28 Best Things to do in Cooperstown, NY

When I think about things to do in Cooperstown, the first word that comes to mind is baseball. That’s because hundreds of thousands of fans descend upon this charming Upstate New York village every year to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. 

And while the Hall of Fame is an absolute must-see, be sure to leave ample time for other attractions. You can tour the Fenimore Art Museum, take a cruise on Otsego Lake, see life-sized baseball legends at the wax museum, join a candlelit ghost tour, and so much more. 

Cooperstown is located in Otsego County in Central New York, about 40 miles south of Utica. The village of under 2,000 residents was founded by William Cooper and immortalized in the literary works of his son, William Fenimore Cooper. There is history everywhere you look here—in the buildings, homes, and museums, in the village parks, and even in the ghost stories that are passed around. 

Read on for more information about the unique culture you’ll encounter and for tips on the best things to do in Cooperstown, NY. Many local attractions are seasonal, so the article is organized to reflect that. 

Year-round Things to do in Cooperstown, NY

1. Visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

There are much more avid baseball fans than I, so I was curious if I would enjoy the museum. I entered with an open mind and was not disappointed.

One exhibit I enjoyed was Picturing America’s Pastime, a collection of baseball photos that span 150 years of the sport. Another exhibit dove deep into the history of baseball, showing how it was marketed to become the most popular sport in America. A fun fact I learned was how early journalists received news of a game via Morse Code, which operators typed out on telegraphs.

I also loved Diamond Dreams: Women in Baseball, which features the stories of women who work on the business side of the sport. The exhibit also displays memorabilia from the classic movie, A League of Their Own, plus the uniforms, equipment, and photographs of the real-life women and teams who played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

Another exhibit not to be missed is Ideals & Injustices: A Chronicle of Black Baseball, which recounts the racism and segregation black baseball players historically faced. 

I also found the exhibits dedicated to Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron moving. I kept thinking they were more like shrines to the baseball greats than museum exhibits. In fact, the entire museum, especially the ground floor Plaque Gallery is one big shrine to baseball.

And finally, make sure to find your way to the museum’s Grandstand Theater to watch Generations of the Game, a short, nostalgic film that introduces visitors to the museum. The museum does an excellent job of putting the massive history of baseball into digestible, interesting displays.

For reference, I spent about 2.5 hours at the museum, however I skipped several exhibits toward the end. For passionate fans who don’t want to miss anything, I recommend planning on at least 3-4 hours. To break it up, you can spend about two hours in the morning, take a break for lunch, and then return in the afternoon for another two hours. You’ll receive a hand stamp upon entering the museum, allowing you to come and go as much as you’d like on the day of your visit.

Don’t miss the Baseball Hall of Fame. It’s one of the many unique attractions in Central New York.

• Address: 25 Main St., Cooperstown, NY

2. Sample Belgian-style Beers at Brewery Ommegang

The history of hops is closely intertwined with the history of New York State and especially Cooperstown. The region was once the hops-growing capital in North America. That means you can honor the town’s past by visiting as many breweries in Cooperstown as you can!

The gold standard for Cooperstown breweries is Ommegang, a farm brewery that’s well-known for their Belgian-style beers. Visitors can head straight to Cafe Ommegang, the on-site restaurant that serves flights, samples, and pints along with a menu of food that complements their brews.

Ommegang is set in the idyllic rolling hills of Upstate New York. They host a full line-up of summer events like live concerts, Sunday Brunch BINGO, and Firepit Fridays, where guests can sip beer and listen to live music around a bonfire.

• Address: 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown, NY

3. Have a Pint or a Flight Red Shed Brewery

Here’s another excellent brewery in Cooperstown, NY. The farm brewery produces handcrafted beers with ingredients grown locally. Customers can hang out in the tap room or outdoor beer garden and if you get snackish, the food menu offers burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers. Red Shed also hosts regular live music performances, trivia nights, and other events.

• Address: 709 County Highway 33, Cooperstown, NY

4. Follow the Cooperstown Beverage Trail

You could limit your beer crawl to only the breweries in Cooperstown, or you can widen your experience and follow the entire Cooperstown Beverage Trail.

Currently, eight craft beverage establishments make up the trail, including breweries, wineries, and a distillery. The 37-mile trail is a perfect way to not only sample locally made beverages but also to take a road trip through the heart of Central New York’s rural landscape.

