Located at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in central New York, the beautiful city of Rome is an ideal vacation spot. A short distance away from Boston and Niagara Falls, Rome captivates you with its beautiful backdrop. Bestowed with rivers, streams, lakes, and hills, the city is a natural paradise. It also boasts historical sites, parks, art, cultural activities, and plenty of amazing hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals. The culinary scene is quite popular too, with many unique restaurants and shops. If you are wondering what to do in the city, there is no dearth of activities. From hiking to biking, swimming to fishing and camping, there are plenty of outdoor activities you can get busy with. Below is a list of some exciting things to do while you are in Rome, New York.
1. Walk through the Rome Sports Hall of Fame
A great place for sports aficionados, the Rome Sports Hall of Fame, a non-profit organization, is a sports hall of fame with its own museum. Celebrating the achievements of athletes of Rome, with over 50 exhibits, the museum is filled with photographs, awards, uniforms, and gear showing off their victorious moments. It also has a racing wing that portrays race cars.
Rome Sports Hall of Fame
Address: 5790 Rome-New London Rd, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: Rome Sports Hall of Fame
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
2. Enjoy kayaking at Bellamy Harbor Park
Open from morning till dusk, this beautiful park is located close to Fort Stanwix and it is an ideal place for hosting events and activities, picnicking, boating and fishing. The regional park also includes a wooden walkway along the canal. The park has a kayak and canoe launch and you can indulge in kayaking by enjoying the surrounding scenery and the water experience.
Bellamy Harbor Park
Address: 139 E Whitesboro St #111, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: Bellamy Harbor Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 4.30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
3. Visit Fort Stanwix National Monument and Marinus Willett Center
Fort Stanwix, a colonial fortress, was built to protect the Oneida Carry during the French and Indian War. What you see there now is Fort Stanwix National Monument, a recreated structure by the National Park Service. The fort is known for being a successful shield by American troops during the siege on August 1777. You can listen to the historical stories about the fort once you are here and also go through the exhibits. Located at the corner of Erie Boulevard and James Street is the Marinus Willett Center. The fort’s collections are stored here inside a state-of-the-art collection facility. The center also conducts audio-visual programs for the public.
Fort Stanwix National Monument
Address: 100 N James St, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: Fort Stanwix National Monument
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
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4. Get lost in the beauty of nature at Delta Lake State Park
One of the must-visit and best places to visit in Rome is the Delta Lake State Park. The wooded terrain, hiking and nature trails, fishing options, boat launch, and picnic spots make this place a much-loved destination. In summer, you can enjoy swimming here and in winter, indulge in cross-country ski trails.
Delta Lake State Park
Address: 8797 NY-46, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: Delta Lake State Park
Opening hours: Mon & Wed - Fri: 7am - 11.45pm; Sat: 7am - 5pm; Tue & Sun: 24 hours
5. Spend quality time at the Capitol Theatre
Constructed for exhibiting motion pictures, the Capitol Theatre has captivated the audience with live shows and cinemas. Today, more than 100 performances happen here annually, including live theatrical performances, dance programs, classic silent and talking films along with the Capitolfest film festival. Visit this historic theatre and enjoy a movie or two when you are in Rome.
Capitol Theatre
Address: 220 W Dominick St, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: Capitol Theatre
6. Explore the historic Jervis Public Library
If historic spots delight you, do not miss the Jervis Public Library, built in 1858. It was actually the house of prominent American civil engineer John Bloomfield Jervis, who gave his belongings and his personal collection of books to start the library. The resources available here are innumerable as it is also a reference and research facility. From the children’s reading room to an Internet access center, referral center for social services and career information to consumer information center, the library has it all.
Jervis Public Library
Address: 613 North Washington Street, Rome, New York
Website: Jervis Public Library
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9.30am - 8.30pm; Fri: 9.30am - 5.30pm; Sat: 9.30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
7. Take a trip down memory lane at Sears Oil Co. Museum
Sears Oil Co. Museum, a historic gas station which was completely restored and now turned to a museum, is a must-visit spot if you are in Rome. You will be delighted to see the quirky, old fashioned gasoline pumps and an assortment of artifacts inside the building. A pair of restored clock face gas pumps, a set of light poles and fixtures, and a lovely drive over oil change pit are some sights you cannot miss here. The orange tiled roof and the colorful red and blue porcelain tiles of the building are worth seeing.
Sears Oil Co Inc
Address: 1914 Black River Blvd N, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: Sears Oil Co Inc
Opening hours: May 15 - Sept 15: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sept 16 - May 14: By appointment
8. Drop by the Rome Historical Society & Museum
Another must-visit place in the city is the Rome Historical Society Museum. Important collections of artifacts and historical records are preserved by the society. It also maintains the Fort Bull, the site of the French and Indian War fortification, Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier and The Lower Landing site.
Rome Historical Society & Museum
Address: 200 Church St, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: Rome Historical Society & Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 3pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
9. Enjoy ice hockey at J.F. Kennedy Arena
The J.F. Kennedy Arena is yet another place that can be added to your list. The arena is home to the Rome Free Academy Varsity Hockey Team. It also hosts many figure skating and ice hockey events along with skate programs for youths.
J.F. Kennedy Arena
Address: 500 W Embargo St, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: J.F. Kennedy Arena
10. Visit Francis Bellamy’s gravesite
You might be wondering what’s so special about a gravesite, but this gravesite is of Rev. Francis Bellamy, the author of the Pledge of Allegiance. Located in the Rome Cemetery, he rests under a granite shaft. However, he is still remembered fondly as the socialist Baptist minister, who strongly believed in the separation of church and state.
