Oneida is in Madison County, east of Wampsville and west of Oneida Castle. The city may be small in size but big in name when it comes to world-class entertainment, historic sites, all-year-round sports, and attractions such as zoos, trails, lakes, and much more. Visiting Oneida will expose you to a thousand and one ways through which you can fill your travel diaries with endless activities. To have a more immersive experience during your visit, why not stay in one of the Airbnb vacation rentals in Sylvan Beach of Oneida Lake? Not many people consider Oneida a tourist gem in New York but it is definitely worth considering for fun-filled days of adventure. Check out this list for the top things to do in Oneida, New York.
1. Enjoy a tour of the market at Oneida for unique finds
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Oneida Market on Tuesday, April 14, 2020
A visit to any new place is an opportunity to do some shopping and gather a few items as souvenirs from your trip. When you visit Oneida, a visit to the market for unique finds is a must. The market has over 40 vendors, all selling different items, featuring new and gently used gifts, recycled treasures, quality antiques, locally handcrafted items, estate sale jewelry and much more. There is also a local food section which you must visit to have a taste of the local culinary delights. This will come in handy in case you don’t get time to book yourself on a food tour.
Oneida Market Tour
Address: 501 Packerland Dr, Green Bay, WI 54303, USA
Website: Oneida Market Tour
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
2. See what the world's smallest church looks like
New York may be the home of the megastructures in the world, but in contrast, it is also the home to the smallest church in the world. Cross Island Chapel was completed in 1989, and it is located on a dock on Mason’s Pond. Not only is it the world’s smallest church but, it is also located right in the middle of the pond.
This attraction in Oneida is less than 30 square feet (2.7 square meters) in space. And though no formal services take place here, curious couples who don’t mind getting crammed in the space, travel far and wide to get married in the tiny white chapel in the middle of the pond.
Cross Island Chapel
Address: Sconondoa Rd., Oneida, NY
Opening hours: 24/7
3. Go catch some fish on Mount Hope Reservoir
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Theis historic reservoir was once the trusted source of water for drinking, firefighting, and industrial uses in Oneida. Currently, it remains a recreational site since it was abandoned in 1979. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and one of the finest spots in Madison County for those who would love to go fishing. It is also a great site for camping, cross country skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. Think of it as a paradise for outdoors enthusiasts.
Mount Hope Reservoir
Address: Mt Hope Ave, Oneida, NY 13421, USA
Website: Mount Hope Reservoir
Opening hours: 24/7
4. Enjoy world-class theatrical performances at the Oneida Performing Arts
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Are The Beatles in Oneida right now???? Awesome performance by Strawberry Fields, presented by Oneida Performing Arts!
Posted by Oneida Performing Arts on Saturday, November 4, 2017
You will never miss finding an event going on at the Oneida Performing Arts. It is one of the top places to consider for lively entertainment all days of the week. Depending on your dates of travel, you may be lucky to find some really big events lined up. But, in the absence of these, there will always be a variety of performances nearly every day. It provides you with a chance to appreciate live arts from a variety of performances in various types of genres.
Oneida Performing Arts
Address: Oneida Performing Arts PO Box 51 Oneida, New York 13421
Website: Oneida Performing Arts
Price: 40 USD
5. Drink a cup of high-quality coffee at the HIPstir Café
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Todays Special Peach Curry Chicken Salad! ? Served on a Croissant or a wrap with chips or salad!! Call to order yours 315-280-0595
Posted by HIPstir Cafe on Friday, July 9, 2021
It is always a good idea to sample a coffee experience away from your city or home town. This will help you realize what you may be missing and also appreciate what others have and you don’t. In Oneida, the best place to have a taste of the region’s coffee is at the HIPstir Café, located on Farrier Avenue. The coffee here is not only great, but it comes with delights that are unique to the region and will introduce you to a whole new way of appreciating coffee. This is where you want to be when catching up with a long lost friend you bumped into during your visit to Oneida.
HIPstir Café
Address: 125 Farrier Ave, Oneida, NY 13421, USA
Website: HIPstir Café
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 3pm; Sat: 8am - 1pm; Sun: 9am - 1pm
6. Go wine tasting at Villa Verona Vineyard & Bistro
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Meet Our Wines! Cayuga White Cayuga White is a crisp and refreshing white wine with a touch of sweetness and...
