Gorgeous trails, mildly manicured, easy to follow and near more wild trails if desired. Stunning foliage and waterfalls aplenty. Scenic areas easily accessible from each parking lot. I went from the main entrance/lower park onto the rim trail to upper park, which had the most gorgeous view of the tallest waterfall and stone paths near the end; then, back down via the gorge trail, which I think looking at the elevation maps (roughly accurate on the trailside) is the way to go (more up and down going there, then mostly down on the way back). Moderate difficulty hike. One water bottle was enough for me going light on a cool day. Chipmunks, squirrels present. Friday afternoon saw other hikers every 5-10 minutes or so.

Incredible hike on the gorge to rim trail. We arrived around 10am and was surprised with ample parking by the swimming area. Brought the kids for a strenuous hike for a 3 and 5 year old but they did it. Between 5-6miles round trip with over 900’ elevation gain, most of which is a couple clusters of 70 to 100 steps at a time or so. Certainly a challenge for most but the payoff at the large falls is worth it. Huge falls, unique rock patterns, wild flowers, rock bridges, just incredible. Highly recommend for the $9 admission (which also works at the other near by state parks) and wish we would have brought bathing suits to take a swim at the end! Side note, there is no swimming allowed on the river section, only designated area. When we finished around 1pm it was quite crowded in the parking and swimming areas in early August.

This place was beautiful! Great views and well-kept trails. Lots of steps. If you're pressed for time park at the upper gorge area and hike the 2 mile loop to Lucifer Falls , that's definitely your best views. I came at the end of November. It would be so much fun to come here in the summer and swim! Some of the other gorges in the area had sections that were fully closed through the whole winter. I was very happy this one was open.

I would wait to attend this park until after the trails are open. However, it was cool to see the snow spring meltdown today. I usually go in the summer when it is crowded. A lot of people go swimming in a water hole that has a diving board. The trails are shaded. There is definitely some elevation change, but the views are fantastic. I suggest you do not go wading in the stream off trail because my cousin and I did that, and we were COVERED IN HUNDREDS OF TINY LEECHES!!! Our fault for not following the rules. We did not get leeches in the regulated swimming hole, so that's safe.

Amazing park for one whole day. Beautiful trails (we did 3,4 km in one way and back 3,6 km). There where few spots were you can take a break near river. The Lucifer Falls are heartbreaking. In the end of our hiking we were swimming and jumping in clear, fresh and cold water). Here you can find also playground for kids, tabels for picnic, small cabins for staying few days. Highly recommend!!!

Definitely pack some good walking/hiking shoes but the trip down into the gorge is fabulous! The waterfalls are nothing short of spectacular! There were nice grassy areas for picnicking and relaxing as well near the old mill and the mill itself is an interesting place to explore.

Prior to staying at Robert Treman State Park I couldn’t find many reviews about the cabins, so I’d figured I’d post one. For about $80/night we were very impressed with our cabin! They seem updated and were very clean. Ours had 2 twin beds and a twin bunk. There was also a little desk and storage areas. There was a ceiling fan, baseboard heating, and a full size fridge/freezer. The porch included a bench as well as a broom. You also get a picnic table as well as a fire pit and a space for grilling with charcoal. For the most part the cabins are pretty spread out. They do have wagons so you can bring your belongings to the cabin (most aren’t accessible via car). We went the week after Labor Day and we were one of 3 families in the cabins, it was so nice and quiet! When you stay in the cabins you are extremely close to the rim trail and the swimming entrance. The only part we wish was a little better was with the bathrooms. You are close to a small bathroom with 2 sinks and A few toilets, but if there was already someone in there using the sink it was hard to also wash up. The bathroom with showers and a larger sink for dishes was about a 0.3. Mile walk, which isn’t a huge deal, but at night in a somewhat empty park it felt long. You can drive there as there are spots out front, and that seems to be what most people do. Overall we really enjoyed our stay. The park itself is beautiful. We will be back for sure!

You can park your vehicle at either the lower entrance by the park office or the upper entrance (old mill parking area). Treman State Park, with its stunning vistas and water features, was one of my favorite visits on a fall day October 31st. Around the midpoint, there are some very steep steps (but well maintained). Lots of helpful stick-figure signage shows your progress along the way and what to expect ahead as far as ascending or descending. The gorge trail is about 2 miles (3.3km) each way. Total ascent is 724 feet (221m). Lucifer Falls is breath-taking. So glad my group went on this moderate hike.

Wonderful nature scene! Worth to visit. Best scenes are upper part of the trails. If you don't want long walk, go to the upper park lot and walk down the stairs and return along the water. Be minded: water temperature is about 65=70F in summer, kind of chill to swim.

My friend and I visited in early June. We first stopped at the lower falls, took the gorge trail up to Lucifer falls and were not disappointed. The foliage was lush from rain and the trails were very well maintained. Note that this IS a challenging 2 miles with a good amount of elevation change. The views of Lucifer falls at the end of the trail are worth the hike.

Love love loved it!!!! Such amazing trails and waterfalls. Les at the visitors center COULD NOT have been nicer! Thank you for a great afternoon Robert H Treman State Park!

Breathtaking. We visit here every time we are in the area to take the main trail to the large falls. We do this sometimes several times a year. It never gets old and has something to offer every season. Every corner you turn takes your breath away. A lot of steps, and so consider this a moderate hike and a decent workout, especially the up climb. It is sometimes slippery, make sure you wear good footwear. Some people go off trail and even swim in the creek below the main falls in summer time. Bring your water shoes!

Did the full version of the gorge trail and rim trail loop. A more efficient version would be starting from the upper entrance, descending all the stairs of the rim trail to the bottom of the falls, then crossing the bridge to the gorge trail, and coming back to the parking lot from the gorge trail, this loop is about one mile. Then drive to the lower entrance to see the lower falls. The falls were beautiful.

Great park and amazing falls. We went there after Buttermilk fall State Park. The Lower fall is really close to the parking lot. We drive to another entrance instead of hiking. The upper entrance to the Lucifer Fall is short distance, too. Need to climb. Great view.

The waterfalls are beautiful in any session. The climb up the stairs from the gorge trail to the rim trail is challenging but worth the view during the fall. Let's keep our parks beautiful for future generations and carry out any trash you bring in and stay on the designated pathways.

Just hiked from the top parking area to the lower parking lot. Was a decent hike, but several spots were narrow for 2 way travel. Also hiked with our 3 dogs. And passed several others hiking with their pups. We had a significant amount of ticks on our pups. I hope your dogs are properly treated. 15 plus off 1 dog. There are some great views along the walk.

One of the prettiest places I have ever hiked. So many pretty waterfalls!! Definitely a strenuous trek so make sure you eat and wear proper hiking gear. A lot of stairs but not a long hike so it evens out. Wish I hadn’t forgotten my water shoes. We also saw a snake and a bunch of other animals like chipmunks and deer. The large waterfall is breathtaking and worth the stairs :). Make sure you bring water 💧.

Breathtaking so beautiful it was a good hike I started at the upper falls when I finished you end up at the parking lot of the lower falls where the swimming and cabins are but there’s really no signs or directions to tell you where to go so you can see the Lucifer falls or back to my car . So I asked a couple that I saw by the cabins. There are still falls but it’s beautiful still you can either cross the bridge back to the gorge side or continue up lots and lots of steps but we’ll worth the beautiful hike . Walking stick helps and water

Amazing park. If you don’t have too much time hiking, the best way to do is to park at the Upper Entrance. You can just do portion trails of Rim and Gorge by connecting a bridge. You can start from the Rim trail to watch the front of the Lucifer Falls, then you can take the Cliffs Staircase down. Using the Bridge to connect the Gorge Trail getting back to the parking lot. Doing the entire trails for both Rim and Gorge isn’t really much fun, as there aren’t much more to see. The beautiful parts are already in the upper side. The Lower Falls is very close from the Main Entrance which you can swim. It is better to drive from the Upper Entrance rather take the trails.

