Oneonta, situated just south of Cooperstown in the Susquehanna Valley, is known as the “City of the Hills,” and it has diverse offerings in the arts, outdoor recreation, history, and more. Catering to butterfly enthusiasts, BBQ aficionados, and soccer enthusiasts looking for complements to the Soccer Hall of Fame experience, a visit to the charming community of Oneonta will be one where travelers with a variety of interests will be satisfied. This fine city is home to a plethora of great attractions that are sure to appeal to many different kinds of travelers. It’s also home to several Airbnb vacation rentals. If you’re curious about what you can find in this city, read on to learn more about the best things to do in Oneonta, New York!
1. Yager Museum
Located inside Hartwick College, the Yager Museum of Art & Culture features a collection of archeological artifacts that showcase the histories of various communities and ethnic groups throughout the centuries. These collections are a mix of various items, including baskets, pottery, rugs, clothing, jewelry, and masks from prehistoric, early Native American, and North and South American Indian tribes.
There are also craft items from Micronesia and fine art pieces from the United States, Europe, Russia, and various Asian countries. The university museum is open to the public throughout the academic year, with its hours varying outside of the academic year.
Yager Museum
Address: Yager Hall - Library and Museum, Oneonta, NY 13820, United States
Website: Yager Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
2. Oneonta Armory
If you are either a military or history buff, you should definitely visit Oneonta Armory. Built in 1905, this historic armory was once a National Guard armory and features a brick and stone castle-like design. It has a two-story administration building and an attached drill shed as well as a five-story octagonal tower and a two-story square tower.
As of 1995, this structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the armory’s vast space is available for rent and various stores have set up shop inside this historic place.
Oneonta Armory
Address: 4 Academy St, Oneonta, NY 13820, United States
3. New Island Forest Trails Trailhead
New Island Forest Trails Trailhead is a 6.9-kilometer (4.2-mile) loop trail that moves along a river and is primarily known for being a hiking spot. Rated by many hikers as moderate in difficulty, the trail is not too hard to traverse and the river running along the path makes for a great atmosphere.
This difficulty makes it accessible to dogs though they are required to have a leash on them at all times. Nevertheless, this trail is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxing hike or walk.
New Island Forest Trails Trailhead
Address: 2 Railroad Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820, United States
Website: New Island Forest Trails Trailhead
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4. Cooperstown Baseball World
Cooperstown Baseball World is a sports complex that takes pride in the regular tournaments that it hosts. Baseball fans are in for a treat as Cooperstown Baseball World boasts that it’s the only premier, international tournament in the area, with tournaments lasting for at least a week.
Baseball teams of 12u, 13u, 14u, 15u, and 16u age divisions usually participate in these tournaments. If you love baseball or know someone participating in this tournament, then drop by and cheer for these teams at Cooperstown Baseball World.
Cooperstown Baseball World
Address: 1 Blodgett Dr, Oneonta, NY 13820, United States
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
5. Bear Pond Winery
This is the best place for tasting wine in Oneonta. Once you come inside, the friendly staffs will welcome you. Not only the staff members but also the delicious wine will be waiting for you. Try their Vidal Ice Wine! Amazing!
The Bruiser (a combination of blueberry/blackberry wine) is also very good choice. It is only 15 USD for six selections. Very reasonable price! If you feel hungry, this winery has variety offerings of snacks. Don’t worry about bringing your kids to the winery, they have delicious shaved ice to serve them!
Bear Pond Winery
Address: 2515 State Highway 28, 13820 Oneonta, New York
Contact: +1 607-643-0294
Website: Bear Pond Winery
6. Delaware Otsego Audubon Soc. Sanctuary
This is a place that those who love hiking will fall in love with. It is a little bit far away from the city but a worthy place to explore. Use your map to find the place. You will enjoy short hiking with your friends or your family. There are trails here for you to explore so don’t worry about being lost.
Delaware Otsego Audubon Soc. Sanctuary
Address: Grange Hall Rd. Spur, 13820 Oneonta, NY
7. Robert V Riddell State Park
If you’re looking for some things to do in Oneonta, NY, in the winter while staying away from large crowds, check out Robert V Riddell State Park. This is another best place to escape from the crowd of the city. Whether you come in the winter or summer, this place offers you a great nature experience in any season. Once you enter the park, you will be surrounded by woods and pastures. The trails are easy to follow. Bring your dog and let him swim in the Schenevus Creek. Chill in the picnic area after the great hike!