Posted by Villa Verona Vineyard Winery & Bistro on Saturday, January 23, 2021
If you love wine and you visit Oneida, then wine tasting at the Villa Verona Vineyard & Bistro is a must. It is the leading winery in Oneida County that promises every visitor, that walks past its gate, a memorable wine experience. Currently, there are approximately 15 different bottled wines, featuring sweet wines, dry produce wines, and wines produced and bottled within the winery. In addition to a magical wine tasting experience at this vineyard, you will also have a chance to browse through local unique gift items, crafts beers, and much more!
Villa Verona Vineyard & Bistro
Address: 4914 NY-365, Oneida, NY 13421, USA
Website: Villa Verona Vineyard & Bistro
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 4pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
7. Craft your own beer at Bottom of the Barrel
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
My Muscato
Posted by Bottom Of The Barrel on Thursday, February 20, 2020
If you have ever desired to learn how to produce the contents of the famous brown bottles (i.e. wine!), then this is a tour you must consider when you visit Oneida. Bottom of the Barrel not only sells everything that pertains to wine making, beer brewing, and cider making but it also teaches you to transition from being a beginner to an expert in this field. They have ingredients, kits, bottling items, and all the equipment you will need for beer crafting and wine and cider making. You can visit the facility to learn more about the processes, and most importantly, you can visit for a chance to craft your own beer.
Bottom of the Barrel
Address: 1736 Mt Hope Ave, Oneida, NY 13421, USA
Website: Bottom of the Barrel
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 5pm - 8pm; (closed Tue - Sat)
8. Know your future at Nook and Cranny Reading Room
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Nook & Cranny Reading Room on Sunday, September 15, 2019
How would it feel if you knew what the future holds for you? If you are courageous enough to find out, then a visit to the Nook and Cranny Reading Room is a must when you visit Oneida. If you are interested in past life connections, or want to understand why certain things are happening the way are happening, or you want to know how to resolve a health concern you may be facing at the moment, then be sure to make a date with the psychics, mediums, healers, hypnotherapists and healers at the Nook and Cranny Reading Room.
Nook and Cranny Reading Room
Address: 134 Lenox Ave, Oneida, NY 13421, USA
Website: Nook and Cranny Reading Room
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 7pm (closed Mon & Tue)
9. Enjoy an affordable brunch at Choo Choo Charlie’s
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Choo Choo Charlie's is shakin' things up once again with our newest favors of specialty milkshakes. We're bringing to...
Posted by Choo-Choo Charlie's Shriner Diner on Monday, January 28, 2019
Your brunch experience will never be the same after a visit to Choo Choo Charlie’s in Oneida. This kid-friendly restaurant prepares everything from scratch after you place your order. It is a family-owned establishment, with the father, mother, and daughter present to give you a memorable dining experience. The menu is diverse and highly affordable. Expect to enjoy nice treats like burgers, hotdogs, mouthwatering appetizers, finger-licking chicken, specialty brew coffees, malts, and shakes. Be sure to visit when you are on an empty stomach because you will have so much to eat.
Choo Choo Charlie’s
Address: 236 Main St, Oneida, NY 13421, USA
Website: Choo Choo Charlie’s
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 3pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 7pm
10. Dig into some delicious pizzas from Pepi’s Pizza
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Monday night football, and pizza, just seem to complete each other.
Posted by Pepi's Pizza on Monday, October 1, 2012
Just like coffee, a good number of travelers love to sample the various pizzas they find in the places they visit. This is why you need to pay a visit to one of the best places to eat in Oneida - Pepi’s Pizza. The joint has been around since the 1960s, and this means that it comes with a historic flair you won’t find in many places. Their pizzas are nothing but exceptional, and you will also be treated to custom and specialty pies, served with gelatos and a wide variety of ice creams.
Pepi’s Pizza
Address: 228 Genesee St, Oneida, NY 13421, USA
Website: Pepi’s Pizza
Opening hours: Sun - Tue: 4pm - 10am; Wed - Sat: 11am - 10pm
11. Go antiquing at The Eclectic Chic
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Eclectic Chic on Thursday, July 15, 2021
As usual, antiquing should be part of every trip to a new destination. There are no reasons why you should not indulge in some when visiting Oneida. The place to head to for some unique antique fins is The Eclectic Chic. This is one of the best multi-vendor stores where you will find more than 65 vendors, guaranteeing a fruitful antiquing experience. You will have a humongous variety of items to choose from, and it will be truly unique to Oneida.
