Top Things to do in Finger Lakes
Top Hotels in Finger Lakes
- 1. Holiday Inn & Suites Syracuse Airport - Liverpool, an IHG Hotel
- 2. Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
- 3. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rochester-Pittsford/Brighton, NY
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Syracuse North Airport Area
- 5. The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
- 6. La Tourelle Hotel, Bistro, Spa
- 7. Best Western Brockport Inn & Suites
- 8. Hampton Inn & Suites Syracuse Dewitt
- 9. The Craftsman Inn & Suites
- 10. Comfort Inn & Suites
The 5 Best Science Museums in Finger Lakes, Finger Lakes
New York’s Finger Lakes region takes its name from 11 freshwater lakes placed like a handprint between Lake Ontario and the Pennsylvania border. Skiing, hiking and biking trails traverse the landscape; visitors can also indulge in various wine, cheese and beer trails. The area offers a culinary bounty, with an emphasis on farm-to-table cuisine. Rich history and culture are found throughout the region, with one attraction more inviting than the next.
Restaurants in Finger Lakes
1. National Soaring Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 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 NanaZooms
We were blown away by the extensive collection and presentation of information. It is high quality. An upscale museum with modern decor. In addition to gliders, there are miniature dollhouses on display in a separate area. Something for everyone. The curator and his wife are so friendly, welcoming and their pride of ownership is apparent. A top notch experience. My only regret is our time table did not allow me to take a glider ride. Make time for this. You will not be disappointed
2. Sciencenter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
The Sciencenter inspires excitement for science through interactive exhibits and programs that engage, educate and empower. The hands-on museum offers visitors of all ages more than 250 exhibits, educational programs, a gift shop, an outdoor science park and a seasonal miniature golf course. Look, touch, listen & discover at the Sciencenter. The Sciencenter is open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm. Open Mondays in July and August and holiday Mondays. The Sciencenter is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
Reviewed By CayugaCarolyn - Ithaca, United States
My grandchildren love this place. There are so many things to do and learn. The area for toddlers and preschoolers keeps the little ones busy, and the older ones (up to age 9 or 10) can explore hands-on exhibits that are really fun.
3. Museum of the Earth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
The Museum of the Earth was established in 2003 to provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore our world through a mix of natural history displays, interactive science features, and art exhibitions. The museum's 8,000-square-foot permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey through 4.5 billion years of history, from the Earth's origin to the present day. Through hands-on, visual exhibitions and outreach, the Museum of the Earth encourages critical thinking about life on Earth in the past and today, and how our species is affecting the natural world.
Reviewed By BillK455 - Spencerport, United States
Been wanting to go here for a few years and finally made it happen. We arrived early and I liked the design of the building as well as some of the outside art. We walked in to see a skeleton of a North Atlantic Right Whale which was amazing. We checked out the gift shop which had some nice items ad then walked downstairs and started with the current exhibit on bees. I thought it was a nice exhibit but I was here for dinosaurs. The lay out of the fossils and dinosaurs displays was really done well and I really enjoyed the diversity of fossils on display. If you love paleontology, this is a must do museum that everyone should enjoy. Lot of nice photo ops with the Stegosaurus model and Mastodon skeleton among others. Make the trip
4. Rochester Museum & Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By JackL448 - East Syracuse, United States
The museum is three floors with my visit limited to only the first floor. The first floor is mostly the Expedition Earth & the Adventure Zone. The E.E. starts with small sea live exhibit before the end of the dinosaurs. There is one dinosaur-a Albertosaurus-65,000,00 years ago. Next is wildlife about 15,000 years ago with replicas of the Mastodon, Caribou, Raindeer & Muskox. Nearby is a replica of a mile high glacier, which a visitor can walk through along with much information. Also small wildlife of the modern era. The Adventure Zone is mostly for the children. Exhibits are the Erie Canal-which a visitor can operate the locks-open & shut-and move a tug to the locks. Following exhibits are a sailing exhibit, a three life chair for different ages, a rock climbing wall a climbing slide structure, with netting-this exhibit was closed-ending with a Rain Garden Theater. The second floor concerns the slavery of the United States & how the African-Americans were able to escape their predicament of slavery. In detail is the life & words of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs, Austin Steward, Thomas James & Henry Brown. Much of the history includes some photographs from the 1850's, many prints/illustrations, & how the Underground Railway was used to Freedom. After the African-American exhibit is the Native-Americans from the U.S., Central America & Canada. The U.S. Indians include Iroquois, Navajo, Pueblo, Indians of Peru & Guatemala, Indians of the Northwest, Plains & Southeast, Algonquian Indians of Canada. In glass cases are clothing, vases, blankets, weapons of war & masks. One interesting exhibit is the Iroquois Wood Carvings. The Native-American exhibit is larger than the African-American, however both are interesting & educational. Also on the second floor is "Iullumination" -The World of Light & Optics. The 'Galley'-which has something the way light works or affects our lives. The Forces of Nature and Science on Sphere-which is a 4-5 metric sphere that rotates while hanging from the ceiling-about weather patterns. Other museum feature are: an elevator that services all three floors, restrooms on each floor, a fountain located on the second floor and a gift shop behind the admission booth. A map of the third floor exhibits of: Rochester In 1838, The Changemakers-Rochester Women Who Changed the World & The Electricity Theater. With a short walk is the Strasenburg Planetarium. When the coronavirus calms down, I will retrn to visit the third floor and the planetarium. My visit lasted about three & half hours that included photography-lighting is excellent-reading as much as possible, & talking with the staff. Each member I talked with was polite & answered all my questions. There is no cafe, however within a 1/4 mile is Calabresella's On The Park-a sub/deli shop. The gentlemen at admissions helped with instructions to the shop. Walking only takes about 12-13 minutes. Parking is what I would call a medium lot with at least 4 handicapped spaces, My visit was on a Saturday morning & afternoon, not many visitor. One staff member informed me during certain months there are student tours. Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30-4:30. Sunday 11:00-4:00. Admission: Adults-$16.00. Senior & collage students-with ID-$15.00. Ages 3-18-$14.00. I realize this is a long review for just three floors, however each floor is very detailed, well exhibited & displayed. Both floors are interesting, historical and educational. A visit is highly recommended for any length of time.
5. Museum of Science & Technology (MOST)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 308 reviews
The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology is a preeminent science and technology institution, inspiring all generations through hands-on education and entertainment. The Museum is home to 35,000 square feet of exhibit space, the only domed IMAX in New York State and the Silverman Planetarium. The MOST offers an array of educational activities and is a great place to host a birthday party, company event or team meeting.
Reviewed By AYsTraveler
Even with the playhouse and planetarium closed due to COVID, there was plenty to do. We brought our 2 year old. He loved all the live animals, animatronic dinos, and the interactive play centers. There was a live animal show where they brought around 3 animals for the kids, and adults, to touch. Snake, tortoise, and armadillo. Down side were the out of service restrooms. There are 3 through the building. 2 were out of order. We spent 2 hours there, but would definitely spend 3 if everything were open.