What a beautiful and well maintained park! $9 entry fee and they take credit cards and use a handy no-contact machine. Restrooms are within walking distance to the parking lot. We went after Labor Day so the swimming ‘hole’ isn’t open, but when you walk up to it there is a beautiful spot for taking pictures of the end of the waterfall. We only took the gorge trail so I can’t speak to other trails, but this one you definitely have to be ready to climb stairs-and a LOT of them. If you have young kids, def bring a back pack to carry them in. There are also spots where the trail is flat, but usually that’s where there is no fence so you have to ensure kids are on the inside of the trail as not much room and an easy slip and fall down the cliff. Nonetheless this was worth it and beautiful!! It kept getting better the higher we hiked. Gorge trail has 2 spots that you can easily wade/walk in to cool off. There are no restrooms on the trail. Be aware, especially if bringing kids who may not be able to hold it. Unlike Watkins Glen, all trails are dog friendly!!

A must visit place. Buttermilk is actually seen a melting butter milk from the mountains. This state park is good for trailing/ hiking. Suggested to wear water proof or non-slippery footwear. You can also go in the water to enjoy the waterfall. Ahead of climbing the mountain stairs or trail there are washrooms, fir stair safety rooms, picnic area and camping area. Please watch the full video in my channel in YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for the best experience. The place is kids friendly with adult assistance all the time and pet friendly as well. Entry ticket is $10 and closed during winters.

A must if you enjoy nature and hikes. The Gorge Trail to Bear Trail and returning on the Rim Trail provides you some spectacular views and tranquil moments. A bit more crowded than I would prefer but still worth the visit.

Beautiful waterfalls and surrounding foliage. Be prepared for a good exercise walking the steps and pathways following the gorge to the crossover bridge. There are very good restroom facilities at the main entrance and large picnic benches. 9.00 for the car to park covers the entrance fee. Seniors of NY get in free.

I love these falls. It's worth the trip if you're into waterfalls. They are fantastic, lots of features and mesmerizing to listen to and watch. The trail is well kept, easy, and wide through most of it, although there was some recent damage that wasn't repaired yet.

Very accessible hike to see many wonderful waterfalls. We came in November and although it's cold, but it's not so cold that we couldn't enjoy the hike and the views. It's actually very nice to come when there were less visitors.

Beautiful quick stop (1-2 hours) while driving upstate NY. Things to carry : 1. Wear your swimsuit if you plan to go in the water 2. Good shoes it’s a moderate hike 3. Water For the hike, go up Gorge trail (moderate hike) beautiful spots to take pictures along the way. There are multiple small natural pools (not sure if it is allowed to swim in, there were people going in. Would recommend checking first if you plan to do so). Come down Rim trail, don’t have views of the waterfall but the entire trail is covered with trees very soothing and calming.

A must visit if you are in the Ithaca, New York area! Buttermilk Falls State Park has a fantastic set of trails that stay close to the waterfall cascades and gorges. There are two areas for parking (upper and lower lots). There are many stairs, so proper footwear is needed. Swimming is permitted at the bottom, but please don't be one of those people who try to swim in the gorges or other non permitted areas.

Went to Upper Buttermilk Falls and it was a great hike! A little challenging on one path because there was multiple trees that fell down blocking the path so I had to maneuver over or under to keep going. Just be careful with what days you come because it may be muddy, trees blocking paths, or water could be covering over like the bridges. Parking does cost $9 but it takes cash or card.

Great location, loads of picture worthy views. Loads of waterfalls. I parked in the upper lot of the park and took the bear trail down and the gorge trail back. The bear trail was an easy walk down hill, the gorge trail was all uphill and there are steps that take you right alongside the water and waterfalls. If you park at the lower parking lot of the park, the main buttermilk falls are only steps away and do not require any "hiking".

Beautiful waterfall. Yes you can swim but only on the lower part. Swimming start July 1 because on June they need to clean some part of the waterfall. The parking is 9 dollars. You can bring your dogs but are not allowed in the water. Also, there are a lot of stairs, be prepared to do legs when you go.

Beautiful walk up the side of the waterfall. Lots of steps so wear good shoes. If you start at the bottom and walk up it, you experience the falls in front as you go. The easier option is to start the loop trail at the parking lot and then go down the steps. You will just have to turn around as you go to view the falls.

Well-maintained park! Restrooms were clean. Water fountain. Playground. Picnic benches scattered around. Just a short walk from the parking lot and you can see the falls. The hike is pretty steep and strenuous. Tons of stairs. Call ahead to make sure the trail is open! Your parking ticket can be used all day at any NY state park so plan to make a day of it.

The park is kept very clean. Prepare to pay $9 for parking if the Buttermilk Falls State Park is the first park where you're paying for parking on that day. There's a discount if you already paid a parking fee at a different state park. If up to it, make sure to follow the trail all the way up the gorge. It's breathtaking. Literally. Just so you know, swimming is allowed between certain times and at certain spots.

Unfortunately when we went the waterfall was very sparse I am sure come spring when it's full it is absolutely beautiful. To get up to the waterfall itself takes many many stairs. I couldn't make it all the way to the top I only made it to the middle because it took so much.

Within minutes of leaving your car, you face the first grand, wide waterfall. But as you hike higher, around each bend is yet another stunning waterfall or series of gushing currents. The even stairs (sometimes steep) and vertical cliffs feel like a scene out of "Lord of the Rings". As a moderately challenging hike, it took my group about one hour & 20 minutes (1h20m) to do the loop trail (both the gorge trail & rim trail). Truly spectacular!

Our family visits here every year. We love the SAFE splash zones, the hike, and nature surrounding the park. The park is often under construction. There are many waterfalls and gorges to see in Ithaca! Warning: One year there were EMT’s looking for a boy, he decided to ignore the do not jump signs and ended up breaking his neck. PLEASE, head the signs warnings!!!

A beautiful state park with a gorgeous waterfall right at the start of an equally gorgeous gorge trail. Definitely a good bang for your buck if you like waterfalls. Exceptionally beautiful during peak autumn. Lots of visitors in late October though, so plan for alternative parking.

The falls were just an amazing site to take in. The first falls you see from the parking lot are just touching what is hidden in the woods. The hike is one of the nicer hikes I've taken in a while. It has its difficult parts depending on if you take the trail or the steps. There are many more spectacular views of falls and water cutting features in the rock formations. I walked with my 2 dogs, so yes, dog friendly just keep a eye on them as they just wanted to swim and there are several locations they could but just as quick they could get caught in rock joint or slip on a formation and bad things can happen quickly, so keep them close. Restrooms were clean, and the grassy area around the restrooms was a great resting area for your pups. Just beware of the ticks. Found about 8-10 on my one dog and 2 on the other. Yes, you're in a wooded area, so one should be prepared to check for ticks.

A beautiful state park right off Elmira Rd in Ithaca. Parking is not covered by our tax dollars though, it is $9. The rim trail is right off the parking lot, the gorge trail is across the creek, follow the footbridge. Google maps has both trail maps if you zoom in while at the park. There are five falls that can be seen from the gorge trail. However, there are many trip hazards and not much protection from falling - be careful and enjoy!

The Gorge trail here is a perfect place, if you can make the climb up! I’d love this hike! You need comport shoes, good mood and a lot of snacks 🥙

Stumbled upon this place and we are glad we did! Every fall was absolutely stunning. The more you walk the more beautiful the falls get. Truly breathtaking in every way. This is a place you will never get bored off. Will have to revisit in different seasons to make the most of this natural beauty hotspot.

Gorgeous and stunning on a sunny day. Apparently a lot more water than 2 years ago during the drought. Sometimes steep/slippery at times but the gorge and cascades higher up are worth a visit!