5. Learn about village ghosts on a Candlelight Ghost Tour

You don’t have to be a believer to enjoy a ghost tour in Cooperstown. The downtown tour focuses on good storytelling rooted in documented history. And yes, there are stories of ghosts, but they are the stories that formed Cooperstown, making the tour a nice introduction to the village’s past, as well as its landmarks. 

We began at the Baseball Hall of Fame, where our tour guide Nate told stories about the ghost of Ted Williams, the Boston Red Sox player who died in 2002. Nate described a common belief that ghosts are attached to sentimental objects and since the Hall of Fame is full of historic baseball memorabilia, Williams continues to roam the museum, connected to the items that made him a baseball legend.

We also walked down River Street, where several homes have been inhabited at one time or another by Cooper family members. Nate had a good story for each stop, most memorably that of Jenny Cooper. Jenny died of tuberculosis in 1863 at the age of 20 and she is believed to haunt a full-length portrait of herself unless it is displayed someplace prominent.

Be aware that the entire tour takes place outside so take the weather into consideration. The terrain is relatively easy to walk on but you will be on your feet for at least 1.5 hours. 

• Reservations required. Call Bruce Markusen at 607-547-8070

TIP for book lovers: If you’re interested in Cooperstown hauntings, I recommend reading The Monsters of Templeton, a novel by Lauren Groff about growing up around ghosts. While the story is fictionalized, Groff grew up in Cooperstown and writes with such a strong sense of place that it’s easy to recognize the real-life locations where the action happens.

6. See Very Old Gravestones at Christ Church Cemetery

My favorite stop on the Candelight Ghost Tour was Christ Church Cemetery. This is the final resting place for many members of the Cooper family, including writer James Fenimore Cooper (d. 1851), his wife Susan (d. 1851), and his father William (d. 1809), founder of Cooperstown. Cooper (the son) died the day before he turned 62. His wife died just a few months later. 

In the cemetery, Nate told stories of curious, paranormal incidents that have commonly been reported. He also described how the ghosts of the Cooper family’s servants and enslaved people are believed to haunt the trees surrounding the graveyard.

Christ Church dates back to 1807 and contains many graves from the early 19th century. 

• Address: 46 River St., Cooperstown, NY

7. Step Back in Time at Council Rock Park

A significant trait that Cooperstown shares with other nearby small towns is the history of their earliest inhabitants. Members of the Iroquois Nation, which included the Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca tribes, populated much of Central New York until they were forced out or killed by European settlers and American colonialists. 

One site in Cooperstown that commemorates their existence is Council Rock Park, located on the bend where the Susquehanna River meets Otsego Lake. A boulder protrudes from the lake and is believed to mark a Native American meeting place. 

The small park is also where Revolutionary War troops, under the command of General James Clinton, filled and then broke the dam, allowing their boats to propel down the river to meet with troops in another location in order to commence an attack on the Iroquois. 

Today, visitors can take in the scenic water views and gorgeous homes along the shore. It’s the perfect place, on a nice day, to take a break from touring, perhaps with a picnic lunch. Steep stone steps lead down to the shore and benches are provided both at the top and bottom of the stairs.

• Address: 11 River St., Cooperstown, NY

8. Relax at Lakefront Park

With a wide sloping lawn that leads down to the lake shore, Lakefront Park is another scenic spot to take a break and enjoy the still waters of Otsego Lake. 

The lawn is marked by a bronze statue on top of a massive boulder. Titled Indian Hunter and created by sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward, the statue is in fact a copy of the original, which has been in Central Park in New York City since 1869. 

Benches, picnic tables, and restrooms are available. Lakefront Park is also a public boat launch site and has canoe and kayak slips. While the park is open year-round, some amenities may only be available seasonally.

• Address: 1 Pioneer St., Cooperstown, NY

9. Visit the Statue of James Fenimore Cooper

Lots of things to do in Cooperstown, NY involve encountering the Cooper family, especially Cooper Park. Located just off Main Street, this is where Otsego Hall, the manor house built by William Cooper in 1799, was located until it burned down in 1852.

The large statue of Williams’s son, James Fenimore Cooper is now the focal point. Cooper sits facing a view of the lake, much as he did when he was alive and resided in the mansion. 

• Address: 65 Fair St., Cooperstown, NY

10. Hit the Shops on Main Street

The shops on Main Street contain all the souvenirs you’d expect from a baseball town, but there’s plenty of shopping for non-baseball lovers, too! I loved the unique gifts and fresh fudge at Tin Bin Alley. Kate’s Upstate has not only the perfect name but also stylish clothes, accessories, and gifts. Silver Fox Gift Shop is the place to go for Cooperstown souvenirs like coffee mugs, wine glasses, bags, and T-shirts. 

