Top 10 Specialty Museums in Finger Lakes, Finger Lakes

November 17, 2021 Phylicia Berquist

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. Glenn H. Curtiss Museum

8419 State Route 54, Hammondsport, NY 14840-9795 +1 607-569-2160 [email protected] http://www.glennhcurtissmuseum.org
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 601 reviews

Glenn H. Curtiss Museum

The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, bearing the name of Hammondsport's favorite son, is located on Route 54, one half mile south of the village of Hammondsport, New York. Dedicated to the memory of pioneer aviator, Glenn Curtiss, the museum contains a priceless collection relating to early aviation and local history. The museum also features a 75-seat theater, large open area for special events and a gift shop. In addition to motorcycles and aircraft, visitors will also see antique tools, toys, boats, home-furnishings, fire equipment and much more. Visitors are also welcome to visit the Museum Restoration Shop, talk with volunteer craftsman and watch them work on historic aircraft.

Reviewed By KMJackson60

We popped over to this museum on a rainy day. I knew very little about Glenn Curtiss and early airplane history. We loved it! Glenn Curtiss was a very creative, very interesting person who did a lot of inventing. It was fun watching his life and inventions play out, and the early air pioneers start the industry.

2. Corning Museum of Glass

1 Museum Way, Corning, NY 14830-2253 +1 607-937-5371 [email protected] http://www.cmog.org
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,696 reviews

Corning Museum of Glass

From children looking for an adventure to artists looking for inspiration, there is something for everyone at The Corning Museum of Glass. The world's largest glass museum offers the opportunity to browse 3500 years of glassmaking history in the collection galleries. See works ranging from a small Egyptian pharaoh head to enormous works by Tiffany and discover the wonder and artistry behind glassmaking. Explore the day-lit Contemporary Art + Design Galleries which house the best of the last 30 years in glass, and a 500-seat Amphitheater Hot Shop, a space dedicated to live glass demos and design sessions. See glass created before your eyes during a live, narrated Hot Glass Demo, and be inspired to experience glassmaking for yourself during a Make Your Own Glass experience, with projects for all ages for an additional fee (reservations available online). Best of all, kids and teens 17 and under are free! Advance tickets required. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days.

Reviewed By DEP3 - Binghamton, United States

If you love glass, this is the place for you.Beautifully laid out, with exquisite temporary and permanent exhibits. Lots of demonstrations of glassblowing, ability to make your own objet d’art, as well as a huge gift shop with Pyrex, Corelle, Steuben Glass, jewelry, trinkets,glass gift items, games, and more and more. A definite highlight of Corning, not to be missed.

3. Safe Haven Museum

2 E 7th St, Oswego, NY 13126-1197 +1 315-342-3003 [email protected] http://safehavenmuseum.com/
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 58 reviews

Safe Haven Museum

4. Cobblestone Society Museum

14389 Ridge Rd W, Albion, NY 14411-9703 +1 585-589-9013 [email protected] http://www.cobblestonemuseum.org/
Excellent
79%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Cobblestone Society Museum

The Cobblestone Museum is an open-air museum that promotes the study and exploration of cobblestone construction methods from 1825 to 1860, offering visitors the opportunity to explore three period cobblestone structures set in Victorian appearance and four wood structures highlighting 19th century agricultural implements and skilled trades. The Museum offers discounts to Seniors, Students/Children, and AAA!

5. Dirt Museum & Hall of Fame

1 Speedway Dr, Weedsport, NY 13166-9544 +1 315-374-3661 http://www.dirthalloffame-classiccarmuseum.com/
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Dirt Museum & Hall of Fame

6. George Eastman Museum

900 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607-2298 +1 585-327-4800 [email protected] http://www.eastman.org
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,037 reviews

George Eastman Museum

The George Eastman Museum is located in Rochester, New York, on the estate of George Eastman, the pioneer of popular photography and motion picture film. Founded in 1947 as an independent nonprofit institution, it is the world's oldest photography museum and one of the oldest film archives. The museum holds unparalleled collections-encompassing several million objects-in the fields of photography, cinema, and photographic and cinematographic technology, and photographically illustrated books. The institution is also a longtime leader in film preservation and photographic conservation.

Reviewed By lesliek79 - Montreal, Canada

My primary interest was the history of photography, and the Kodak company’s inventions and innovations that popularized photography. The “History of Photography” exhibit was much smaller than I expected, featuring only a few historically important images and many cameras. A smaller exhibit (upstairs in the house) featured Kodak inventions and progress that included details about the early box cameras and the use of photosensitive emulsions on rolls (substituting individual plates). It was this exhibit that demonstrated Mr. Eastman’s genius. The temporary Warner Brothers Cartoons exhibit was informative and delightful; a throwback to my early television viewing experience. The congenial tour guide was a font of knowledge about George Eastman’s personal history and life, entry into photography, entrepreneurial skills, financial success and philanthropy. The tour of his mansion highlighted it’s history and attested to Eastman’s affluence, interests and tastes. He was a wealthy man whose interests reflected the mores of his time. His legacy reverberates in Rochester’s cultural and social life, generally, and through his inventions and philanthropy internationally.

7. National Soaring Museum

51 Soaring Hill Dr Harris Hill, Elmira, NY 14903-9204 +1 607-734-3128 [email protected] http://www.soaringmuseum.org/
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

National Soaring Museum

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

8. National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

17 Madison St, Rochester, NY 14608-1928 +1 585-235-6124 [email protected] http://susanbanthonyhouse.org/index.php
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 257 reviews

National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House shares the story of Susan B. Anthony's lifelong struggle to gain voting rights for women and equal rights for all. We keep her vision alive and relevant by preserving and sharing Anthony's National Historic Landmark home; collecting artifacts and research materials directly related to her life and work; and making these resources available to the public through tours, publications, the internet, and interpretive programs. Come visit us today!

Reviewed By LenaL8711 - Rochester, United States

This experience is priceless. Very well structured and interesting. My son got chills when standing in Susan B Anthony’s bedroom. This was the room she was in when she passed. Would recommend for anyone.

9. Oswego Railroad Museum

56 W 1st St, Oswego, NY 13126-1512 +1 315-806-2193 http://www.oswegorailroadmuseum.org.
Excellent
80%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Oswego Railroad Museum

10. Ontario County Historical Society

55 N Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424-1438 +1 585-394-4975 http://ochs.org/ochs
Excellent
56%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Ontario County Historical Society

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