Did the gorge trail and rim trail loop. The gorge trail was beautiful with waterfalls and rocks. Although the distance is pretty short, less than a mile in length, the elevation from the bottom to the top is about 900 feet, stair steps all the way up. The rim trail was just descending from the top to the bottom without any good views, but was effortless.

Beautiful waterfall and sunny day! Great experience. The hike is a little steep though!

Beautiful campus!! The views are even greater if you go by the towers🏛🏞🏔🗽

I visited the university as a site seeing tour. It is a very beautiful place with amazing architecture, breath taking landscapes and location. It has a museum, botanic garden, aviary, waterfall, trails and much more to explore.

It's a beautiful campus and lot of activities to do. It offers wide variety of courses with quality teaching. There are lot places on campus where you can go and have some quiet time.

Very beautiful campus. Although it is a little bit far from cites, it worth visiting!

Cornell University Ithaca, New York, NY Cornell University is located in Ithaca, New York, NY. Cornell University has a beautiful Campus in up state New York.

Cornell University's campus is a breathtaking oasis of academic brilliance and natural beauty. With its stunning architecture, meticulously maintained grounds, and panoramic views of Cayuga Lake, it offers a truly inspiring environment for learning. The diverse range of facilities, from state-of-the-art research labs to vibrant student centers, caters to every need. The vibrant atmosphere, intellectual vigor, and a strong sense of community make Cornell's campus an extraordinary place to study, explore, and grow. It's a haven where knowledge meets nature, fostering a transformative educational experience.

Great school with a beautiful campus! The only downsides are the crazy hills that make it harder for walking, as well as the limited parking spots for visitors.

If you are looking to go to a college with good education, go to Cornell! The campus is beautiful and everyone is so kind. The buildings look very nice.

The campus here is like its own city. We visites all the water falls and it took 3 days To look at them all. Good luck to all who want to give it à try it was. Awesome!

I searched and acquired a lot more info about this place ... Its a good place to go and study if you think about going ahead with your education. The campus is enormous and beautiful, there's literally a large forest within the school, a hospital and farm for the veterinarian majors, literally a designated section for each major. The campus is pretty diverse, though a large portion is Asians and white. They also have their own art museum and natural history museum free to the public. There's 5 gyms on campus too. In addition, I met my German wife here. A very memorable place.

Ithaca is beautiful and Cornell's architecture is marvellous! The mesmerizing waterfalls, the pretty Fall and the my favourite- snow in and around campus are main attractions. The campus is clean, well connected by TCAT buses and almost every part is wheelchair accessible and has braille. It's an amazing place to be in!

Mmm, mixed feelings I have about Cornell, hmmm. Beautiful, the campus is, surrounded by nature's embrace. Tranquil atmosphere, perfect for learning, it provides. However, navigate the campus using Apple Maps, I tried. Confusing, the paths were, lost I became. Clear, the directions were not, mmm. Visit the Johnson Museum of Art, you must. Impressive collection, it holds, and panoramic views, it offers. But, hmmm, disappointingly, Apple Maps cannot guide you to the art's heart. Slope Day at Libe Slope, a taste of student life, it gives. Vibrant energy, all around, you can sense. But to find it with Apple Maps, struggle you might. Four and half stars, I give, for Cornell's beauty and learning environment. But if navigate with Apple Maps, prepared to be, hmmm, puzzled you should be.

Awesome, a truly great day walking in nature. The temperature was nice. There was no precipitation nor bugs the whole time. Easy to become one with nature.

I went here on a date with my girlfriend and had a lovely time. There is no charge to walk the trails or to enter the visitor center, it is completely donation based. There are telescopes (or whatever they're called) that are free to use from a very nice observation point inside of the center. There is a large pond with many birds and animals to observe from the comfort of inside the visitor center. We saw a Heron fishing. There is not a whole lot to do inside the center other than observing birds but there is a nice cozy library that has great material if you want to do research and there is bathrooms and a small giftshop. It's kid-friendly but young kids might get bored after a short time. The lady at the front desk was very kind and knowledgeable. She offered us binoculars to borrow for free as we walked around the trails. There are many great photo opportunities and the trails are in great condition. Great for running or for pushing a stroller. We saw a bunch of beaver teeth marks on felled trees and also their beaver house. It's a really nice way to spend a few hours.

Yet another excellent natural site in Ithaca. The trail system varies, and is sometimes well-built wooden platforms, or packed dirt trails. The trail itself is scenic, with many viewing platforms to sit and enjoy the wetlands. The ornithology lab is also worth swinging into, and has a wonderful viewing area with chairs. The viewing area is in front of massive windows, so you feel as if you are practically on the water. This area truly has something for many age groups.

Such a beautiful place. Birds, wildlife, and nature.

The settings of the facility is wooded surroundings near a small lake and hiking trails. Enjoyable place to visit with a glassed area looking out onto a pond for viewing of birds.

I have been enjoying the bird sanctuary for ten years now. It is one of the most beautiful walking trails in the area where you can see such a variety of plants and animal life, anytime of the year. The trails and walkways are always well maintained and accessible to people of all mobility levels.

First time the kids got to experience bird watching with binoculars. Walked around the pond and saw lots of diff birds. Lots of shade on the trail, which was mostly wood chips and mulch. The lab itself is really neat with a huge mural with birds on all the continents. Very helpful and friendly staff.

A wonderful experience. If you watch the Cornell bird feeder YouTube cam, you can see it live here. The trails around the lakes and through the woods are peaceful. Unless you’re avid at bird watching, most of your bird viewing will be on the lake or at the feeder cam. The facility itself is amazing and seemingly one of a kind. A must-see when in the area.

Easy walking trails but could be marked better. There are nap boards but they are a little confusing since the trails aren't marked. Besides that, they are well maintained and it's a beautiful area with multiple observation areas and bridges to go over the wetlands. Cool viewing area from inside the building, as well as some neat educational displays. Also inside the building, you can see where their YouTube Live is streaming the bird feeders.

On the heaviest snow day of the year so far, we attended a one-hour indoor guided tour of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Our guide was excellent as he explained the founding of the lab and also many of the paintings and murals. Many of the paintings tell a fascinating story of the painter (see photos and the description attached below). We then took a short hike through well marked trails and managed to see quite a few different birds despite the cold. Definitely recommended if you are visiting Ithaca.

The visit was fun, mostly because my wife, daughter and I have been using the Merlin app to identify birds. Cornell Lab designed the app and when we found out the Lab was near where we were vacationing - we HAD to visit. It made for a perfect activity to add to the itinerary of our wonderful visit to Ithaca. If you’re a bird enthusiast… highly recommended. (Couple this with the Farmer’s Market and a State Park!)

Boating on this lake is so fun. Calm and tranquil.

What a GREAT vacation my family had here! It was so quiet and relaxing, the view is so stunning!

Beautiful lake by the finger lakes with clear waters!

I grew up swimming in this beautiful Finger Lakes "longest lake" 🚤

Awesome fishing at Cayuga lake

Beautiful drive by the lake. Tranquil and clean lake

Finger lakes! Nice boat ride! There was live music at the entry which made the place pretty lively.

I loved being with Simpson's and will be visiting family and friends made through the years.

Nice view of the North end of Cayuga Lake

An amazing lake nestled in the hills of the Finger Lakes. State parks, boating, swimming, great fishing, vacation rentals, wineries and both seasonal and year round homes. Ithaca is at south end overlooking the water and Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is at the other. Gorgeous all 4 seasons

Had a great time on the boat pulling the kids on a tube, the isnt too cold but the winds get crazy!

coffee with a view, it felt warm even in cold winter morning.

Absolutely beautiful! Everything is labeled which makes it easy to learn about the different plants. The variety is massive, and it's easy to spend hours walking around and enjoying all of the gorgeous paths. There's lots of benches set up along the different paths/areas which is nice also. Lots of parking nearby and in their lot.