11. Stay at a Historic Inn Built in 1874

In a town so steeped in the past, it’s no surprise that the inns and resorts have stories, too.

So far, The Inn at Cooperstown is my favorite of all Cooperstown bed-and-breakfasts. The inn was built in 1874 as part of the upscale Fenimore Hotel. It was designed by Henry J. Hardenbergh, the same architect who designed the Dakota Apartments and Plaza Hotel in New York City. The Fenimore Hotel became the Inn at Cooperstown in 1985. 

Conveniently located just off Main Street, everything about the inn is comfortable and beautifully decorated. What I loved most was the friendly and helpful innkeepers and staff. And of course, who doesn’t love a wide Victorian front porch lined with comfortable rocking chairs?! A bicycle room is also available for those traveling with their bikes. 

• Address: 16 Chestnut St., Cooperstown, NY

12. Splurge on a Night at The Otesaga Resort Hotel

The high-end choice of Cooperstown hotels is The Otesaga Resort Hotel. It opened in 1909 and has been owned by the same family since its inception. 

I recommend staying here if you desire a lakefront resort vacation. Guests have access to the hotel’s private dock to launch their own canoes and kayaks. Lake and pool swimming are also possible (seasonally), and bicycles are available to rent. The world-class Leatherstocking Golf Course is located on the grounds. After a day of activity, Hawkeye Spa offers massages and facials. There are also several upscale restaurants in the hotel. 

Guests who are interested in Cooperstown’s ghostly incidents will be happy to know that strange phenomenon has occurred here, too, including the sounds of children running in the hallway and several staff members hearing their names called when no one else was around. 

The Otesaga is about a 10-minute walk from Main Street. 

• Address: 60 Lake St., Cooperstown, NY

13. Take a Self-Guided Tour of Historic Homes

Every list of things to do in Cooperstown, NY should allow plenty of time to wander somewhat aimlessly, checking out the many historic homes around the village.

A devastating fire ravaged Cooperstown on April 10, 1862, destroying many buildings. However, plenty of historic homes and structures remain scattered around the village. Several of the homes are part of the Candlelight Ghost Tour, so I again recommend booking a tour if historic homes interest you. 

Or, if you are into James Fenimore Cooper and his novels, check out “A Bicentennial Guide of Sites in Otsego County Associated with the Life and Fiction of James Fenimore Cooper” (1989) by Hugh Cooke MacDougall. 

One historic building to check out is The Smithy. Built in 1786 by William Cooper, it’s the oldest building in the village and is now a gallery and clay studio. Located at 55 Pioneer Street.

Another is 1790 House (pictured above). An example of the early Federal Style, this is the oldest residential house in Cooperstown. Located at 12 Main Street.

And finally, don’t miss Pomeroy Place. William Cooper built it in 1804 as a wedding gift for his daughter Ann and her husband George. Their initials are carved into the herringbone pattern on the side of the house. Located at the corner of Main and River Streets.

14. Dine at one of the Fabulous Restaurants in Cooperstown

There is no shortage of fresh good food in this town. Here are some Cooperstown restaurants we have enjoyed. Note that some are open seasonally.

• Schneider’s Bakery–A staple in Cooperstown since 1887. They open nice and early and serve coffee and freshly baked doughnuts, bagels, cookies, and pastries. 157 Main St.
• Stagecoach Coffee–Great coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. 31 Pioneer St. #2
• Cooperstown Diner–A little nugget of a café serving up hearty breakfast and lunch dishes. 136 Main St.
• Doubleday Café–Everything you want pub food to be, including steaks, burgers, and local beers on tap. Open seasonally. 93 Main St.
• Nicoletta’s Italian Café–Italian-American staples and a large wine list, served in a romantic setting. 96 Main St.
• Mel’s at 22–Fresh take on classic American dishes served in a relaxing environment. 22 Chestnut St.
• Bocca Osteria–The spot for Naples-style pizza in Cooperstown. Order an in-house specialty or create your own concoction. 5438 NY-28
• The Hawkeye Bar & Grill–Located in the Otesaga Hotel, this is the place to go for a special dinner. 60 Lake St.
• Origins Café–This is one of those places I would go back to again and again if I lived nearby. The outdoor garden setting has made its way indoors, so guests are surrounded by lush greenery in a friendly, peaceful setting. All dishes are created with locally-sourced ingredients. Open seasonally. 558 Beaver Meadow Rd.
• The Blue Mingo Grill–Located at Sam Smith’s Boatyard and popular for their dishes made with locally-sourced fare and fresh seafood. Open seasonally. 6098 NY-80

