NY

The Farmer's Museum standing all quiet after the end of regular season with arrival of October. Picture credit to Rob Montecalvo
Source : instagram

Things to do in Cooperstown New York include touring some best museums and exploring outdoor adventures. Cooperstown has a lot to offer to the travelers.

From relishing craft beverages to exploring natural attractions like Howe Caverns, there are plenty of exciting things for you to do in the village, no matter your age.

Cooperstown stands approximately 145 miles northwest of New York City and 60 miles southeast of Albany. It has many tourist attractions for solo travelers, couples, and families.

Especially for those, who prefer snowy winter destinations, this is the one you should google right now, as the freezing temperature is observed almost every month except July.

To make your planning even more accessible, here is the checklist of things you can try to experience the best of Cooperstown, NY.

1. Take Your Kids To The Farmer's Museum

The Farmers Museum in Cooperstown New York has something for young and aged visitors. It is one of the famous attractions of the town.

The sister organization of Fenimore Art Museum opened in 1944 to the public, around two decades after the establishment of the modern complex.

Entrance of the Farmer's Museum, decorated during the Harvest Festival
Source : facebook

The museum is home to a hand-crafted amusement ride that celebrates the history and culture of New York State. Similarly, it recreates rural life from the 19th century through interactive workshops and exhibits.

While there are over 23,000 artifacts reflecting the farm life of the 19th century, the museum also includes skilled manpower printing real documents, like cloth weaving, hinges production, and so on. Knowledge craftsperson is available to enlight about the trades.

2. Relish Green Golly Concert

Things to do in Cooperstown NY this weekend definitely comprises the Green Golly Concert. The event is especially for kids.

Even if you are an adult fan of the folk tale "Rapunzel," go with your kids to relish the event. It will start sharp at 11 am on Saturday, June 8, and conclude within an hour.

Strawberry Hall is hosting the Green Golly Concert on June 8
Source : facebook

The concert is sponsored by Friend of the Worcester-Schenevus Library to introduce the kids to classical music.

Entrance: Free

Location: Strawberry Hall, Worcester Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street

If you have children from age group 3 to 6, "Dinosaur Invasion 2" is also airing on June 8 at the same time as above. Oneonta World of Learning is organizing the event at 167 Youngs Road Oneonta. Tickets will cost $12.51 per person.

3. Enjoy A Boat Tour Of Otsego Lake

Things to do around Cooperstown New York include the boat tour of a nine-mile-long lake. Otsego Lake is the centerpiece of Cooperstown.

Otsego is the source of the mighty Susquehanna River and the largest lake in the County. It is surrounded by the Village of Cooperstown, Glimmerglass State Park, Hyde Hall, and Glimmerglass Opera.

Boats on standby at the green banks of the Otsego Lake
Source : tripadvisor

A boat tour around the narrow yet wonderful beauty of nature with stunning views and surroundings could be all you might be asking for. Moreover, you can give a try to fishing and swimming at Three Mile Point.

Lakefront Park can be the best spot to overlook the sight of the lake. It is accessed by Pioneer Street, Lake Street, or Fish Road. If you are in the area in the summer, you will get to rejoice in musical concerts.

4. Take A Trip To Glimmerglass State Park

Glimmerglass State Park can be the best spot for Cooperstown New York camping. The park offers varieties of amenities and activities around.

Created in 1963, the state park is open all year round. It is located at Hyde Bay on the seat shore of Otsego Lake. 

Glimmerglass State Park is open 365 days for the tourists and local guest
Source : facebook

The park offers a campground with a tent for visitors. It costs around $15 to $25 per night. Along with camping and picnicking, you can also go on a hike.

Sleeping Lion Trail is one of the best places for hiking in the park. Also, you can enjoy swimming on the beach, fishing, ice skating, and nature programs.

Address: 1527 County Highway 31

5. Shop At Cooperstown Farmers' Market

Cooperstown Farmers' Market is one of the popular marketplaces known for Cooperstown, New York shopping. Here you can enjoy the diverse local bounty.

It is an open Saturday year-round market that offers fresh seasonal products like handmade bread, artisan cheeses, honey, grains, plants, gift items, and many more.

Gifts item like biscotti trays, cups and canisters from Terracotta Republic, available in the Farmer's Market
Source : facebook

All these goods are collected from the producers, artisans, and growers within 50 miles of Cooperstown. The farmers organize musical events from 10 am to 2 pm to make the market more happening. 

Location: 101 Main Street in Pioneer Alley

Contact: +1 607-547-6195

Opening Time:

  • January to April; 10 am to 2 pm
  • May to December: 9 am to 2 pm
  • Summer Tuesday Market: 12 am to 4 pm

6. Attend An Exhibition At National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

The museum in Cooperstown that serves as the central point of the history of baseball in the U.S. is the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Following the motto " Preserving History, Honoring Excellence, " the museum has displayed baseball-related artifacts and exhibits since 1939. 

Grandstand Theater featured live broadcast of the MLB All-Star Game 2023
Source : facebook

On the first floor, you see baseball at the Movies, Bullpen Theater, Inductee Row, Perez-Steele Art Gallery, Plaque Gallery, Sandlot Kids Clubhouse, and Education Gallery.