Beautiful gardens! Smaller than what I expected but still lovely. The campus was great to drive through. The gardens are free and open early / late. My only qualm is that parking isn’t free either. Great gardens otherwise. We spent maybe 30 mins here.

Beautiful place, you need more than an hour to explore. So give yourself lots of time. They were very helpful at the welcome center knowing the best places to check out during the month we visited. We hiked 1 mile around Beebe lake, seeing 2 waterfalls, crossing foot bridges and we saw some baby geese. It was very calming. There is parking, free on Saturdays and Sundays.

The late summer flowers (August 15) were in full bloom. A wonderful shade plant and ground cover display was encountered along a meandering path under mature tree cover. I saw the biggest Cornus Mas I've ever seen, about 18" caliper. Definitely worth a visit. We spent 1 1/2 hours in the garden near the visitor center. We needed another couple of hours for the arboretum and the trails. We'll have to come back again.

This is one of the most beautiful places in Ithaca. If you’re in the area for a visit, definitely stop by! I was finally able to visit while everything was in bloom and I am so happy I did. So many beautiful flowers, insects, plants, birds, trails, and more!

Nature at its best! When you get to the herb garden, kick off your shoes and connect with Mother Earth! The views and the energy are breath taking

The best botanical garden I have been to by far. It was very interesting to see the vegetable garden. The herb garden is put together very well and is divided by sections based on medicinal use or dye use or even herbs in romance novels.

Very pretty and peaceful. We accidentally parked in the Mundy Wildflower park’s parking lot but you can do that loop and walk the steps up to the botanic gardens for a longer nature experience! Had to ask someone how to get to the botanic gardens from there, though, and encountered another out of town family that was lost for a while. Overall very pretty and calming!

This place was truly amazing to walk through and very educational. All of the plants and trees were grouped in a theme: winter garden, edible, medicinal, ground cover, etc. There were beautiful trees and then aromatic herbs. It was neat to see what the different plants looked like in their natural state and not an herb bottle. Everything was labeled with common name, scientific name, as well as a description of it and its uses. If you are a true botanical garden fan this is a must see and plan to spend some time here

Beautiful gardens and nice trails in/around the facility. A great educational family activity and it is free! There are interpretive walks with a guide on various dates. I would plan 2 hours minimum to enjoy your visit.

So food isn't the only thing my Taste Buds and I have good taste in. We know a good recreational spot when we find one, and we did! Cornell Botanic Gardens in Ithaca, NY, is beautiful! There are waterfalls, easy trails to terrain, an herb garden, and other pretty spots to stop and catch your breath along the way. We gathered, we experienced, and we share. Now you get to decide if it's worth the visit.

While visiting Ithaca, stopping by the stunning Cornell University is a must! This college has a stunning botanic garden that is free to visit! The entire campus is stunning with nature scattered about the historic buildings. We enjoyed our drive thru the campus to get to the botanic garden. They have a nice sized parking lot & then you get out & venture around. The botanic gardens is free, you just have to pay a small parking lot fee which is $1.50 a hour I think but the system was down when we arrived- so we did not even have to pay for the lot. Lots of stunning plants, flowers & trees to check out. I like how everything was labeled so you do get a learning experience with the beauty. We walked around for about a hour & got to see a LOT. You can easily spend a couple hours here if you pace yourself & take your time. We did not have a lot of time to spend here but enjoyed our visit.

An exemplary collection of botanical features - from many varieties of flowers, to shrubs, herbs, trees, etc. The grounds were wonderfully laid out and kept up after. I applaud the team who upkeep this establishment and would encourage anyone to visit. I also really loved the architecture of the buildings on the site and found them fascinating and original.

Really beautiful during the fall! The park is so big it would take you hours to go through, but it's nice that you can drive along and park anywhere you want to stop and explore.

Just an amazing experience. One can spend most of the day wandering the gardens and nearby arboretum lands. Every season is a colorful adventure for the senses.

Its not a huge market but have a lot of variety. Beautiful farmers market with fresh high quality produce. Prices were bit of the higher side but quality of produce is top notch as well. We got some honey, soaps and bread. Wanted to get more things but market closed at 3pm. Parking is ample upfront but it was raining and it got all really muddy.

I don't think I could love the Ithaca Farmer's Market more as a wedding venue if I tried. And as a wedding photographer, I see a lot of venues! With a sunset over the lake, it doesn't need a whole lot to turn it into an amazing space. But it's a blank canvas which means you can take it in any direction you'd like! The space, the ability to be outdoors, and did I mention the lakeside sunset? make this spot one of the best wedding venues in the finger lakes.

The Ithaca Farmers Market is a vibrant community hub known for its lively atmosphere and commitment to local produce and crafts. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cayuga Lake, the market operates within a pavilion that allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area while exploring a diverse array of vendor stalls. Known for its strict policy of selling goods produced within a certain radius of Ithaca, the market ensures that everything offered is fresh, local, and supports the regional economy. Visitors to the Ithaca Farmers Market can expect to find a wide variety of goods, ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and handcrafted items, to international cuisines prepared on-site. The market is not just a place to shop; it's a cultural experience, offering live music, cooking demonstrations, and the chance to meet and interact with local farmers and artisans. This makes it a popular destination for both residents and tourists looking to immerse themselves in the local flavor and craftsmanship of the Ithaca area. Open on weekends from April to December, with additional days in the peak summer months, the Ithaca Farmers Market is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality, locally-sourced products in a scenic and welcoming setting.

The Ithaca Farmer’s Market is ALWAYS an event as there are children’s activities (puppet shows, book readings), live music from local bands, Cornell University and Ithaca College Crew races, and TONS of ethnic foods, fresh produce, organic meats, artisan wines/liquors, artisan wood working, artisan clothing, it goes on and on. There are cash machines on site if needed, parking is free and easily available. Each booth is different in how they do their transactions but most will now use cash, credit, and e-pay systems (e.g. Apple Pay).

I photographed a wedding at Ithaca Farmers Market in September of 2022, and it was one of my favorite weddings I’ve ever photographed. The ceremony space right on Cayuga Lake was gorgeous, and the day had such a nice flow to it, moving guests from the lakeside ceremony “inside” to the pavilion. It was so nice to be able to spend the whole day in the fresh air, but still have that backup in case there was a little rain (which there was later on during the reception, but everyone stayed nice and dry under the pavilion). Also, the scenery for portraits was fantastic. If you’re looking to get married in the Finger Lakes, I would absolutely recommend checking out Ithaca Farmers Market.

So many vendors, beautiful location, live music, reasonable prices. Parking can be tricky, we arrived around noon and the traffic was a bit much. We ended up parking down the street and walking over on the trail (totally lovely, would highly recommend). Make sure to bring cash! I missed some amazing samosas getting cash from my partner. I ended up getting a delicious Onigiri with Mushroom instead. Yummms. Great community outing, will definitely try to go again.

This place is so cute. We came in from Pittsburgh, staying at the Inn of Aurora, and we're looking for something to do. There was so much good-looking produce and homemade goods. Everyone was so friendly and the price of the dried flower bouquet I got was amazing!

Amazing venue, fresh produce, meat, and dairy. Aggressively mediocre prepared foods from people doing their “take” on foods from other cultures - something got lost along the way (flavor and texture, mostly). I had some delicious ice cream and lemonade as a highlight and would recommend that. My daughter bought a clay ocarina from the nicest man who makes them by hand and he threw in a songbook. I will definitely come back if I am in the area again, it’s worth a visit. Grab an ice cream and go listen to the music on the lake bank!

Almost removed a star for the horrendous parking situation, but! At the light right before the market, if you turn away from the market (towards Papa John's), if you're lucky, you can find some free street parking (about a 5-10 min walk to the market). Dogs are allowed at the market, but NOT in the pavilion, so I'd plan accordingly. Otherwise, this place is AMAZING. Love seeing so many college students, and I'd advise getting here as early as you can. There's an ATM, all-gender bathrooms, and most places will also take cards. Bonus is that it's covered (but still open-air) in case it rains!

