8 Towns In The Finger Lakes That Were Frozen In Time
The Finger Lakes are a group of eleven glacially-formed lakes in New York, just south of Lake Ontario. This unique area of upstate New York features secluded towns privileged with lakeside panoramas. Cayuga and Seneca Lakes are the deepest in the United States, with bottoms below sea level. The Finger Lakes towns have been occupied as far back as the 1700s, and the architecture reflects the periods of federal and Greek revival. The area still reflects its historical beginnings, with lingering traces of the Industrial Revolution, a ubiquitous Native American heritage, and grape and buckwheat origin stories visible throughout the Finger Lakes towns, all intermingling with the natural splendor of local waterfalls, rolling hills, and verdant vineyards. These eight Finger Lakes towns preserve their evolution and natural history like no other, making visitors feel as though they are walking down roads from various periods at the same time.
Skaneateles
Located southwest of Syracuse is a small village named Skaneateles, with a lake named after it—Skaneateles Lake. The Sherwood Inn, built in 1800, offers lodging and fine dining and takes you under its wing to relive two centuries of life while giving you a scenic lake view. Skaneateles has numerous historical sites, and the town keeps its roots in buildings and artifacts. The Skaneateles Historical Society Museum is located in a former creamery and showcases artifacts and photographs from the town's industrial evolution. The museum keeps it interesting by rotating different exhibitions throughout the year. The Historic District Walking Tour also offers a walk-through of time, walking down old streets to see homes and buildings that have stood for centuries. Directly across from the Sherwood Inn is Clift Park—a clear blue waterfront for swimming with a vintage-esque park and community dock, perfect for soaking up the town's historic landscape.
Hammondsport
At the southern part of Keuka Lake is the quaint little town of Hammondsport, where some of the most iconic scenery of the Finger Lakes takes place. The Pleasant Valley Wine Company is the first bonded wine company in the United States and the oldest wine company in the Finger Lakes region. It offers wine tastings and guided tours through its 19th-century wine cellars. Hammondsport keeps history alive through museums, exhibits, and restoration. The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum is a tribute to “The Father of Aviation.” The museum showcases a priceless collection of vintage airplanes and motorcycles. Champlin Beach Park is next to the fire station, which displays a plane sculpture in the name of Glenn H. Curtiss. The park also features the town's early remnants of steamboat culture, once a primary transportation method. On Keuka Lake is Depot Park, a restored train depot and picnic area that showcases Hammondsport's golden age of trains. The rails were placed out of service in the 1990s but are still intact today.
Aurora
Aurora is tucked into the banks of the Cayuga River and seems frozen in time—thanks to a village-wide restoration project not long ago. Mackenzie-Childs is an up-scale, hand-made, hand-painted ceramics and home decor shop in a restored Victorian farmhouse. The historic architecture doesn’t end there—Aurora is buzzing with many styles of buildings, including Gothic, Victorian, and Greek revivals. Some highlights of the town include Wells College, founded in 1868, a Gothic-style building with a unique bell tower in the main building. The college also overlooks Cayuga Lake, adding to its charm. The college closed its doors in 2024 but is still a tourist attraction. Not only does the town boast its original buildings, but it also holds educational insight. The Aurora Historical Society teaches about the town's history, particularly its roots in the Erie Canal Era. The Morgan Operahouse is a restored Victorian performance venue that still hosts plays, music, and lectures.
Seneca Falls
Seneca Falls is the birthplace of the women's suffrage movement and is located on the northern tip of Cayuga Lake. The Women’s Rights National Historical Park Visitor Center holds the story of the first women’s rights convention and is a community hub for those who like to commemorate the anniversary. Seneca Falls's history surrounds many of its founding ideals. The Wesleyan Chapel, built in 1843 and overlooking the Seneca River, was the location of the first Women’s Rights Convention in 1848. The chapel has been restored to its former glory and still holds conventions in the 21st century. The Elizabeth Cady Stanton House is the preserved home of the original women’s rights leader. She was known for being in the “center of rebellion,” the home has stood since 1815. The Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry showcases the town's canal system, which has shaped its economy and growth from its origins.
