Attractions

Throughout the summer, visitors to Cayuga County enjoy our eight lakes, three State Parks, and the Erie Canal, making their vacations as active or relaxing as they like.

Entertainment, History & Culture, Recreation, Wineries

Entertainment -

Let us entertain you! The Auburn Players Community Theater, NY Institute of Dance & Education, Auburn Public Theater, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and the Morgan Opera House, all provide showcases for the performing arts at their best. Check our events calendar for special performances, festivals, and other Finger Lakes attractions throughout the year.

History & Culture -

Cayuga County is rich with historic sites, museums, and homes. Reminders of the Underground Railroad, the building of the Erie Canal, and the invention of "Talking Films" can all be found here.

Harriet Tubman Home Photo: Jack Kidd

Historic sites include Fort Hill Cemetery where William H. Seward and Harriet Tubman were laid to rest, and the Willard Memorial Chapel designed by Louis C. Tiffany and the Tiffany Glass & Decorating, Co. Take in the Rural Life Museum, dedicated to preserving local history and agricultural traditions and visit a water-powered gristmill operating since 1823 at New Hope Mills.

For a glimpse into Cayuga County's past, visit the Cayuga Museum of History & Art, offering rotating and permanent exhibits on the history and art of Cayuga County.

Visit some of the most unique museums in the Finger Lakes Region. These include the Ward O'Hara Agricultural Museum where you can step back in time to the turn of the century and life on the farm; the Little Theater Railway Museum featuring model train exhibits, and the Howland Stone Store Museum, the former family business of noted educator and Quaker abolitionist, Emily Howland.

Tour the homes of our famous forefathers (and mothers!) such as William H. Seward, best known for his work to purchase Alaska, then known as 'Seward's Folly," Underground Railroad conductor, Harriet Tubman, and Theodore Case, inventor of 'Talking Films." The Seward House, Harriet Tubman Home and the Cayuga Museum ( Willard-Case Mansion ) are all open to the public.

Recreation -

If you love the great outdoors, you'll love Cayuga County. Hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, boating, swimming, golfing, camping, bird watching, and other Finger Lakes recreational activities all await you.

A drive around the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway is a must. With gorges at its south, vineyards on its gentle slops and marshes on the north end, the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway features diverse landscapes and spectacular views. The 87 miles around Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes, will take you through charming villages, by scenic parks and lead you to lodging, shopping, dining, wineries and more!

For a Great Lakes -Seaway experience drive the Seaway Trail. In Cayuga County the Seaway Trail will take you along Lake Ontario, through the Village of Fair Haven with it's unique shops, quaint Bed & Breakfasts and many campground facilities. Watch for the Seaway Trail outdoor storyteller panels that share the facts, legends, and lore of this unique America's Byway.

Wineries -

The Finger Lakes Region offers an abundance of premium wineries and wine trails which follow the banks of five different lakes, Cayuga, Canandaigua, Keuka, Ontario, and Seneca. The organized wine trails make touring easy and the their special events such as the Holiday Shopping Spree in December are not to be missed. Try a wine tour package and let someone else do the driving!

Cayuga County wineries include:

CJS Vineyards & Aurelius Winery
Long Point Winery
King Ferry Winery
Giancarelli Brothers Winery
Stoney Meadows Farm Winery
Chateau Dusseau

Wine Trails:

Canandaigua Wine Trail
Dill's Run Winery
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Lake Ontario Wine Trail
Seneca Wine Trail
The Little Finger Lakes Wine Path