15. Browse Fresh Goods at the Cooperstown Farmer’s Market

With the sheer number of farms that surround the village, the Cooperstown Farmer’s Market is guaranteed to be good. Expect to find fresh produce, locally made cheeses, homemade breads, fresh honey and maple syrup, artisan crafts, and so much more. Open year-round every Saturday.

• Address: 101 Main St. (Pioneer Alley), Cooperstown, NY

Seasonal Things to do in Cooperstown, NY

16. Fenimore Art Museum

It goes without saying that a Cooperstown museum named after the famous author, located on the grounds where he once lived, would exhibit works of art featuring family members. And sure enough, the Cooper Room on the ground floor contains busts, drawings, and watercolors that depict members of the Cooper family as well as characters from James Fenimore Cooper’s iconic series of novels known as the Leatherstocking Tales.

As for other exhibits, don’t miss The Thaw Collection of American Art, which contains hundreds of works of American Indian Art. On display are clothing and bags decorated with intricate glass beadwork, masks made of wood and owl feathers, and skillfully carved pipes, sculptures, and wooden utensils, all made by Native American artists. 

I also enjoyed the paintings by Hudson River School artists, several of whom were acquainted with Cooper and who were influenced by his detailed descriptions of New York’s rugged wilderness in novels such as The Last of the Mohicans.

Housed inside a grand Neo-Georgian structure and located on the shores of Otsego Lake, the building and grounds alone are worth a visit to the Fenimore Art Museum. If it’s a nice day, be sure to step outside onto the beautifully landscaped terrace with clear views to the lake. 

• Address: 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY
• Closed for the winter. Reopens April 1.

17. The Farmer’s Museum

Located just across the street from the Fenimore Art Museum, these two Cooperstown museums are easy to visit in one day.

Like the museum across the street, The Farmer’s Museum also sits on land once owned by James Fenimore Cooper. He ran a farm on the sprawling landscape beginning in 1813 and though it has changed hands many times since then, it has never ceased being a working farm. 

First, check out the Main Barn, an imposing stone building that hosts rotating exhibits about the region’s rural heritage.

Then, step out the back door of the Main Barn and take a ride on the Empire State Carousel, a work of art featuring images of famous New Yorkers and saddles that depict animals found in New York State.

Beyond the carousel is the Historic Village, where visitors can step back in time in the general store, the blacksmith, and the tavern. There’s also the Lippitt Farmstead, which recreates a working 19th century farm, complete with farm animals and vegetable gardens, as well as the Lippitt Family Farmhouse. 

The Farmer’s Museum deeply explores New York’s agricultural heart, and while baseball may be Cooperstown’s religion, its rural heritage laid the village’s foundation. The museum is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Cooperstown.

• Address: 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY
• Closed for the winter. Reopens April 1.

18. Otsego Lake

Take a Cooperstown boat tour on Otsego Lake or rent a kayak and create your own water sport adventure! 

The Glimmerglass Queen Tour Boat Company runs seasonal tours beginning in May. You can also rent pontoon, passenger, and fishing boats, as well as kayaks and paddle boards. 

One landmark to look for if you’re on a boat is Kingfisher Tower, a mini-castle on Lake Otsego. It was built in 1876 by Edward S. Clarke, who wanted to provide a romantic landmark that the public could enjoy. The Gothic Revival mini-castle stands at 60 feet tall. Kingfisher Tower is not accessible to the public. The best way to see it up close is by boat.  

• Boat Tour Season: May-October

19. Meet Your Heroes at the Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum

If you’ve come to Cooperstown for the baseball, be sure to visit your heroes in the form of realistic, life-sized wax figures. You’ll see the greats like Jackie Robinson, Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth. You may even spot some unexpected figures like Abbott and Costello and the cast from A League of Their Own. With more than 40 wax heroes, plus a virtual reality batting cage and a Baseball Bloopers Theatre, there’s something for the whole family!

