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
Things to do in Finger Lakes, Finger Lakes: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
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. Montezuma Audubon Center
2. Sterling Nature Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Q7491CHkathyg - Auburn, United States
This was our first time at Sterling Nature Center, but it won't be our last. We took our dog with us. There are numerous trails, each one with different characteristics. There is a stand at the entrance that has trail maps with descriptions and it was refilled while we were there. The lady working at the nature center was very informative and friendly. We spent several hours waking the trails. You can customize your experience by selecting trails that interest you (forest, field, lake, pond, etc.) and keep the distance to your desired length. The trails were groomed well and there were none that we encountered that were too strenuous. Lots of wildlife present - frogs, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, variety of trees and growths, turtles. Some trails are in direct sun - others are under shaded canopies. There are benches along the way and observation points. So much to see!! This is a great place to explore!!
3. Bahar Nature Preserve
4. Lazy Acre Alpacas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT (585-455-1203) TO treat yourself to a visit at our 175 year old farm. Our alpaca farm is the largest in the Finger Lakes area. You will have the opportunity to meet our herd of more than 60 alpacas. Learn about the daily care of these interesting animals, view our vintage barns and spend some time in our gift shop. Please call for an appointment as this is a working farm and we would like to greet you on your arrival. 585-455-1203
5. Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
6. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Established in 1938 in the scenic Finger Lakes region of New York, the refuge contains 7,068 acres for the resting, feeding and nesting habitat of waterfowl and other migratory birds.
Reviewed By traveltheworld012 - Rochester, United States
I was very happy to see this large expanse preserved for wildlife. The day we visited it was very hot, in the mid-90s. No one else around when we arrived, but a couple cars drove in while we were there. We walked a trail to the lookout tower and the viewing platform. Not a lot of wildlife to see from there on this day. however, we then drove the gravel road loop and saw an eagle, ducks and geese. The loop is a very quiet drive until you reach the north end which is abuts the busy freeway. Well worth a visit. The visitor center was closed due to the pandemic so we did not get to see what may have been offered there.
7. Genesee Country Village & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Genesee Country Village & Museum is the largest living history museum in New York state. Located in Mumford, New York, about 20 miles (32 km) from Rochester, New York, USA. First opened to the public in 1976, the authentic 19th-century Historic Village features costumed historians breathing life into many of the 68 relocated and restored historic homes, farms, shops and other public buildings. When you visit during the regular season (Mother's Day weekend through October 12, 2020) you will find various historic trades and craftspeople as well as historic cooking and agricultural demonstrations. GCV&M is also home to the John L. Wehle Art Gallery, our Nature Center, Silver Baseball Park, a pioneer farm, and several Heirloom Gardens. Numerous special events and classes are also offered throughout the year. In the off-season, join us for special events and classes. See our website for details and tickets.
Reviewed By 294shirleye - Fairport, United States
This was our second time attending Yuletide in the Country and it was once again a unique and lovely experience. The buildings were decorated beautifully for the holidays and the actors did a wonderful job, as did the tour guide. This year’s presentation portrayed the holiday traditions from various countries which was educational and entertaining. I would highly recommend!
8. Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
9. Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
10. Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 880 reviews
Founded in 1914, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park is home to more than 700 animals representing 275 species, many of them endangered or threatened in the wild. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), we are among only 236 zoos and aquariums in the nation proven to meet the highest standards of animal care, conservation and guest experience. We are dedicated to connecting people to the natural world by providing engaging experiences, exceptional animal welfare, and unparalleled conservation education. The zoo is co-operated by Onondaga County Parks and the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo with the mission to provide guests “the best day ever,” ensuring experiences that excite, memories that endure, and knowledge that inspires world wildlife conservation.
Reviewed By dianewA8715AR - Liverpool, United States
We visited the zoo yesterday and were very fortunate to see animals playing, eating and enjoying their environment. The elephants, bears, tiger with her 3 month old cubs, birds, panda, flamingos, and all the animals made the afternoon observing and reading the posted information about them, definitely a wonderful and educational experience. If you live in the area, visiting or just passing through, stop and visit the Zoo!