Robert V Riddell State Park
Address: St Hwy 28 & Cty Hwy 7, Oneonta, NY
Contact: +1 607-432-2114
Website: Robert V Riddell State Park
8. Emmons Pond Bog
Emmons Pond Bog is a really relaxing place. Different from the other two, there are many ponds and bogs in this area. Enjoy wildlife in the middle of nowhere. Listen to the nature audio of the wind. Follow the trail markers to guide you from one pond to another. Don’t forget to wear your waterproof hiking shoes because the trail sometimes is exceptionally wet and muddy.
Emmons Pond Bog
Address: 2028 White Hill Rd, 13820 Oneonta, NY, USA
Website: Emmons Pond Bog
9. Joseph L. Popp Jr. Butterfly Conservatory
For those who love animals, this conservatory is a great place to visit. You will see many creatures here, reptiles, birds, fish, turtles, and especially the butterflies. You will enjoy being surrounded by birds and butterflies. There are feeding areas and you may feed your fave animal. If you are in the area and have an hour to spend, I would give it a shot.
Joseph L. Popp Jr. Butterfly Conservatory
Address: 5802 State Highway 7, 13820-3654 Oneonta, NY +1 607-435-1147
10. The Green Toad Bookstore
The bookworms will love this place for sure! Stepping into the store, you just get a relaxed, cozy feeling. The owner is wonderful, incredibly personable, and very knowledgeable. Not only will you find great books but unique gifts too.
There are a couple comfy chairs to relax and also a bathroom. There is a great coffee shop attached to this store. Find your fave book and have a seat on the sofa while you sip you arabica. Don’t forget to buy some souvenirs for your family in this place.
The Green Toad Bookstore
Address: 198 Main St, 13820 Oneonta, NY, USA
Contact: +1 607-433-8898
Website: The Green Toad Bookstore
11. 7. Neahwa Park
This park is a great place to gather and just feed the fish and ducks with your lovely kids. You will have fun with your kids and have quality time by playing together with your kids in the playground and pools. It is a great and well-kept park. Another plus from this place, there is soccer, football and baseball fields for all to use and a skateboard practice ramps. What a homey place to spend the day!
Neahwa Park
Address: Neahwa Place, 13820 Oneonta, New York
Website: Neahwa Park
12. National Soccer Hall Of Fame
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, also in Oneonta. There is a place which is very interesting to visit, especially for the soccer lovers: National Soccer Hall Of Fame. You will discover the history of the hall, once you are inside. The Hall of Fame also possesses an archive of more than 80,000 items, which make up one of the largest collections of soccer artifacts and records in the world. The collection includes such rare pieces as the world’s oldest soccer ball (made in the USA) and both the 1991 and 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy. What a great trip!
National Soccer Hall Of Fame
Address: 18 Stadium Cir, 13820 Oneonta, NY
Website: National Soccer Hall Of Fame
13. The Wilber Mansion
The Wilber Mansion on Ford Avenue in Oneonta houses the delightfully active Community Arts Network of Oneonta. CANO opens on “First Friday” every month, which features a new artist or artists, feted with wine and cheese parties and live music. This is a great hangout for lovers of the arts and anyone who enjoys something different. Go to the chili bowl fundraiser with 25 local chili aficionados offering their best for the price of the handmade bowl. Very interesting!
The Wilber Mansion
Address: 11 Ford Ave, 13820 Oneonta, NY, USA
Contact: +1 607-432-2070
Website: The Wilber Mansion
14. Learn scientific fun facts with your kids at the A.J. Read Science Discovery Center
Travelers who are preoccupied with kids during vacations and trips can have a handful sometimes, but when in Oneonta, New York, there’s a ton of kid-friendly activities to consider when planning your itinerary. Check out the interactive museum, the A.J. Science Discovery Center, where kids and kids at heart can enjoy a free tour around authentic and interactive exhibits that boast interesting and engaging scientific wonders. This museum is a keen advocate of STEAM bred programs for children and is a great way to expose kids to a fun way of learning new things. Established in 1988, this prolific science center actively continues to promote the maths and sciences, the arts, and technology through education and interactive engagement.
A.J. Read Science Discovery Center
Address: SUNY College at Oneonta, Oneonta, NY, 13820
Website: A.J. Read Science Discovery Center
Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesdays to Saturdays
Price: free admission
Enjoy the city of the hills
Whether you will spend your vacation with your family or your friends, the city of the hills is waiting for you. Book your tickets now, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Oneonta.