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, presents a few 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
The Finger Lakes region is well-known for its waterfalls, so Ithaca Falls, located in the heart of Ithaca, is a must-see. This waterfall, nestled in a tranquil residential neighborhood and reaching more than 100 feet tall and 175 feet wide, is astonishing. Visitors may watch it from a distance on the promenade along the bridge above the creek or take a short walk to the waterfall base.
This beauty is safeguarded for public pleasure and 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. Spectacular ice formations may be observed in the winter, while the brilliant autumn foliage is not to be missed.
Cayuga Nature Center
The Cayuga Nature Facility, a public education venue operated by the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI), is a lovely and educational place to learn about nature. It's an excellent place to hike along one of the numerous routes that snake through the 120 acres of woodland and farmland or learn about our ecology's complexity. The historic lodge's interesting exhibits teach visitors about the Cayuga Basin ecosystem and how to conserve the planet's resources. One of the property's features is the 6-story treehouse in the forest canopy, which can be climbed for a breathtaking view and to learn about the unique workmanship.
The Fuertes Observatory
Because Ithaca has an adequately dark sky, Cornell University offers an observatory where families can enjoy seeing the stars. Telescopes are on exhibit so that visitors may see the expanse of space. The Fuertes Observatory is available to the public every Friday night throughout the school year, regardless of the weather. During the evening open houses, tours of the old observatory are conducted if 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's history. During the preceding Ice Age, 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, situated in the northwestern section of town, has been making delicious treats 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. Nonetheless, their great range of tastes 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 with friends, window shopping, or unwinding with food and drinks. In addition to the various buskers observed around the Commons, there is a performance space where exciting concerts, shows, and other events are often held.
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.
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