The best local farmers market I’ve ever visited, with plenty of local fruits and veggies, multiple flower stands, breakfast biscuits or breakfast pitas, Thai and Cambodian food, breakfast burritos, great coffee and tea, hard cider and donuts, and more. Plenty of parking but the traffic is tough coming in and out. Has restrooms and has an ATM, though we only saw one place that didn’t take credit cards or Apple Pay. The market is covered, which is a nice break. Stunning water views from nearby benches to watch a dragon boat or kayak — or nothing in particular.

Great place to have lunch, delicious options! Went back several times in my week and a half stay. Had Japanese, African, and Cambodian (my personal favorite).

We only had an hour before the market closed. Seems really cute with plenty of fresh veggie and fruit options, wine, hard cider, spirit tasting and eclectic eateries. I tried the Cambodian place and the dish I ate was delicious. Hubby tried the grilled cheese place and he said it was also really good. Loved that they have real dishes and flatware that they wash and reuse.

Beautiful farmers market. If I lived closer I would go there every week. Fresh lush veggies and fruit, vibrant flowers, delicious food, creative craftsmanship. So inspiring. Lucky people who live in Ithaca and close by. That's my view.

One of the best farmers markets! People are very nice and friendly! So many good things! Great food! A lot of fresh products! Lots of great souvenirs and gifts you can find here. Definitely worth to stop by and enjoy the time here!

We live a couple hours drive away and finally had the chance to visit the market. We were drawn to it by the YouTuber Pete of #justafewacresfarm Just a Few Acres Farm, and he was kind enough to take time for a selfie with us. We bought some quality steaks from him and they lived up to their reputation! It would have been nice to meet Hillary as well. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety supplied by the market. It was definitely worth the trip and we have already recommended it to others. Beautiful location! We left with tomatoes to can and a sampling of local wines as well. So glad we took the adventure. #davincijane

It’s beautiful waterfalls with short walking distance along the river!

Ithaca Falls, is a stunning natural attraction that captivates visitors with its beauty and power. The falls are easily accessible, with a short walk from the parking area leading to a breathtaking view of the cascading water. The area around the falls is well-maintained, making it a perfect spot for photography or a peaceful picnic. The sound of the water and the serene environment provide a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle. It’s an essential visit for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil retreat.

Easy jaunt from parking to base of falls. Good for dogs and kids. Parking to the right of the falls or street residential. Benches and viewing areas.

Beautiful waterfall right in the middle of ithaca!! Took lunch here and ate by the falls. A little buggy but nothing too bad. Super short walk up to the falls. Parking is a bit limited but easily found a spot on a Saturday afternoon.

Beautiful falls with an easy walk to access. With recent rainfalls, the gorge was roaring! There are spots to access the water as well.

Was just passing through and had to stop to look at the waterfalls. A nice, short little hike with lots of photo ops! There was a lot of free parking around the area.

Gorgeous waterfall very short walk from road. View from just below the falls is unique. Makes you feel small, in a good way.

Free parking! Free waterfall viewing! It’s gorgeous, but it’s hazardous for swimming - the warning signs were a bit more macabre than I’m used to. Don’t touch the rocks either (due to possible lead contamination) Postcard worthy views.

Love it! It was flowing at it's prime ☺️.Beautiful view as your drive by road. You can stand and enjoy the place as long as you want. There are lead contamination warning so swimming is not allowed but it doesn't stop visitor to get loser to water and get your snaps!. Easy hike.

The place was beautiful, safe and right next to the university, parking is right next to the waterfalls, the drive to this place is like a dream come true for any travel enthusiast, i have never seen such green farm lands, empty yet beautiful roads, pleasant breeze, stunning views and what not, their are trails for bikers too, this is a perfect place for photography, make sure you visit this place when it is not raining, that way you can go down near the actual falls, swimming is not allowed here🚫, fishing 🎣 is a good asset of this place. Have a great day

Awesome and easily accessible falls, one of the larger volume falls in the area so probably still a good flow even if it's been dry. Small rough parking lot nearby, and a couple minute walk to viewing. Not a super developed trail/parking area but that probably helps make it less touristy.

The cold January water made a cool breeze that is felt when standing at the waterfall base. Falls are a short hike from the road side parking area.

Ithaca Falls is always a staple stop when I’m in town. For those who aren’t familiar with the area: there’s not much as far as hiking/trails here, this is mostly a quick photogenic spot.

I couldn't find any "official" parking, so we parked in a lot across the street and walked over. You can see it from the road/bridge, but you get a much better view if you walk on the path. Beautiful falls (NO swimming), but you can get pretty close. The path is all rocks, so wear appropriate footwear.

Live outside of Ithaca and looking for a day trip? You can't beat traveling to Ithaca Falls. Parking lot for the falls is kind of small but there is a coffee shop nearby for you to caffeinate at and it's a short walk from there to the falls. Flow may be variable so plan ahead. Even if it's not really flowing, there are plenty of interesting things to look at. The path down is a little steep and loose stone. Those with mobility issues, depending on how bad, may have a hard time. Would not recommend using motorized scooters. Loose stone of various sizes are strewn all over the creek bed and can make for rough going. You can get right next to the falls, depending on water level. Use caution because some of the rock is steeply sloped and may be wet. There are many things to do and places to go in and around Ithaca so you can make a full day of it. Highly recommended.

By far one of my favorite falls in the finger lakes. I could sit here all day. And there are tons of fossils if you look around. It's such a huge waterfall. I just love it.

Nice down town location to view a nice waterfall. Parking across the street was good for a short visit. I missed a good picture of a school bus crossing the overpass above the waterfalls.

Not a beer person so everything tastes bitter to me. However, I enjoyed the scenery and services. Pizza 🍕 was good. But the appetizers were not satisfied, only the cuisine display was okay.

Great stop. Spacious on the inside, picturesque on the outside with big patios and Adirondack chairs in the grass. The fries flight is a mountain of French fries with three sauces - the mustard is great. Wonderful chicken sandwiches and flatbread pizza. Don’t miss the pumpkin beer but everything from IPAs to sours are solid. Excellent merch too.

Must visit when you are visiting Ithaca/Cornell/Finger Lake region. Great place to end the day or have a nice relaxed afternoon. Beside the beer and the good food. The place is very inviting, relaxing and happening. Singles or families with kids doesn’t matter - great spot, great outdoor space and some great beers to try with good food. I tried the sampler and mostly seasonal - they were good. It’s in the top 10 Brewery in NY State.

Always nice to enjoy a beverage where it's made and this place doesn't disappoint. The food is great, too.

I love this place, and I always take guests here, especially the beer lovers! I don't drink beer, but I LOVE their fresh root beer on tap. Sometimes, I order a shot of vodka and add it to my root beer. The food is so delicious and locally derived. You can sit outside and enjoy the gorgeous view, or sit in the air conditioning inside. It's a fun atmosphere. Update: We had Meredith as our server, and she was so sweet and helpful. We ate the burger, grilled cheese, fry flight, cheddar ale soup, and chicken sandwich. All food was delicious! Update: the seasonal beet salad with chicken is amazing!

The beer was good. But the food including our kids meal, was horribly overcooked. We got the classic pizza which was missing red sauce. (Even the manager when we came over thought it was the white pizza). The chicken kids fingers were grilled, but burned and inedible. Sorry to say, but we had higher expectations. The server, although nice, claimed that’s how the pizza and fingers typically look. The manager compensated us for the two problem orders

Always been a fan of flower power so was excited to stop in but the beer selection is just really disappointing. Middle of winter and the only dark beers they have are flavored vanilla porter type stuff. Flower Power was the only beer they had that was remotely appealing. Too many good breweries in the area now -- they really need to do some updating. $18 chicken sandwich was also very mediocre and the homemade "ketchup" is a true abomination.