• Address: 99 Main St., Cooperstown, NY
• Open from Memorial Day (late May) to Labor Day (early September)

20. Catch a Ballgame at Doubleday Field

Check out the birthplace of baseball at Abner Doubleday Field, just two blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

The plot of land where Doubleday Field now sits was purchased in 1838 by Elihu Phinney. Two years later, a West Point cadet named Abner Doubleday played the first game of baseball on the land. Though the question of who actually invented the game is debated among scholars of the sport, the Hall of Fame recognizes Doubleday as the creator of the game of baseball. 

The best way to visit Doubleday Field is to attend an event like the annual Hall of Fame Classic, a baseball game between teams that are made up of Hall of Famers and other retired major league players. Concerts and other baseball events also take place here. Doubleday Field is available to rent. 

• Address: 1 Doubleday Ct., Cooperstown, NY

21. Visit Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard

Disclosure: Please note this section contains an affiliate link, which means, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission if you make a purchase. Be assured that I only recommend products and companies I use and trust.

Ever tried a hard cider slushie? 

Sample that and more at Fly Creek Cider Mill, which was established in 1856 and is located about 10 minutes from Cooperstown. The mill, located on the banks of Fly Creek, is a licensed New York State Farm Winery, a status that enables them to produce hard cider and wines like Apple Cherry, Apple Black Currant, and Apple Cranberry. They also make fresh sweet cider with an 1889 water-hydraulic press. All products are made at Fly Creek Mill with fresh New York State apples. 

The historic water-powered mill is a destination unto itself. Visitors can watch the ducks and geese glide across Mill Pond, which is the source of Fly Creek’s water power. You can also tour an exhibit in the Cider Gallery called Power, Process, and Popularity to learn more about how cider is made. The Mill Marketplace sells specialty food products like cheese, fudge, dips, and dressings. The tasting room offers wine, hard cider, and beer. Fly Creek is a participating member of the Cooperstown Beverage Trail. 

• Address: 288 Goose St., Fly Creek, NY
• Closed for the winter. Opens May 12, 2023

TIP: Book a private, in-depth tour of Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard with mill owner Bill Michaels. Tour price includes a signed cookbook written by Michaels, alcoholic beverages, and one $50 gift card per group, applicable at Fly Creek Cider Mill. Check availability.

22. Drive or Bike Around Otsego Lake

See an interactive version of the above map.

The distance around Otsego Lake is just 16 miles, making a round trip short enough to tour by bicycle or car. Whether you bike or drive, you’ll experience the mix of natural beauty and history surrounding the lake. 

You can drive non-stop and take in the scenery or make stops at points of interest along the way. Read on for more about things to do around Lake Otsego.

23. Hike to Natty Bumpoo’s Cave

Located just north of Main Street, Natty Bumppo’s Cave is a 1.9-mile out and back hiking trail. Though steep in some places, you’ll be rewarded with views of the surrounding rugged landscape and Otsego Lake. Look for a parking lot with a blue historical marker that shows the spot where “Leatherstocking rescued Chingachgook from flames…” in James Fenimore Cooper’s 1823 novel Pioneer.

• Address: 315-309 County Road 31, Cooperstown, NY

24. Hike, Swim, Fish, and Kayak at Glimmerglass State Park

Six miles north of Natty Bumpoo’s cave is Glimmerglass State Park which, as a summer destination, would take a weekend at minimum to see all the sights. However, it’s worthwhile to stop for only a few hours and take in what you can. The amenities available are typical of a state park, including a swimming beach and restrooms. Three covered pavilions are available to rent for the day. There are also 50 campsites and a boat launch for non-motorized boats.

Interested in kayaking in Cooperstown? Kayak rentals are available with Canoe & Kayak Rental and Sales. 

There are also several hiking trails within state park grounds. Sleeping Lion Trail is a moderate 2.4-mile trail with lake views as a reward, while Beaver Pond Trail is a flat .7-mile walk around a scenic pond. 

Glimmerglass State Park is open year-round, but many activities and amenities are only available seasonally.

• Address: 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY

25. See Hyde Hall Mansion and Hyde Hall Covered Bridge

Hyde Hall Mansion is located in Glimmerglass State Park and open for seasonal tours. The country estate was conceived of by George Clarke. Construction took place from 1817 to 1834. The mansion was built with a combination of English and American architectural features and is considered one of the most striking examples of Neoclassical design in the U.S.