Likewise, the second floor of the building features Grandstand Theater, The Game, Whole New Ballgame, and Today's Game. The third floor is for Autumn Glory, Library with inductee database, and Sacred Ground.

7. Explore Fenimore Art Museum

One of the Cooperstown attractions is Fenimore Art Museum, which you can't miss visiting while in the area. It is closely associated with the Famer's Museum.

Otsega Lake facing museum offers a fine collection of American Art, James Fenimore Cooper memorabilia, and historic photographs of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Source : facebook

The museum aims to connect visitors with American and New York State cultural heritage. For that, they organize public programs and exhibitions.

Exhibitions 2023:

  • M.C Escher: Infinite Variation (May 27-September 4)
  • Day to Night: Photographs by Stephen Wilkes ( May 20-September 10)
  • Randy Johnson: Storytelling with Photographs (April 1-September 17)

8. Attend Glimmerglass Festival At Alice Busch Opera Theater

Wondering what to do in Cooperstown? Consider attending the Glimmerglass Festival at Alice Busch Opera Theater.

The theater stands on the northern bank of Lake Otsego, a fifteen-minute drive from the country's baseball capital. 918-seat opera is prominent for its innovative productions and theatrical events every summer.

Throwback to the premiere shoe of
Source : facebook

Robert Ainsley has been leading the second-largest summer opera festival since 2022. The festival consists of four productions performed in a rotating repertory each year.

For this year, the festival offers La Boheme, Candide, Romeo An ddJuliet, Rinaldo, the Rip Van Winkels, and a few more productions in the theater. The festival will start on July 7 and conclude in August.

9. Spin and Shape Clay At The Smithy

Romantic things to do in NY Cooperstown can be pottering some creativity with ceramics with your beau. The Smithy offers a wide variety of classes and workshops.

Take a block back from Main Street, and you will come across the splendid Smith Gallet and its large sculpture garden. The three-story building is filled with phenomenal paintings, photos, and ceramics.

How about getting your hands dirty while making ceramic pots on your own at The Smithy?
Source : facebook

Moreover, regular art classes and concerts are all year-round. Instructors here are friendly and well-experienced. There are plenty of class options for all age groups, so you can take your kids as well, only if you want!

Location: 55 Pioneer Street

Contact: +1 607-547-8671

Timing: 1:00 pm -4:00 pm

10. Delight In With A Sip Of Local Drink in Cooperstown Beverage Exchange

Things to do today at Cooperstown include a local beer tasting. You can visit Cooperstown Beverage Exchange to tang some authentic soft and hard beverages.

After 3 pm, the shop features handcrafted spirits, NYS Farm Craft beer, wine, and hard cider for guests at their Cocktail Lounge and bar.

Refreshing
Source : facebook

If you love the taste, you can buy more to take away from their bottle shop. Along with that, they sell New York state merchandise including wine.

Address: 73 Main Street

Contact: +1 607-282-4374

11. Traverse The Howe Caverns

Unique things to do in Cooperstown NY is stopping by the Howe Caverns. It is the second most visited natural attraction of the NY state.

Howe Cave lies around 48 meters below ground. It was discovered by a farmer named Lester Howe in May 1842. 

The private owners purchased the site in 2008 and started expanding it as a tourist attraction three years later. The cave has been open to the public since 2015. 

Beautiful manmade tunnel at Howe Cave
Source : facebook

While in the cave, you will experience the sense of spelunking in a wild cave without advanced equipment and training.

Moreover, the Caverns offer a boat ride as well. Or else, you can enjoy the 90-minute walking tour of a two-and-a-half-hour spelunking tour. Couples can choose the site as their wedding venue, as the ritual is performed atop a heart-shaped calcite formation in the cave.

12. Picnic At Brook Wood Point

What can be the things to do with family in NY more specifically in Cooperstown? How about a day picnic at Brookwood Point? 

The property hosts a diversified ecosystem, historically cultivated gardens, lakes, meadows, and fields. You can enjoy the serene views and vista while chilling on one of the picnic tables available.

One of the garden house at the Brookwood Point
Source : tripadvisor

The rentals are available if in case you plan to use the spot for days. Not to forget, the site is open to the public from April to November, from dawn until dusk. The remaining four months are closed to regular access.

Nearby Attraction:

  • Fenimore Art Museum
  • The Farmers' Museum
  • The Blue Mingo Grill
  • Hawkeye Bar and Grill

Location: West Lake Road, 6000 State Highway 80

13. Explore The Cooperstown Fun Park

Fun things to do in Cooperstown can be trying mini golf or an arcade. Cooperstown Fun Park is at your service from 11 am to 9 pm every day.

You can use the facility to organize your group events and parties. Likewise, The Rookies offers Live Music Concerts now and then.

Open-air spot for team events and chill out at Cooperstown Fun Park
Source : facebook

Other services here are go-karts, bumper boats, and batting cages. In the matter of dining, Rookie serves some delicious American eateries that you can also take away. However, you are not allowed to bring food and beverages from outside the venue.

Location: 4850 State Route 28

Contact: +1 607-547-2767

Direction: Head to the south Cooperstown from Cooperstown Village on State Route 28 for roughly three-mile and you will find the entrance on your left.