Francis Bellamy’s gravesite
Address: Rome Cemetery, Jervis Avenue, Rome, New York.
Website: Francis Bellamy’s gravesite
11. Have fun skiing in Woods Valley Ski Area
Enjoy some precious moments with your family at the Woods Valley Ski Area. From beginners to expert skiers, everyone gets to enjoy her. Facilities like terrain parks, state-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming, snow tubing area and good lighting for night skiing and riding make this a much-loved destination. You can avail the skiing or riding equipment from the rental shop there.
Woods Valley Ski Area
Address: 9100 NY-46, Westernville, NY 13486, USA
Website: Woods Valley Ski Area
12. Check out Griffiss International Sculpture Garden
If you are an art lover, Griffiss International Sculpture Garden is a place you should never miss. The sculpture garden has an amazing display of various art forms designed by famous artists. Apart from the modern art sculptures, the place is also well known for viewing the fall foliage and wildlife. With older airplanes on display and artistic pieces including Chimney, Freya, The Birth of Venus, Argonaut, an abstract sculpture from the tree, entitled ‘Wish To Fly,’ among others, you will enjoy it to the core.
Griffiss International Sculpture Garden
Address: Rome, NY 13441, USA
13. Go hiking in Sand Dune Trail
Looking for a great place to hike in Rome? Head to Rome Sand Plains, a huge area of land with high sand dunes, low peat bogs, pine barrens, meadows, hardwood forests, and wetlands. There are many trails for hikers here including the Wood Creek Trail, Blue Trail, Red, Blue and Yellow Trails, and Sand Dune Trails. The 0.7-mile-long (1.1 km) Sand Dune Trail begins at a former sand mining pit. For walking on the dune, you can follow the trail along old wood roads and logging paths. The vegetation and pitch pines keep the sand dune protected against the westerly winds. Enjoy your hiking experience here.
Rome Sand Plains
Address: 4607 Hogsback Rd, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: Rome Sand Plains
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
14. Have some family fun at Fort Rickey Children's Discovery Zoo
Take your kids to the Fort Rickey Children’s Discovery Zoo and they will never be disappointed. The zoo has engaging animal interactions and fun activities including hands-on animal shows and a giant tube and tunnel maze for kids. You can get close to the animals as well. This is a place where lots of family fun is guaranteed, so do not miss it.
Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo
Address: 5135 Rome-New London Rd, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Children: (2 to 15) 8.25 USD; Adults: (16 +) 10.25 USD; Under 2yrs: Free
15. Enjoy a game at Legends Sports Bar & Eatery
Add some fun to your trip to Rome by visiting the Legends Sports Bar & Eatery. Yummy food and drinks that will not dent your wallet, great services, and moreover a perfect place to enjoy a game with other sports enthusiasts, make this place a much preferred one.
Legends Sports Bar & Eatery
Address: 526 Erie Blvd W, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: Legends Sports Bar & Eatery
Opening hours: 12pm - 12am (daily)
16. View the artwork at Artistree Studios and Gallery
Art lovers have enough attractions in Rome to be occupied with. The Artistree Studios & Gallery, the newest addition to Rome’s Arts District is one such place. This non-profit organization offers a wide range of programs for children, teenagers, and adults. Themed art-shows and art classes are some of the activities offered.
Artistree Studios & Gallery
Address: 308 W Bloomfield St, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: Artistree Studios & Gallery
17. Go camping in Delta Lake State Park
Tents, trailers or RV camping sites, you have many options if you choose to camp at the Delta Lake State Park. Camp in the park on the lake’s edge and sip your morning coffee with a perfect view of the scenery. You won’t feel as if you are near the city, once you are in the park. The rustic feel of a campsite can be thoroughly enjoyed once you are here.
Delta Lake State Park
Address: 8797 NY-46, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: Delta Lake State Park
Opening hours: Mon & Wed - Fri: 7am - 11.45pm; Sat: 7am - 5pm; Tue & Sun: 24 hours
18. Wine and dine at Applebee's Grill + Bar
If you want to relish hearty American eats in Rome, head to Applebee’s Grill + Bar. Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner or have a great time with your friends over some drinks here. Try their fajitas, handcrafted burgers or desserts. If you have kids, they have a kids’ menu too. So here is a complete family place to eat and drink.
Applebee's Grill + Bar
Address: 1794 Black River Blvd, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: Applebee’s Grill + Bar
Opening hours: Tue - Thu & Sun - Mon: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1am
19. Let out the singer in you at Rhine Haus
Life is meant to be enjoyed. Laugh, eat, sleep and perhaps sing? Enter Rhine Haus, a dive bar where all the fun and frolic happens. Enjoy karaoke on Friday nights and get a chance to meet great singers. You can show off the singer in you too. During the football season, this is one awesome place to be with friends and sports enthusiasts. A laid-back ambiance and great service make this place stand out from the rest.
Rhine Haus
Address: 513 W Dominick St, Rome, NY 13440, USA
Website: Rhine Haus
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 4pm - 2am; Thu - Fri: 2pm - 2am; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 2am
Experience Rome, New York, to the fullest
With so many wonderful things to do and see in Rome, you can plan your trip to this place with the help of our list. From family places to kid-centric spots, natural sites to man-made ones, awesome food spots to live entertainment joints, the options are many. You just have to choose what fits your budget and time and go ahead.