Not what I expected from this brewery. We got two flights and nothing (out of 8) is really makes you remember anything. Looks like the only good beer they have is Flower Power IPA which we always spot in the bars in NYC. Need to find a new brewmaster! Lol. Young guys behind the bar keep an eye to poor you precisely 4oz for the flight taste and not a drop more. Funny. The great thing is their outside patio. Nice.

Indulge in excellent CBs brewed right next door. The prices are reasonable, not just for drinks but also for food. IPA-infused soup is exceptionally delicious. While you can find Ithaca beers on tap at downtown bars and in cans and bottles, this location has the freshest available. Enjoy comfortable outdoor tables with views of the field, a definite plus during the summer.

Nice place with lots of space, friendly staff, a large variety of beer, prompt service, and good food. We had the white pizza which was very good and large enough to split between 2 of us. My husband had the Nut Brown Ale and Midnight Sun Black Lager which he enjoyed both very much. Disappointing that dogs aren't allowed but would visit again in our travels with it being one of the better breweries we've been to.

I enjoy stopping here on my way in or out if Ithaca. The cheddar ale soup and the thin-crust pizza stand out. For beer, Flower Power and the Apricot Wheat are my favorites. The atmosphere is industrial but comfortable. Servers are friendly and efficient, but not overly so and may come off as a bit industrial themselves - not in a bad or rude way - just a bit standoffish.

We first discovered their root beer in Watkins Glenn. We noticed they were fairly close, so why not? It was worth the trip. The beer is very enjoyable, the food is excellent. They accommodate for a lot of people, sitting up tents, serving outside. Hopefully we'll be able to return in the near future.

I honestly don't know what upset me more about being here. The Roman bust on the 5th floor from 150 AD in the "hallway" next to the elevator without any case or the warped oil on wooden panel paintings (yes, paintings, there were three that we counted) on the same floor due to inconsistent temperature and too much moisture. There was a lawsuit in 2015 where Cornell sued the architect for the museum design, but LEFT (or worse? MOVED?) the paintings on a floor of the building clearly not safe to hold paintings for a long period of time (two separate sets of transparent doors (no vestibules) leading to a terrace and allowing the sun to shine directly on paintings). Not to mention I was up there for a good hour and didn't see one guard. This was a huge takeaway from my experience. Some small things that could be considered personal preference that annoyed me included: the organization of the basement was so confusing (rainbow lights next to an old suit of armor and reflecting off every case in that gallery) and the clear preference for contemporary art while seemingly hiding all other art on the stepchild fifth floor that doesn't fit this category. I came here with a love of art expecting the same from an institution that claims the same only to see what I could only describe as a neglect. Can you believe Cornell actually has an art conservation program? Have the faculty ever been to the museum? What makes this awful is there are beautiful paintings and sculptures there that deserve to be treated better, seen by more people, and live a longer life than they will at this museum. If Cornell does not value this art, then transfer custodianship of it to another institution that will apply proper conservation practices.

The Johnson Museum was a nice stop. The art pieces were great and loved the exhibits on display. Admission was also free at this time with donations welcomed.

Lovely museum on Cornell campus - definitely worth a visit that could last 30 min to couple of hours, all for free. The views on the top floor is fantastic and the exhibits are all interesting and engaging. Surrounding gardens are scenic for a nice stroll.

Fantastic collection that will introduce you to a variety of styles and periods, all for free. The museum itself is a stunning brutalist piece worth exploring and evaluating as an art piece itself.

Amazing art, just walk in free. The Powering Exchange exhibit is fantastic.

Amazing! There is an astounding amount of art to enjoy. The early Egyptian, Asia and South Asia were my favorites. The views from the 5th floor are nothing short of breathe taking. Truly. Plus it's FREE admission.

Art museum located on Cornell's campus. Likely not populated during the year. 5 floors of great artwork, and some "artifacts", spanning different cultures. Lots of varied media that I assume is seasonal. Check out the "safely crossing..." Piece. That one was one of the best. Decent selection of contemporary art as well from current students and alumni. There is an elevator that's needed to access some floors. Also, there are plenty of bathrooms. It was busy when my brother and I went due to parents dropping off their students and sticking around to visit the museum. Not the most available parking nearby either, but parking at Cornell is **free on weekends**. Be prepared to walk... Maybe up some hills... If you are unable to park in the lot by the museum.

A neat little museum where you can easily sink couple of hours in. The view on the terrace and the 4th floor is amazing, and the exhibitions are culturally diverse and ranged from ancient to modern. The terrace is a great place to chill and can be quite cool during a hot summer day. Would recommend, just remember to put your backpack at the reception before going into the museum.

This is a smaller art museum but pleasant to walk through. Lovely views from the top floor. There is limited parking at the metered spots outside, maybe 12 spots, but there is good turnover because the gallery is not large.

Wow! What an incredible museum. Got to see an Alexander Calder mobile! The architecture and layout of the space is quite interesting on its own, nevermind the great selection of contemporary and historical work on display.

It is an exciting stroll through various art periods. Ming dynasty to 18th century European art to modern. Make it to the 4th floor and head outdoors to relax on the "laid back" bench and watch the lighted ceiling.

Absolutely museum that is a must visit in my opinion. Easily spend 1-2 hours here. It’s not a huge museum but the artifacts here are very meticulously compiled with a high variety from all around the world from various historical periods. Would not hesitate to give it 6 stars if I could.

Great collection of art and sculptures. The panoramic views of campus and surrounding areas are amazing! Cayuga finger lake also in view. Free to enter museum, $1.50 per hour to park at the museum. Get there at opening time 10am, limited parking spaces.

A very beautiful area with in Cornell University District. Free to visit. Just small parking fee required. Not busy with my visit time. 10:30am. Week day. Sunlight from outside was beautiful. And my favorite was the 5th floor.

This is a beautiful no hiking required waterfall! Beautiful area to walk right up to the falls. Waterfall is massive and will not disappoint. Parking areas next to and across the street from the waterfall. Can be seen on the bridge or you can walk down by the stream and go right up to the bottom of the falls. Definitely make this stop on your waterfall tour! Well worth the visit.

Ithaca Falls Natural Area is one of the region's most breathtaking natural attractions and a testament to the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes area. This majestic waterfall, standing at an impressive height with a wide, cascading flow, is easily accessible to the public and provides a spectacular display of nature's power and beauty. The falls are part of the city's extensive trail system, offering a scenic spot for visitors to relax, take photographs, and enjoy the serene sound of falling water. The area around Ithaca Falls is well-maintained, with clear paths leading to various viewpoints, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for nature lovers of all ages. The proximity of the falls to downtown Ithaca adds to its appeal, allowing visitors to combine a nature excursion with exploring the charming streets, shops, and cafes of Ithaca. The Natural Area also serves as a popular spot for fishing, with the waters at the base of the falls being accessible for those looking to catch trout. With its stunning natural beauty and easy access, Ithaca Falls Natural Area is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through upstate New York, offering a peaceful retreat and a memorable glimpse into the region's picturesque landscape.

Absolutely beautiful. Close enough to the road that it wasn't a terrible walk to go see, but also far enough away from the road that you feel completely immersed in nature. I will definitely be back in the future! The sound of the falls was just incredible.

Very near to Cornell University campus! The fall is very scenic and pleasant to eyes. There are few designated parking spot and also street parking available near the fall. Few trails are available too for walk.The place to take best photos.We had a fun time! Would love to visit again!

This was such a beautiful stop. It’s right in town and the walk back to see the falls is easy and short. It’s not paved, just a dirt path, so keep that in mind with strollers or wheelchairs. We wore water shoes and strolled through the shallow stream.

When you are in the city and don't want to go far to be relaxed, this is the place where you go. It wasn't crowded on a labor day weekend, close to our hotel, but a beautiful place to be. Good for taking pictures too. So, do stop by here.