Penn Yan
The Finger Lakes region is home to a very pleasant little village called Penn Yan. Penn Yan is full of eye-popping views, historic landmarks, and culture. Birkett Mills is one of the world's largest producers of Buckwheat and has been in production since 1797. The company has also been in the Guinness Book of World Records, holding the record for the largest buckwheat pancake ever made at the Annual Buckwheat Harvest Festival in 1987. The Oliver House Museum is a preserved Victorian home offering guided tours. The house has many original furnishings, and its six-period rooms hold a unique mix of old belongings, such as military memorabilia and textiles. Following along the old canal is the Keuka Outlet Trail, which offers beautiful scenic walks for miles—the trails were created over 10,000 years ago. Some of the paths provide views of remnants from old mills of the 19th century. Sampson State Park has a military background as it was a naval training center. Now, the park is a lakeside oasis that preserves its historical background.
Geneva
Geneva straddles the banks of Seneca Lake's lapping tide. The local Belhurst Castle provides tourists with a historical and romantic experience in the heart of the Finger Lakes, featuring engrossing lakeside views and high-end dining in a late-Victorina setting. The Romanesque revival-style mansion is a renovated hotel, spa, and winery where travelers come to enjoy an unparalleled vacation experience. Rose Hill Mansion is a Greek revival-style estate, once a working farm, that is now open for guided tours surrounding the life of the Swan Family with artifacts such as letters, photos, and diaries. The Smith Opera House is a grand theatre that opened its door in 1894, and it still entertains folks through movies, plays, and concerts—they are celebrating their 130th birthday in 2024. Geneva's industrial heritage can be found at the Geneva History Museum, which showcases local history through remarkable exhibits about the Native American history of the land.
Naples
Naples, New York, was established in 1789. It has a vibrant history of grape growing and is considered the grape capital of the world. Monica’s Pies is a pillar of the town, as it is a time capsule of its ties to the Finger Lakes wine and grape industry. Monica’s is known for its year-round grape pies, james, and jellies. Grimes Glen Park is the newest addition to the Ontario County park system. Located in the heart of the town, it offers hiking trails to 60-foot waterfalls that were once part of local folklore. Hazlitt Wine Cat Cellars, formerly Widmer Wine Cellars, has had a modern revamp; however, it keeps many old traditions as an ode to the pioneering legacy of 1852. Known as the “central voice of Naples history,” the Naples Historical Society is committed to keeping Naples' history alive, with two walking tours of the Historic District and large displays of old tools and photographs from the original settlers.
Owego
Owego is a cozy small town on the Susquehanna River. It has antique shops, local art galleries, and quiet cafes that take you back in time. The Riverow Bookshop is in a historic building with an expansive 85,000 books, including antique ephemera, prints, and drawings. Rich in local history and lore, Hiawatha Island was once known as just “Big Island” and is one of the largest on the Susquehanna River. In modern times, Hiawatha is a nature preserve and has been a popular tourist destination since the 1870s. The Tioga County Historical Society preserves the history of Tioga County, featuring exhibits of the local glass-making industry and Native American artifacts. The Owego Historic District is a self-guided tour along the Susquehanna River, observing the local buildings consisting of Greek revival and Federal architecture. The district has historic commercial buildings and some notable civic and institutional buildings.
Immerse Yourself In History At The Finger Lakes
If you are an avid traveler, history buff, or just curious about life from a previous period, the Finger Lakes towns provide multiple avenues of discovery. These eight towns each offer a unique story from a moment frozen in time, with artifacts, photographs, and natural landmarks that are tourist-friendly—combining small-town soul with the genesis of an area. The singular experiences that await Finger Lakes visitors offer something for everyone, enriching all who pass through with memories and immersive encounters.