The Eclectic Chic
Address: 21 Seneca Ave, Oneida, NY 13421, USA
Website: The Eclectic Chic
Opening hours: Sat - Tue: 10am - 5pm; Wed - Fri: 10am - 6pm
12. Browse through Oneida’s public library books
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Comfy reading area.
Posted by Oneida Library on Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Whether or not you are an avid reader or an academician, it is always a good idea to visit libraries found in the places you will be visiting. This is not just for knowledge alone. Browsing through the books in a public library is a great way to enrich your general knowledge of the area, and also appreciate some of the strides that the region has made in the academic field. It is a nice way to pass the time if you are waiting for someone, or you are taking a break before you move on to the next attraction.
Oneida Public Library
Address: 220 Broad St, Oneida, NY 13421, USA
Website: Oneida Public Library
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 8pm (closed on Sun)
13. Play a game of poker at the Turning Stone Resort Casino
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Playing poker on a Friday evening sounds like a great idea to end a week of touring and exploring Oneida. Well, if this is what you desire, then you need to check out the Turning Stone Resort and Casino. It is not just about poker, but a wide range of casino games you could play to gamble the night away. This is also a good chance to sample the high-end night life of Oneida’s privileged.
Turning Stone Resort Casino
Address: 5218 Patrick Rd, Verona, NY 13478, USA
Website: Turning Stone Resort Casino
Opening hours: 24/7
14. Discover the rich past of Oneida at the Shako: wi Cultural Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Several new No-face dolls arrived here at Shako:wi. Here are our Grandmother and Grandfather dolls. Stop in and see the rest of our inventory.
Posted by Shako:wi Cultural Center on Friday, August 7, 2015
Shako: wi cultural center has been in operation since 1993. The cultural center is a tribute to the lives and struggles of the people of Oneida. You will get a glimpse of the history of the land and the specific strides made by the people of Oneida in keeping the community alive, including fighting for their rights to retain the ownership of the over 17,000 acres (6880 hectares) of their ancestral homelands.
Shako: wi Cultural Center
Address: 5 Territory Rd, Oneida, NY 13421, USA
Website: Shako: wi Cultural Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
15. Visit Madison County Historical Society
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Hope you enjoy this visual representation of the major stages in our upcoming theorem painting workshop, Saturday, June...
Posted by MADISON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ONEIDA, NEW YORK on Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Visiting the Madison County Historical Society in Oneida is a captivating journey into the past, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. Located in the heart of Oneida, New York, this historical society is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the stories and artifacts that shape the area’s identity.
From Native American artifacts and early settlers’ possessions to exhibits on local industries and notable figures, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of the region’s past. In addition to the exhibits, the Madison County Historical Society often hosts special events, lectures, and workshops that delve deeper into specific aspects of the area’s history. These events offer a unique opportunity to connect with local historians, researchers, and fellow history enthusiasts.
Madison County Historical Society
Address: 435 Main Street Oneida, NY 13421
Website: Madison County Historical Society
Opening hours: 10am - 3pm (Mon - Fri)
16. Go cycling at Oneida Rail Trail
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Embarking on a cycling adventure along the Oneida Rail Trail is one of the exhilarating activities to do in Oneida to explore its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. This well-maintained trail offers a fantastic route for leisurely rides and more challenging cycling experiences. As you pedal along the trail, you’ll be surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including lush forests, rolling hills, and serene waterways.
The Oneida Rail Trail follows the path of a former railway, offering a relatively flat and smooth surface that is perfect for cyclists of all skill levels. The trail is also frequented by walkers, joggers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, creating a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
17. Enjoy the Oneida community mansion tour (from USD 10.0)
This is one of the most sought-after tours in Oneida! A trip to the community mansion will be worth every second you spend within its precincts. Through this tour, you will discover the rich history of the Oneida community as displayed by the museum’s exhibits and collections. You will also learn more about the socialist Utopian group that once called the mansion home, including their beliefs, practices, and evolution. The guided tour is approximately two hours and you need to book the tickets in advance.
Oneida Community Mansion House Tour
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Soak in the history and splendor of Oneida
Evidently, the best of Oneida County can be experienced in its multitude of things to do. It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling alone, with your better half, or with the entire family. There is something for everyone! Be sure to plan your trip well so that you have enough time to soak in the beauty and splendor of Oneida.
If you wish to time your trip during winter, you can check out some of the best ski resorts near Syracuse, which is an equally stunning city just about 40 minutes away from Oneida.
Frequently asked questions about the top things to do in Oneida, New York
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