Location: Herkimer
Top Things to do in Herkimer
The 9 Best Things to Do in Herkimer, United States
Herkimer in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for Outdoor Activities. Discover best things to do in Herkimer with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Herkimer
1. Erie Canal Cruises
Overall Ratings
5 based on 730 reviews
We offer many ways to enjoy the sights and sounds of a trip down the Erie Canal! Our most popular cruise is our sight seeing cruise. Daily sight seeing cruises are 90 minutes in length and travel east on the Erie Canal through Lock 18, raising and lowering vessels over 20 feet! Pass by the Fort Herkimer Church, one of the oldest in the state. Hear an award-winning narration about the past, present and future of the Erie Canal. Sight seeing cruises offered 7 days a week from mid-May through Columbus Day. Join us on a specialty cruise! Welcome on board a Living History Cruise to the Historic Herkimer Home, "Rock the Lock" on a Friday Night Party Cruises, laugh all the way down the canal on a Comedy Cruise or relax and enjoy a Canal Nations sunset cruise!
Reviewed By capt38 - Rehoboth, Massachusetts
We took an afternoon boat cruise during the week, so it wasn't real busy. Captain Dave gave a great history lesson while pointing out sites along the river. We've been boating for over 45 years, but have never been through a lock before. It was a great experience, an included history of the Erie Canal, and a overall great afternoon. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone.
2. Remington Arms Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Jim S - Clearwater, Florida
This free museum is part of the main factory. It has a large selection of the rifles, pistols, and other products made during the 199 year history of the company. There are several looping videos that cover the history of the company, and manufacturing processes to make rifles and shotguns. Display cases have examples of the major models of arms made over the companies history. There is a free parking lot across the street reserved for visitors. Receptionists are very friendly, just sign their guest log. There is also a small gift shop with branded clothes and accessories. They no longer offer factory tours, but the videos give more details than you could ever pick up on a tour. Sorry, they do not offer the videos for sale or we would have bought one.
3. Herkimer Diamond Mines
Overall Ratings
4 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By votfinoski - Middletown, Connecticut
Spent an hour in the mines looking for Herkimer Crystals. Lots of work but fun as well. Gift shop and museum on premises.We are so pleased to hear that you had some great fun at our diamond mines! We hope that you will visit us again sometime!
4. The Ilion Little Theatre Club
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Suzanne R - Yorkville, New York, United States
Ilion Little Theatre is an intimate setting known as "The Stables". It's located behind Remington Arms (yes, the gunmakers) and was the stables for the Remington Homestead. The walls in the theater are filled with history as the posters from productions date back over 90 years. A small stage and seating for less than 100, there is not a bad seat in the house. It's a place that many have called home to community theater in the Mohawk Valley. And , YES.....it is haunted! Just ask the ghost seekers of CNY who investigated!
5. Ace Of Diamonds Mine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By Willof72
OK, so you want some Herkimer diamonds but don’t know what to do? The following is my review which should help you prepare and succeed:
It’s cheap fun! $10/person and tool rental is relatively inexpensive (your driver’s license is used for collateral). They bring in fresh dirt and rock everyday so your chances of finding something are almost guaranteed. We opted for Ace’s over the other Herkimer Diamond mine as Ace’s is less commercialized and offers just as much. It’s not a pretty place but we weren’t after pretty landscaping or buildings…we were after pretty diamonds!
1) This is a dirty place. You can drive your car right in and close to where you want to dig/crack rocks. You are essentially driving into a stone quarry with a building in the front of the property. Park wherever you can and go inside to pay for your wrist band(s).
2) Bring a clean change of clothes. Like I said…it’s dirty and you will be too once you’re done. I wish I had done this as we all climbed into our car afterwards a dirty mess. Save yourself the hassle and change in their restroom before you leave. Your vehicle will thank you!
3) Wear boots, long sleeves, pants, gloves and safety glasses/goggles/ face shield. Smashing rocks, to gain access to the Herkimer diamonds inside, will have stone chips going everywhere. I found out quickly that the flying shards hurt. By the end of the day, my arms/fingers/face was bloodied up from no protection as I became the “rock smasher” for the family. Its fun but be prepared.
4) Bring any equipment you have or you can rent everything. If you bring extra tools and don’t need them…leave it in the car or truck. I brought 2 masonry hammers along with a hand pick/trowel. I wish I had brought a sledge hammer and a bucket. I ended up renting 2 stone chisels for a grand total of $1 each. You either be digging in semi-compacted dirt or breaking rocks…whatever you choose.
5) We staked “our claim” on a mound of stone and dirt and began chiseling away at rocks. Success was had almost immediately as we were finding small diamonds easily. As the day progressed, we were all tired from smashing rocks and turned to simply digging in the dirt mound when we found an 8 pound motherlode of calcite crystals with a Herkimer diamond imbedded in the center. This energized us and kept us going.
6) They have a long water sluice there if you want to scoop dirt and pan for diamonds. We didn’t do this as success was achieved by simply keeping your eyes open while digging.
7) If by chance you had no luck…just head to the gift shop and buy yourself a Herkimer diamond. Their gift shop is well stocked with tools, shirts, gems & stones and all sorts of goodies sure to please everyone.
All in all…we will return. This is a perfect activity for the young or young at heart. It is all outside so it is weather-permitting. It’s a cheap way to spend the day and once you “discover” the diamonds…it will keep your motivation level on high. Definitely give them a try!
6. Silent Sentinel Civil War Memorial Statue
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Bob F - Albany, New York
After the Civil War ended, statues depicting Union and Confederate soldiers were put up across the country to memorialize the hard struggle and those who served.
The statue plinth reads: "In Memory of Our Heroes Who Served in the Defense of the Union" Beneath the soldier: 1861-1865. He stands in kepi looking out across the road, eternally vigil.
7. Gems Along the Mohawk
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Michelle B - New York City, New York
This is an excellent destination for a day out. The Gems store has small displays of many products made in the Mohawk Valley and surrounding areas. There's jewelry displays, food products, Erie Canal souvenirs and boat rides, clothing and shoes, home décor, wines, cheese, books - really something for everyone. I especially like shopping here for the women in my family during the holidays. And when you're finished you can have a bite to eat at the attached Waterfront Grille. The staff in both establishments is friendly and helpful. I had a ride on the Erie Canal boat years ago and I would recommend it for anyone interested in Mohawk Valley history, or if you just want to relax for the afternoon. Good for kids too.
8. Tee Time Mini Golf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Shannon M
Right now my husband and I ate staying at the wonderful Inn Towne Motel in Herkimer. So being that we are on a budget this is a great place to go. We are a young couple and always ha e a ball here. It is five bucks a person and they have great holes and good music. We always love seeing the owner she is a peach even gave us a free ticket for the next time because we 'had such a good time' she was amazing. I only wish there were more hokes to play because it ends so quickly!
9. Christyl Touch Massage
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Come relax in Victorian elegance in this unique one of a kind getaway. Located in conjunction with Bellinger Rose B&B, Christyl Touch Massage is open to the general public as well. With 10 yrs experience, select from a wide variety of massage services, including couples massage. Visit the website for more information. Open yr round.
Reviewed By MFLett - Cairo, New York
Took day trip to Herkimer for canal boat tour. Hubby surprised me with visit to Chris. Located in beautiful Victorian B & B, this is just what I needed for my stressed life. She is fantastic and so much better than any previous massage. My neck hasn't felt this good in years.
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