This Quiet Finger Lakes City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers
Hammondsport is one of the most underrated stops in New York's Finger Lakes, a small lakeside village that pairs serious wine country with early aviation history and quiet access to the water, without the crowds of the bigger towns nearby. The region's 11 long, narrow lakes in upstate New York are known nationally for their vineyards, and the hills around Hammondsport sit right in the heart of that wine country. The lake keeps cottagers and weekend visitors busy all summer with paddling, fishing, and easy afternoons on the water.
About 5 hours from New York City and roughly 2 hours from Buffalo, Hammondsport makes an easy getaway for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
More About Hammondsport
Set at the southern tip of Keuka Lake, Hammondsport is a village of fewer than 600 residents that was first settled in the 1790s, during the earliest days of the United States as a country. It eventually became a hub for grape growing and winemaking, an identity it still maintains today, with the Finger Lakes region now known nationally for its vineyards.
Moving into the early 20th century, the village also notably played a key role in aviation history. In fact, Glenn H. Curtiss, a pioneer of flight, tested early seaplanes on Keuka Lake, and his legacy is currently preserved at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum.
Geographically, Hammondsport is defined by its location at the base of steep, glacially formed hills and the Y-shaped Keuka Lake (sometimes called "Crooked Lake"), which provides ample opportunity for both residents and visitors to go boating, fishing, and embark on numerous lakeside hikes. The surrounding ridgelines are likewise laced with trails and scenic drives, with wide viewpoints over the lake and surrounding countryside.
Hammondsport's wonderful natural draws, layered with its storied past, make it a quiet but compelling destination beyond the usual stops in the Finger Lakes, excellent for foodies, nature lovers, and history buffs alike.
Must-Visit Parks and Other Green Spaces Near Hammondsport
As mentioned, there are more than a few parks, wildlands, and other kinds of green spaces in and around this town. Here are some of the top recommendations to check out the next time you're in the area, including lakeside beaches and expansive state forests.
Keuka Lake State Park
Located just 30 minutes north of Hammondsport, Keuka Lake State Park is a standout attraction for anyone looking to really explore the Finger Lakes landscape up close. The park covers over 620 acres on the north end of Keuka Lake's west branch, offering easy access to wooded hiking trails, picnic areas, and a pebble beach ideal for swimming and launching small craft onto the water.
The park's trails climb the wooded hillside above the lake's west branch, an easy way to spend a morning on foot. The foliage turns especially vivid in fall, when the slopes fill with color. Wildlife is abundant here as well, so keep your eyes open for deer, foxes, and a variety of birds. For the clearest view of Keuka's unusual Y-shape, head to the Bluff Point overlook on the promontory between the lake's two arms.
Campgrounds in the park are open seasonally, making it a convenient base for extended stays in the region, too. Moreover, the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum sits close by, offering you a roadside stop on your way from Hammondsport.
Champlin Beach
Champlin Beach Park, sitting on the southwestern edge of downtown, is a serene lakeside retreat on the very southern tip of Keuka Lake. This town-managed park has a sandy beach area, picnic tables, and a playground, making it a popular destination for families and locals alike throughout the year.
This locale is also a good spot to launch a kayak, canoe, or even a jet ski, with rentals available from various nearby providers, such as Keuka Watersports. Another notable feature of the park is a plane sculpture in the water honoring Glenn Hammond Curtiss, the aviation pioneer born in Hammondsport.
Note that during the summer season, lifeguards are on duty, ensuring a safe swimming environment for all. Public restrooms are also available May through October.
Depot Park
Seated right on downtown Hammondsport's waterfront, this small parkette includes a swimming area that is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season, as well as public restrooms and well-shaded benches. A set of docks and a boat ramp here also supports light watercraft activity, and the lawn space is often used for community events and casual lakeside picnics. Furthermore, its central location makes it easy to visit between stops at nearby restaurants, hotels, or shops.
Named after the former train depot building nearby and once part of the Bath & Hammondsport Railroad, the park now clearly serves other civic functions, linking the space to the village's past as a vital transportation hub for the region.
Other Local Activities To Do
Wine tours, museums, and historic landmarks are among the most common sights, besides parks, in the Finger Lakes, and Hammondsport is no different. Take a look at these other fun destinations and activities you can partake in during your next stay.
Pulteney Square Historic District
Pulteney Square Historic District forms the downtown core of Hammondsport. Centered around a village green, Pulteney Square, the district features a collection of 19th and early 20th-century buildings that reflect a variety of different architectural styles from over the years. Historic churches, inns, and well-preserved storefronts, many still serving community functions, are there for your viewing pleasure.
Tired and hungry after a long day out? Grab a bite at the Village Tavern Restaurant & Inn just steps away from the main square. This local favorite is an old-school pub with overnight accommodations on the upper floors.
Seasonal events here, including farmers' markets, are held in the area, giving you a chance to engage with the community even if you're just visiting. Furthermore, the district is incredibly walkable, making it ideal for exploring at a relaxed pace.
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport celebrates the life and innovations of the namesake early aviator. Spanning a massive 60,000 square feet, the museum houses a remarkable collection of early aircraft, motorcycles, bicycles, and vintage automobiles, a perfect spot for transportation enthusiasts of all kinds.
Within its grounds, you can explore full-scale reproductions and even some original models, including the 1917 Curtiss JN-4D "Jenny" biplane and the "America" flying boat. The museum also features exhibits on Curtiss's historic contributions to aviation and New York history, offering a detailed window into his role in developing what is likely his greatest contribution, one of the first successful seaplanes.
Interactive displays, a restoration workshop, and a 75-seat theater further flesh out the visitor experience, making the museum a standout for anyone exploring the Finger Lakes region.
Go on a Wine Tour
The countryside around Hammondsport is packed with established wineries. If you are a wine fan or just want to sample some local product, your options are numerous, including tasting rooms in town and vineyards a short drive away.
Not keen on leaving town? The Over The Bridge Wine Bar is a small downtown spot near the historic district. Here, you'll be able to pick from a menu consisting of local wines or other regional and global offerings.
On the other hand, Keuka Lake's shores are home to wineries like Bully Hill Vineyards, Keuka Lake Vineyards, and the Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery. Those are just a few of over a dozen options along what is known as the Keuka Wine Trail, most of which pair wine with unbeatable lakeside views. Definitely try to hit up one of these spots in the evening to catch a sunset while sipping a glass of the good stuff. Most of these vineyards also offer tours, tastings, and have shops that sell their current lines, so you can have something to take back home with you.
Kick Back and Relax in the Great Outdoors at Hammondsport
Hammondsport may be small in a number of ways, but it delivers an impressive range of experiences for nature lovers and curious travelers alike. Paddling on Keuka Lake, hiking the forested hillsides, and the town's aviation history come together to make Hammondsport a strong choice for a weekend getaway in New York.
For anyone after a quieter alternative to the busier Finger Lakes destinations, Hammondsport is an easy one to recommend.
