Unique attractions in Ithaca, NY

Ithaca, New York, is a delightful east coast town with many interesting things to see and do. Cornell University study abroad students and their families enjoy this spectacular representation of one of the United States' most recognizable states. Ithaca, known for its waterfalls, gorges, and bustling city has several standout places rich in nature, history, and photography possibilities. Here are some of the area's most popular attractions for new and returning visitors.

Ithaca Falls

Finger Lakes is well-known for its waterfalls, so Ithaca Falls, in the heart of Ithaca, is a must-see. This waterfall in a tranquil residential neighborhood reaches more than 100 feet tall and 175 feet wide—it is astonishing. Visitors can watch it from a distance on the promenade along the bridge above the creek or take a short walk to the waterfall base.

Its beauty is safeguarded for public pleasure, and it is a gorgeous location to photograph at any time of year. In the spring, the water gushes with force, but in the summer, it runs slowly, fragmenting the cascade. Come winter, the ice formations are spectacular, and the fall foliage is something else.

Cayuga Nature Center

The Cayuga Nature Facility, a public education venue operated by the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI), is a lovely spot to learn about nature. It's an excellent place for a hike, with numerous routes that snake through the 120 acres of woodland and farmland while you learn about ecology's complexity. The historic lodge's interesting exhibits explain the Cayuga Basin ecosystem and how to conserve the planet's resources. One of the property's features is the six-story treehouse in the forest canopy, which you can climb for a breathtaking view and to learn about the unique workmanship.

The Fuertes Observatory

Because Ithaca has an adequately dark sky, Cornell University opens its observatory so you can enjoy seeing the stars or gazing at the vast expanse of space throught its telescopes. The Fuertes Observatory is available to the public every Friday night throughout the school year, regardless of weather. During the evening open houses, you can join a tour of the old observatory when the skies are clear. The observatory also contains a small museum, which provides a great overview of astronomy history.

Ice Age Glacial Exhibit

Gilbert Dennison Harris, a geology professor at Cornell University, founded the Museum of the Earth in Ithaca in 1932 as part of the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI). The exhibit educates visitors about the cataclysmic ice age of North America when a glacier almost two miles thick enveloped New York's Finger Lakes region. This ice wall permanently transformed the landscape, scraping rugged peaks and excavating massive valleys that later became the Finger Lakes. The exhibits include everything from glacier linkages to the Earth's climate to the effects on flora, fauna, and geology.

The exhibit's centerpiece is a detailed recreation of a frozen cave with transparent blue walls that seem to shine from inside. Dripping water noises enhance the tunnel experience, and it connects to the restored Hyde Mastodon. In addition to the glacier exhibit, the Museum of the Earth has extensive collections of specimens from New York and other parts of the globe.

Purity Ice Cream Shop

Purity Ice Cream, in the northwestern section of town, has been making delicious gelato since 1936 and is credited with inventing the ice cream sundae. Despite the occasional wait, the ambiance is that of a typical ice cream store, and the experience is enjoyable. Its great range of flavors and sweets will satisfy anybody who enjoys dessert with a historical touch.

Ithaca Commons

Stroll around downtown Ithaca on The Commons, a four-block pedestrian area that serves as the city's vibrant social hub. It is packed with shops, oddball businesses, and every kind of food conceivable. The Commons is perfect for socializing, window shopping, or unwinding over food and drinks. In addition to the various buskers around the Commons, there is a performance space that often holds exciting concerts, shows, and other events.

This list is a good starting point for things to do in Ithaca, so make time to visit these attractions while studying abroad in New York.