Hyde Hall Mansion is also the site where the full-length portrait of Jenny Cooper (full name: Jane Storrs Cooper Worthington) hangs. As Nate informed us on our ghost tour, Jenny haunts the painting if it isn’t hung in a place of importance. Its current home in Hyde Hall Mansion seems to appease her ghost.

Don’t miss Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, which was built in 1825 by Clarke as part of his estate. The pedestrian-only bridge crosses Shadow Brook and is the oldest known covered bridge in the U.S. Hyde Hall Covered Bridge is also within Glimmerglass State Park, located about one mile southeast of the mansion.

• Address: 267 Glimmerglass State Park Rd. Cooperstown, NY
• Open May-October.

26. Have Lunch at Sunflower Cafe

Sunflower Café is a cheerful little spot that stands out like a bright ray of sunshine. I stopped in on the very first day they opened for the season, and I loved the enthusiasm and kindness I was greeted with by the owner. Sunflower Café serves breakfast and lunch, and is perfect if you’ve worked up an appetite after visiting Glimmerglass State Park.

• Address: 7629 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY

27. Attend the Glimmerglass Festival

Near the northwest tip of Otsego Lake, you’ll find the site of the famous Glimmerglass Festival, which draws opera fans from around the world every summer for their world-class music performances. The 2023 season will feature classics like Puccini’s La Bohème, Voltaire’s Candide, and much more. The Glimmerglass Festival takes place throughout the summer.

• Address: 7300 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY

28. Three Mile Point and Brookwood Point

Further down the shore from the Glimmerglass Festival, you’ll find Three Mile Point, a small public park where visitors can picnic and swim (a small fee is charged during the summer). Just a little bit past Three Mile Point on the opposite side of the road, that historical mansion you see up on a hill is none other than the Anheuser-Busch estate. The 12,000 square foot mansion set on 18 acres is currently for sale for $6.5 million. 

Keep heading south to Brookwood Point, whose grounds are made up of landscaped gardens, easy walking trails, and a boat launch for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Kayak rentals are available with Canoe & Kayak Rental and Sales. 

Accommodations in Cooperstown

Disclosure: Please note this section contains affiliate links, which means, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission if you make a purchase. Be assured that I only recommend products and companies I use and trust.

Above I mentioned two excellent choices on where to stay: The Inn at Cooperstown (#10) and The Otesaga Resort Hotel (#11). Here are a few more highly rated hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in Cooperstown.

• The Railroad Inn-Originally a feed mill built in 1890, the inn has been remodeled and is now one very chic boutique hotel with an outdoor recreation area available to guests. The Railroad Inn is about a 10-minute walk from Main Street. 28 Railroad Ave.
• The White House Inn-A Greek Revival mansion built in 1835 as a second home for Key West millionaire George Browne. Located one block from Main Street. 46 Chestnut St.
• Landmark Inn Cooperstown-A comfortable, beautifully decorated 1856 mansion. 10-minute walk from Main Street. 64 Chestnut St.
• The Lake Front Hotel-Guest rooms with views of Otsego Lake. They also operate the Glimmerglass Queen boat tours.10 Fair St.
• The Rose & Thistle Bed and Breakfast-A Victorian B&B painted in cozy rose hues. A full country breakfast is served every morning. 132 Chestnut St.
• Lake ‘n Pines Motel-A popular family-friendly destination with indoor and outdoor heated pools, as well as a beach and a boat launch. Located 7.5 miles north of Cooperstown. 7102 NY-80

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How to Get to Cooperstown

Cooperstown is located in a very rural part of Central New York. Traveling options include:

• By train: Amtrak to Utica. Drive to Cooperstown.
• By bus: Trailways
• By air: Flight to Albany International Airport. Drive to Cooperstown.

Approximate driving distance and time from major cities:

• Utica: 42 miles (67.5 km). 55 min.
• Albany: 75 miles (120 km). 1 hr 20 min.
• Syracuse: 90 miles (145 km). 1 hr 45 min.
• New York City: 193 miles (310 km). 3 hr 50 min.

How to Get around Cooperstown

Once in Cooperstown, the village provides a trolley system with designated parking in trolley lots. Since parking is limited and paid parking is in effect from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, it is the most convenient and recommended way to get around town. See here for trolley fees, schedule, and designated park lots. 

FAQs about Visiting Cooperstown

There is never enough time to do everything there is to do in a destination like this, so just relax and take in the sights, the history, and the amazing food and beer. I only just scratched the surface of things to do in Cooperstown and hope to return soon. Let me know what you discover on your trip!

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