7 Offbeat Upstate New York Towns To Visit In 2025
New York is often used synonymously with New York City. This is unfortunate, however, as there is far more to see in New York than just the Big Apple, such as Upstate New York. In this idyllic section of the state, there are many picturesque mountain and lake towns to explore, with some quirky attractions as well. In fact, the entire region has many offbeat towns that offer bobsled roller coasters, a recreation of the Enterprise from Star Trek, the Baseball Hall of Fame, and more. Here are seven offbeat towns in Upstate New York to visit.
Ticonderoga
Sitting at the border between New York and Vermont is the historic town of Ticonderoga. During the very early days of the American Revolution, Fort Ticonderoga was seized on May 10, 1775, by an American militia group called the Green Mountain Boys. Today, Fort Ticonderoga is a museum that is perfect for anyone interested in American history. Visitors can also better view the fort by hiking up nearby Mount Defiance. In fact, there are a large number of hiking trails in this scenic town, such as La Chute River Trail, which also features the La Chute Waterfalls. However, Ticonderoga isn't just for the history buffs or hikers. It's also home to a very offbeat or, some might say, nerdy attraction: the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour at 112 Montcalm Street. This spot is renowned for being the most accurate recreation of the original set of the 1960s classic show.
Lake George
Lake George is called the birthplace of the American vacation. It's easy to see why, as it's named after the Queen of American Lakes, in the southeastern section of the Adirondack Mountains. Due to its location, there are all manner of hiking trails to explore, from simple ones up The Pinnacle to strenuous journeys up the Black Mountain Range. Those who want to get a scenic view without hiking can come visit during the Adirondack Balloon Festival in September, when more than 60 balloons take off into the sky. After a day of hiking, you can see works from artistic legends like Picasso and Vincent van Gogh on display at the Hyde Collection Art Museum and Historic House. If thrills are more up your alley, Six Flags Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor has more than 100 rides with the beautiful backdrop of the mountains.
Woodstock
Any music history fan will be familiar with the name Woodstock. The Woodstock Music Festival in 1969 was named after this town, even though the event actually occurred in Bethel. Woodstock is proud of this musical legacy, and today it offers a lovely slice of indoor and outdoor artistic attractions. One such example is the world's largest kaleidoscope, which is located within the Emerson Resort & Spa. The spa offers a ten-minute show with a kaleidoscope, music, and sound effects that is sure to enchant. For those into photography, the Center for Photography at Woodstock is a great place to visit. Visitors can see musicians or exhibitions at the Woodstock Playhouse. One of the most unique places is Opus 40, a walkable 6.5-acre sculpture park in nearby Saugerties that was made on the site of a former quarry.
Cooperstown
Not every town earns the moniker America's hometown, but Cooperstown certainly has good reason for it! Baseball fans from around the world descend on Cooperstown to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. Within the museum is the Plaque Gallery, which displays all 346 members, along with many baseball exhibits on baseball history, cards, and more. For those more inclined to the arts, Cooperstown has plenty to see, such as the Fenimore Art Museum, which has great examples of folk and Native American art, or see contemporary art at The Art Garage. If you want to explore outside, you can travel in style on a railbike with Rail Explorers. These railbikes go over old rail lines through rural countryside and forests along the Susquehanna River on an 8-mile round trip.
Lake Placid
Upstate New York is filled with beautiful lakes, and Lake Placid is no exception. This offbeat town may not have a significant reputation, but it has a magnificent heritage. During the 1980 Olympic Games, the U.S. men's hockey team defeated the Soviet Union in a major game. You can see the site of these games at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, which has the second most extensive collection of Winter Olympic artifacts in North America. This isn't the only thing to see in Lake Placid; there's also the beautiful Mirror Lake, which is right next to Main Street. Visitors can walk a 2.7-mile sidewalk trail around Mirror Lake or follow the trail up to Cobble Hill, which offers great views of the larger Lake Placid. Speaking of excellent views, Lake Placid is home to the longest mountain coaster in North America, called the Cliffside Coaster, which is designed to resemble a bobsled track. This town is full of unique experiences.
Old Forge
Don't let the name fool you, Old Forge is by no means a boring town. It's an adorable place that serves as a base camp to the Adirondack Park, a massive area containing the picturesque Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. The park itself has some 46 peaks, 2,800 lakes and ponds, and much more. The closest peak to Old Forge is McCauley Mountain, which offers skiing and a scenic chairlift to the peak. Visitors can also take a fun railroad adventure through the woods of the Adirondack Mountains via the Adirondack Railroad. This fun town also hides a great deal of mysteries and secrets. One way to experience these is to attend the Secret Garden Tour held on June 25th, where you can tour the beautifully tended secret gardens of the residents.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs sits centrally between the Adirondack Mountains and Albany, which makes it a great destination for anyone visiting those areas. It's certainly more than a pitstop, as there's a lot to see and do in this relaxing town. For example, visitors can see the sights of the climactic Battle of Saratoga during the American Revolutionary War at the Saratoga National Historic Park. You can also experience a mineral bath at the Saratoga Spa State Park, which features the Lincoln mineral baths and multiple artistic experiences ranging from the National Museum of Dance to the Saratoga Performing Arts Theater. If you want a really fun Hawaii-style experience, take a Tiki Tour on Saratoga Lake while enjoying drinks and food in a thatch-covered tiki boat. This quirky town has something for everyone.
Upstate New York's Unique Towns
These offbeat towns have everything you need to have a great vacation. Thrill seekers can go on a roller coaster in Lake George or Lake Placid, while art lovers can visit the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs or explore a unique architectural wonder at Opus 40 in Woodstock. Even sports fans will have a lot to explore at the Olympic Museum in Lake Placid and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. These are just a few of the fun experiences visitors will have in these quirky, offbeat towns in Upstate New York.
