Cooperstown is not only known for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, but it also offers many other charming attractions. Nestled in the picturesque Catskills Mountains, this quaint village sits at the southern end of Otsego Lake, providing abundant opportunities for exciting recreational activities.
With a long history dating back to 1786, Cooperstown boasts captivating architecture and impressive old buildings that showcase its rich heritage. Additionally, visitors can explore various fascinating museums, including exquisite art galleries and the renowned Glimmerglass Opera.
For sports enthusiasts, there is the chance to learn about baseball and even catch a game at the historic Abner Doubleday Field. Nature lovers can also enjoy hiking and biking around the expansive lake, where swimming, fishing, and boating are available on its beautiful and clear waters.
12. Farmers’ Museum
The Farmers’ Museum is located right next to the Fenimore Art Museum on the west shore of Otsego Lake. It offers a glimpse into rural life during the 19th century through its costumed interpreters and craftsmen. The museum, which first opened in 1944, sits on land formerly owned by James Cooper and features around forty old buildings.
These buildings include a blacksmith’s shop, a doctor’s practice, and a general store. The museum is home to over 23,000 artifacts, which are stored in its barns and buildings.
In addition to demonstrations of different trades and their traditional techniques, visitors can also see farmyard animals and take a ride on the intricately carved 1947 Empire State Carousel.
11. Otsego Lake
Cooperstown, located on the southern shoreline, offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy Otsego Lake. Whether you prefer swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, or biking, there’s something for everyone. The lake, formed thousands of years ago by glaciers, stretches for almost eight miles and contains numerous bays, inlets, and beaches.
Being the largest lake in the country, it has always played a vital role in the local economy and is now cherished by both residents and visitors who appreciate its breathtaking beauty and thrilling outdoor activities.
Aside from taking in the waterfront views and renting a boat, you can also explore attractions like Hyde Hall, the Glimmerglass Opera, and Fairy Springs Park, all situated along the picturesque Otsego Lake.
10. Abner Doubleday Field
Just a short distance away is Abner Doubleday Field, known as the birthplace of baseball. This venue has a special and cozy atmosphere, making it a great spot to watch a game, whether played by amateurs or retired legends.
As you approach the small brick entrance, you can already feel the rich history of this ballpark, which dates all the way back to 1920. Sitting in the attractive grandstands, you can enjoy excellent views of the field and players.
Baseball fans from all over the country know about this place, and it’s definitely a must-visit if you’re interested in this popular spectator sport, especially alongside the nearby Hall of Fame.
9. Explore Main Street
Main Street in Cooperstown is the heart and soul of the town, with many shops and restaurants located along it. It is the main place to go shopping, dining, and socializing for both locals and tourists. The street runs parallel to the lakeshore and is just a few blocks away from Otsego Lake.
There are casual diners, upscale restaurants, jewelry stores, and boutiques along the entire street. Additionally, popular attractions like the Hall of Fame, Baseball Wax Museum, Smithy Gallery, Abner Doubleday Field, and the beautiful lake are all within walking distance.
8. Glimmerglass Opera
Many people visit the village mainly because of the Glimmerglass Opera, which is famous for its outstanding performances. The opera features rare and lesser-known works, and also showcases new productions on a large stage.
It is the second-largest festival of its kind in the United States, and has been putting on four top-quality shows every summer since 1975. The Alice Busch Opera Theater, located along the beautiful northwestern shores of Otsego Lake, provides a small and intimate setting for the performances.
Guests can enjoy perfect views of the talented performers from every seat and balcony. In addition, visitors can explore the lush grounds surrounding the theater and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake before or after the opera, or during intermission.
7. Cooperstown Farmers’ Market
The Cooperstown Farmers’ Market is a lively event that happens every Saturday in the town center. It is filled with colorful stands and stalls that offer a wide variety of fresh produce, baked goods, meats, and cheeses. Since 1991, over thirty local farmers, vendors, and artisans have come to the market to sell their products and artworks.
Visitors can find everything from delicious jams and breads to handmade jewelry, pottery, and beeswax candles. If you need a quick snack or drink, there are coffee stands and snack stalls available. In the summer months, you can also enjoy live music at the market, which is held on Tuesdays from July to September.