One of the best falls right next to town. I visit there frequently. Looks much better in falls though. Not allowed to swim but you can fish around and enjoy the beauty.

Ithaca falls is just a wonderful place to be in the town yet feel transported to another place. This is one of our favorite places to visit, take photos and videos or just look at the falls. The simple beauty of life. Definitely worth a stop if your in CNY.

Beautiful waterfall! Takes about 3 minutes to walk from the (free) gravel lot. No need to spend too much time here. It's excellent if you only have 10-15 minutes and want to see one of Ithaca's gorgeous falls. I imagine a lot of people probably get engaged here 😊

Beautiful waterfall by the road. Free parking across the road. You can walk few min to get upclose. Very close to Hector waterfalls, another drive by waterfall. Not to be missed if you are a nature lover

Easy short walk to roaring falls. Plenty of parking on thr street and small lot on the corner. You can see the falls from the small bridge, but it's worth walking the slightly hilly and rocky 0.25 mile trail to see thr falls up close.

I decided to stop by at Ithaca Falls as a quick stop to my trip to Watkins glen! The waterfalls is a really short walk from the parking lot, a plenty of parking was available. The waterfall did not disappoint! A large volume of waterfall with good height!

Beautiful natural area. The view of the waterfall is unbelievable. You can get pretty close to the waterfall and there's a decent path that allows you to see the stream of water up close. There's not a lot of spots in the parking lot by the waterfall.

These Falls are spectacular no matter when you see them. The winter season was mild so far, so I was lucky the area was still open. You can see just how power they are.

Another beautiful no hiking required waterfall feature in Ithaca! Beautiful area to walk right up to the falls. Waterfall is massive and will not disappoint. Parking areas next to and across the street from the waterfall. Can be seen on the bridge or you can walk down by the stream and go right up to the bottom of the falls. Definitely make this stop on your waterfall tour!

beautiful waterfall. easy walk from road to get a closer view. parking is not clearly marked and is in a weird spot up a hill. also it's not a big area and can get full of people pretty quickly.

Visiting the falls in the winter is still a pleasant experience. If you come early enough there's little to no people around. There're some parking spots just around the corner as well so you just have to plan a bit to enjoy this little spot within the city!

Really easy access to waterfall as others have mentioned parking is not well marked - it is at top of hill above the entrance and very limited - went on weekday and we were only car.

Much larger than i was expecting. It's a very short hike from your car to the base of the falls, the falls are impressive and so are the rock walls in the basin. Well worth the visit. I'd of enjoyed reading more about the mill that used to be there, how it was made, what did it produce? The remnants aroused my curiosity that wasn't satisfied. Also, the volume of water coming down the Falls seems much greater than the volume of water in the creek. Is there another outlet? One last thing. Cut down all those awful invasive Alanthus trees! It's the Central Hardwood Forest region, the best hardwood trees on the planet. Show some respect!

Absolutely Beautiful Waterfall! Not a far walk at all to see! One of the best Waterfalls!

Most shops were closed as it was late afternoon in a Sunday. We did really like the set up. Not getting the fifth star just because I do not have enough information to do so. Very nice feel to the area. I’m sure that it’s a five star place in the summer! Definitely hoping to return. It’s a nice place to check out f you’re in the area.

Always love walking the commons. This weekend they’re having a festival celebrating authors & etc. I would give 5 stars, only downfall is the mass of confusing one-way streets and dead ends surrounding the commons. (Some people are not great at navigating such streets, therefore I am factoring that in). Great place for a stroll & having a look about any day. Very expensive, however, as many stores have items by artisans that are hand-crafted. There are also a fair share of shops that claim their items are handmade pieces of art, yet they fail to remove the “made in China” stickers from the bottom 😅! I personally got swindled by a shop owner, they assured me that something was a certain product. $50 and no refunds later, and it is NOT what I asked for at all. This shop keep also had a thick accent until the transaction was over, suddenly their accent was completely gone and they sounded like any other typical “American city boy”. (Was sold Delta gummies @ a smoke shop called “Xscapes”, I was clearly stating what I wanted & what I received was NOT it!). All in all, check your purchases & labels BEFORE buying (great advice for any purchase 🤦🏼‍♀️). If you are near the commons, be sure to check out all of the local gorges and waterfalls! “Ithaca is gorges”, after all! TL;DR: nice walk, nice views, clean, …expensive! Can become over-crowded certain weekends. (& Beware pushy buskers, one way streets, & cheats)! Lastly, this IS a college town. Hippies, artisans, students and like-minded folk flock the commons.

Fun family-friendly place to visit and walk around when in Ithica. Parking garages nearby and free on the weekend. It can get very busy when collage kids are in town. Great restaurants. Everyone is very friendly. Unique shops to stop in.

Cute area for shopping and dining. Please arrange your dinner reservation as most restaurant filled up during peak time.

The Commons is it’s own universe of beautiful gardenia, unique shoppes, a wellspring of friendly conversation and all manner of the arts condensed into one walkable place. It’s a really thrilling and vibrant environment. Highly recommended!

Revelry was amazing, staff went above & beyond, the food was delicious & the atmosphere & decor perfect. The beer, OMG, so great! I had the Flying Donkey, my friend had the Heat of the Moment. I highly recommend going there.

Love the commons in the winter. They have made winter fun with all that the activities. They have a great selection of stores and a variety of delicious restaurants.

I still love the Ithaca commons. The shops and restaurant selections are great. It is a nice place for events and vendors seem to have enough space during festivals. It is nice to see more businesses finally opening up again. I can't wait to see what the future brings for Ithaca Commons.

Commons is a vibrant and charming destination with a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It offers a lively atmosphere, great shopping, delicious dining. Sometimes you’d find live music, flea/farmers market. A must-visit spot in the heart of Ithaca.

This is a vibrant artsy and eccentric place to be. Lots of special shops and tasty eateries.

What a great way to view different vendors for food, crafts, produce and one of a kind art / stuff. With no cars to dodge and pet dogs are allowed (on an leash) this open air market is a lot of pleasant smells and sights. Have a FRESH donut, a sample of the Mushroom Gin, and pure maple syrup. Just a good time for all the senses.

This was a neat little downtown area that was a pedestrian mall with lots of little shops and places to eat. The day we went it was nice and sunny so the sidewalks were pretty busy. Didn't get a chance to see all the shops but it seems like a pretty nice selection of stuff.

Some really nice stores and restaurants. Parking can be a pain. Had a few times where people where "raising money for charity" they are rather pushy and I looked up the "charity" later and it is sketchy at best. Wish there were stricter rules about tabling.

I like the common squares of small towns where people meet for coffee, food or some shopping. This is a pedestrian strip which was well presented. Places to eat and places to shop. One hour is probably enough as a tourist to visit but I can see how people meet there and how it can be a vibrant place at times.

Good vibes every-time I visit there. A lot of events going on in there throughout the year.

Ithaca Commons is a vibrant pedestrian mall in the heart of Ithaca, bustling with energy and community spirit. This charming area features a variety of local shops, restaurants, and cafes, each offering unique goods and flavorful dishes. The atmosphere is lively, especially during events and live performances that draw both locals and visitors. The Commons is not only a shopping destination but also a cultural hub where art and music thrive. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the local flavor and creativity of Ithaca.

Just an absolutely delightful little corridor of fun and cute and nice and stuff.

This was pretty disappointing- very few shops open on a Friday afternoon and it all seems pretty tired and run-down. We did enjoy a snack at Paris Baguette and also stopped in a cute plant/stationary shop (can't remember the name). I wouldn't recommend this to others. Maybe it's better in the summer? We came in early April.

