Location: Elmira
Top Things to do in Elmira
10 Things to Do in Elmira That You Shouldn't Miss
Elmira /ˌɛlˈmaɪrə/ is a city in Chemung County, New York, United States. It is the principal city of the Elmira, New York Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses Chemung County, New York. The population was 29,200 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Chemung County.
Restaurants in Elmira
1. Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By JeanneM45-45 - New Philadelphia, Ohio
We went mainly to see Mark Twain grave but stayed and wandered around looking at the other areas as well. Seemed to be well kept with many old-style tombstones and sculptures. Also, near but not connected to a federal cemetery with a separate civil war section.
2. Eldridge Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By Jodie W - Elmira, New York
So much work done to bring this place back to it's glory days. The carousel we all remember from our childhood is back, not the same animals but who cares, really good reproductions. Just to ride around, the wind in your hair, you're 10 years old again. Boats on the lake, rides for kids, take a picnic lunch, a perfect afternoon.
3. Harris Hill Soaring Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Barbara R - Erie, Pennsylvania
This was an awesome experience for us. Since this area has hills/mountains, it is perfect for gliders. There was a competition going on with the gliders being tethered to small airplanes. There was probably 40 gliders taking off one right after the other, what a sight! A fellow in training who I talked to there told us that the gliders brand new can cost up to $100,000! The newer ones are made of fiberglass. Worth going to see.
4. Tanglewood Nature Center & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Nine miles of scenic trails in the Finger Lakes area that begin at the Nature Center allow you to experience the natural beauty of the Chemung Valley first-hand. We offer hiking year-round and winter activities including snowshoe rentals and GPS rentals. Our 12,000 square foot building features a museum with 43 species of live animals. Our trails are open 365 days/year dawn to dusk. Our museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9-5 (May-October) or 9-4 (November-April). Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
Reviewed By Carol T
This is a great place to go fora hike, especially in the fall! You are surrounded by the beautiful fall colors and the leaves are falling around you. We took the red trail, which is the most challenging, but there are other easier trails. When we were finished, the museum was closed. We will come back another day and go to the museum.
5. Chemung Valley History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By geminigirlNewYork - new york
The museum is housed in a old bank building; which in itself is very interesting. The old vault and infrastructure is pretty much all intact. For the architecture alone its worth seeing. But the museum charges a small fee ($5 for seniors...) and is very reasonably priced. It offers a glimpse of the history of Elmira, including Native Americans, immigrants and a section on Mark Twain who was a Elmira resident. Its all one floor and easy to get around even if your disabled. Plenty of free parking.
6. National Soaring Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
The National Soaring Museum houses a world-class collection of sailplanes and gliders, preserving the history and heritage of motor-less flight. NSM is located next to an active glider port, allowing visitors to witness takeoffs and landings, especially during the busy summer months. Public glider rides are available on a first-come, fist-served basis. Harris Hill offers many enticements besides a visit to NSM. The Museum is located adjacent to Harris Hill Amusement Park, featuring miniature golf, go-karts, batting cages, a driving range, an arcade, snack bar and more: as well as a pool, picnic grounds and a scenic overlook.
Reviewed By LeVon K - Elmira, New York
We actually held our biannual quilt show at the museum. The many displays are wonderful and looked amazing with the quilts hanging all around them. The staff is amazing to work with. On a clear day you get to enjoy the beautiful views and watch the gliders coming and going. Good place for folks of all ages to visit.
7. Mark Twain's Grave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Barbara R - Erie, Pennsylvania
So excited to have visited Mark Twains resting place! He was a great man with so much talent and a lot of wit. I love to read about his life which had a lot of sadness. Well worth seeing if you are in Elmira.
8. Arnot Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
The Arnot Art Museum is a landmark jewel of the art world in downtown Elmira, New York. Housed in the 1833 neo-classical Arnot family mansion, it is one of the last remaining private art collections formed in the 19th century still exhibited in its original showcase. Temporary exhibitions highlight various aspects of the collections and include works from museums around the world.
Reviewed By RonL40 - Utica, New York
One of the great small museums in upstate New York. Arnot often offers great temporary exhibitions but the anchor is the superb permanent collection -- specializes in American Art masters but there's an impressive European selection as well. Not many places this size where you can see a Brueghel, Courbet, Bougereau, Millet. A truly important contribution to arts culture.
9. Woodlawn National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Johannaesk - Lancaster, Pennsylvania
There are sites from the Civil war here. It is neat how they have the cemetery laid out. They have soldiers gravestones facing in towards other soldiers gravestones protecting them.
10. Mark Twain's Summer Home
Overall Ratings
4 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By JuneNY
Voracious readers will enjoy the exhibit in Cowles Hall at Elmira College. One room has items from Quarry Farm where Twain stayed many summers. The chapel in Cowles Hall is magnificent, with its wonderful stained glass windows. But the best part is being able to go into Twain's small outdoor study which was moved to this location from the farm.
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