6. Baseball Wax Museum
If you’re a big fan of baseball, you might be interested in visiting the Baseball Wax Museum. It’s located on the Main Street of the village and is not too far from the Hall of Fame. This unique museum is the only one of its kind in the whole world.
Inside, you’ll find more than thirty famous wax figures, including baseball legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, as well as famous Hollywood celebrities like Marilyn Monroe. They are displayed in realistic settings, often with scenes from movies like Field of Dreams and A League of Their Own playing in the background.
Before you leave, you can also watch a funny video of baseball bloopers throughout history, and even try hitting a home run in a special virtual reality batting cage.
5. Smithy Gallery
Just one block away from Main Street, you will find the impressive Smithy Gallery and its beautiful sculpture garden. This gallery is one of the most important cultural institutions in town, offering a variety of artwork such as paintings, photos, and pottery. They also host classes and concerts on a regular basis.
The gallery was established in 1957 with the goal of promoting appreciation for the arts in Cooperstown and is housed in the oldest building in the area. This historic building was built in 1786 by Judge William Cooper, the founder of the village.
Despite its age, the gallery remains vibrant and bustling with locals and tourists attending classes, concerts, and exploring the collection. In addition to enjoying amazing artwork by local artists, you can take leisurely walks around the beautiful garden and participate in workshops led by friendly and experienced instructors.
4. Hyde Hall
Located on the northeastern shore of Otsego Lake, Hyde Hall is a large estate known for its unique architecture. Now functioning as a museum, it offers beautifully decorated rooms that visitors can explore, and the surrounding grounds are equally stunning.
Originally, the estate was the largest private residence in the entire United States and was constructed between 1817 and 1834 by a wealthy landowner named George Clarke.
With its impressive design by renowned architect Philip Hooker, Hyde Hall attracts many people who appreciate the combination of Palladian, neo-Classical, and Federal-style elements. The English manor boasts more than fifty rooms, all of which are filled with authentic artifacts and period pieces.
Alongside the dining and drawing rooms, there are also areas for the servants, as well as entertainment spaces and cozy bedrooms. After visiting this National Historic Landmark, visitors can stroll through Glimmerglass State Park, where Hyde Hall and its historic covered bridge are located.
3. Brewery Ommegang
Once you’re done exploring and enjoying various activities like sightseeing, watching shows, and attending sporting events, you can unwind and relax with a delicious Belgian-style beer from Brewery Ommegang.
Located just a ten-minute drive south of town, this traditional farmstead offers tours and tastings where you can sit back and sample their award-winning ales. Since they started production in 1997, they have gained a lot of recognition for their exceptional abbey beers, IPAs, and limited-edition brews.
During the tour, you can visit their modern production line and discover the intricate Belgian brewing process before indulging in their tasty beers. In addition to savoring their craft brews and soaking in the lively yet relaxed atmosphere, visitors can also enjoy live music performances and try some of the brewery’s delicious meals and snacks.
2. National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
One of the main reasons why so many people visit the village is because of the impressive National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. It is located on Main Street and has a large building filled with numerous artifacts and exhibits about past players, mangers, umpires, and executives.
The museum was constructed in 1936 to attract tourists to the town after the devastating effects of the Great Depression. Its purpose is to preserve the history of the sport and honor those who have excelled in it.
Inside the museum’s three floors, you will find captivating displays about both the major and minor leagues, showcasing thousands of bats, uniforms, helmets, and trophies. The massive hall of fame allows visitors to search for their favorite players and learn about legendary figures like Babe Ruth, Christy Mathewson, and Minnie Minoso.
Additionally, you can enjoy the interactive games and activities before heading to the gift store to purchase baseball-themed merchandise as a souvenir of your time in Cooperstown.
1. Fenimore Art Museum
If you want to see interesting artifacts, exhibitions, and artworks, you should visit the Fenimore Art Museum. This museum has a great collection that includes folk art, photographs, landscape paintings, rare books, and personal belongings of James Cooper. It was established in 1899 and is located in the former farmhouse of the famous author.
Inside the museum, you can find hundreds of old Native American objects and art pieces, as well as paintings, photos, and portraits from more recent times. After exploring the museum, you can also enjoy the gardens and grounds and have a beautiful view of the lake.