Ithaca Commons is one of our fave parts of our vacation to Ithaca! The Commons is a beautiful outdoor pedestrian style mall area that is were all the shops, bars, coffee shops & eateries are! Beautiful buildings & beautiful flowers/plants line the street. It is a very pretty area to just walk around. Ithaca is a FOODIE TOWN, so there were COUNTLESS places to eat along the Commons. Lots of fun shops, coffee bars and bakeries as well. We spent the evening walking around followed by a wonderful dinner which had outdoor seating which was fun to people watch while enjoying dinner. Ithaca is a very clean, fun & artsy feel city. Check out the Commons while visiting for sure! Do check out the Ithaca murals while venturing around- art is everywhere!

Gave it a two star rating only because there are about a half dozen brave shops and restaurants holding on that deserve your patronage. Most still remaining are exceptionally nice, unique places. Otherwise, the city of Ithaca should be ashamed! The majority of the shops/restaurants are closed - It looks like a disaster/war zone. And don't say parking is a main issue-the ramp is a couple of blocks away and is reasonable. But if people feel unsafe walking the area, that is certainly a drawback. I have felt nervous on the Commons in the middle of the afternoon for some time. It's obvious there's a problem, as security cameras are everywhere and even the mailbox is an especially secure model. Something is seriously wrong here. An unbelievable embarrassment; for the city, the state, our country - especially with a fine college and world famous university located here, bringing international students and their families to the area. This should be thriving and SAFE for business owners and patrons alike.

Cool little place! Two floors but technically 1 as the only thing really to see on the top floor is a whale skeleton and the gift shop. Bottom floor has tons of fossils, dinosaurs, cool information about different prehistoric eras and climate change. You can likely spend 1-2 hours here.

An educational gem! The museum offers a comprehensive and detailed journey through Earth's history. A must-visit for kids; it's both enlightening and engaging. If you want to dive deep into our planet's past, this place nails it!

A very neat but small museum. It was very educational for kids and adults. The staff were very friendly and the restrooms were very clean. It was not on our list of things to do but since it was raining we decided to go here. We thought we wouldn’t spend more than an hour but we spent about two hours going through every exhibit and reading through everything in detail. The little gift shop was cute and reasonably priced.

I've been here many times with my son, who is now grown and still loves to visit. Very educational, for all levels. Interactive exhibits and the gift shop is a child's dream come true (with fun purchases for adults as well). Additionally, they have many events open to the public: talks, seminars, fossil field trips and guided tours of the nearby gorge. A must-visit if you're in the area!

Great museum of paleontology and geology, with an emphasis of upstate NY. Nice place for young kids and adults alike. You can watch someone cleaning up dinosaur bones and ask them questions. They had boxes of small fossils you could sift through and take home for free.

I'm always a sucker for natural history museums, and had been meaning to visit here for some time. This museum is a good size. It's not too brief, and not absolutely massive. It is well worth the stop if you are in the area, perhaps visiting Taughannock. Also has a ton of parking.

This is hard to review because while I thought this place was pretty cool, my two teenage daughters weren't really into it. I loved all the different exhibits they had but noticed that its definitely an acquired taste. You either love science or you don't. Either way I did get some decent pictures so here they are.

Lots of displays, engaging, hands on activities for kids, fossil lab, ect.

This place is a great place to go with kids if you need to do something indoors because of bad weather. The exhibits were just ok. It felt a bit old and out of date. It’s not very engaging or interactive. Even the scavenger hunt was a bit sad. You wander around and you don’t see anybody that works there to engage the kids or guests with questions or spark any curiosity. Even the admission ticket people seemed a bit sad. It’s not a bad thing to do with kids but not on the top of my list.

An absolutely amazing experience! Definitely worth the drive! I've been here twice, once as a kid, and on a field trip last semester in college! There's so much to see, with some amazing exhibits on Prehistoric life, from the iconic Hyde Park Mastadon, the whale skeleton, relics from the Devonian 's Age of the armoured fish and more! I loved getting to look at all the fossils here! There's so many fact guides along the way, so you can read up on what you're seeing! You can also find your own fossil, among some rocks, and bring it home with you! The gift shop also has some really nice stuff! A perfect stop for anyone! A great family trip, or for an aspiring scientist alike! Anyone can have a great visit here!!

We have three boys, two who are autistic. The Ithaca Science Center is a frequent request of theirs and we are always happy to say yes! The staff are kind and knowledgeable, the exhibits are ver accessible. Their toddler space is a favorite for our little guy, and the outdoor area is perfect when the weather is nice. Animals, art, science, and water play - what could be better?

One of the best things to happen to us since becoming parents. It’s safe, educational, and fun. Having interviewed for a job here I can tell you none of this is accidental—the staff is passionate, hardworking, and brilliant. Everything is intentional and this is an under-celebrated institution. Become a member, give them your money, take your kids! Their reach goes way beyond just the museum.

We came here as a day trip and it was fantastic. It was during spring break and it was pouring rain and honestly it was not as crowded as I thought it would be. My 7 year old and I loved this place. It was our first visit and pretty much all the science things were hands on learning. We will definitely be coming back here again and hopefully during nicer weather when the outdoor area is more usable and we can do the space walk too.

It is a wonderful place more geared towards all elementary aged kids. My kids had an amazing time. We also enjoyed playing mini golf. Though it was a little hard for little kids but every hole was science based and very interesting. Overall a great place to spend a few hours with young kids.

A family can easily spend many hours here, even without a round of mini golf. For less than the price of movie tickets, we got hours of educational play. We loved the How Toys Work exhibit, the water play, and the submarine. Oh and the musical stairs!

Small well maintained science place, with a small aquarium, reptile exhibit, explore weather and technology, have a lot of hands on for kids a big outside adventure playground where kids can climb run explore sounds, is a great place for kids, bathroom are clean with changing tables, also hand sanitizer, and a small safe kids zone, entry is affordable and if you have the ebt card you have extra discount

Had a fun time watching grandkids especially the outside fun. Blowing bubbles, playing in sand. My 9 yr old grandson was loving the big bell lol... The 5 of them seriously had a riot!!!! We will be back soon.

I will continue to come here with my child. It’s so much fun and lots to do. Pet lizard, snakes, and see a tarantula. Play outside and ring the bells. Play with water tables and slopes. So much to do!

As a kid, I really love the Sciencenter when I visited there, mainly during my days in school for a nice field trip. But now, years later after so long, I say the Sciencenter is well worth it after I payed them a visit today. The exhibits are incredible, the way on how it looks is truly amazing and I also love on how it mixed in education with a nice fun nature to it which results in a combination that's well, fun and educational. I say, definitely pay them a visit if you haven't yet if your either in the Ithaca area or in a different part of the Central New York area. Or most likely both .

There are so many hands-on activities for kids of all ages to enjoy they have a great sized "toddler" zone as well as 2 different outdoor play yards. The staff is so kind and even offrent to take one of the reptiles out for my son to see. Spend 2-3 hours looking at the fish and reptiles while doing some great activities highly worth it for the price!

Always bring my kids here when i have them. Fun interesting educational and interactive

Such a great place!! My children and I where there from 9 till 3, and we only left because we needed to, otherwise we would have stayed till closing! While there, the children built Rollercoasters! I appreciated that the instructor embraced their creative skills and asked them questions that allowed them to form hypotheses and test them out! So much fun for all ages, things to do indoors and on the playground outside, plus the staff was respectfully friendly. I definitely plan to visit again the next time we're in town

We had a blast here. The kids were young the last time we came so they really enjoyed it this time.

We recently got a year membership for our family of 4. The kids are ages 6 and 11, and both enjoy a trip to the science center. There's about 2-3 hours of entertainment. A 2 hour day is a quick play for us to go through and 3 hours taking a longer educational moment with the kiddos. This family fun environment offers a multitude of benefits for children: waterplay,reptile touches, weather engaged activities, space exploration, etc! There is outdoor playground and exploration as well as a mini putt putt! It's an easy option for a great day in ithaca, rain or shine!

The staff were all super helpful and nice! It's a great place for a toddler to run around and have fun in they're several exhibit rooms and in there small children area.

I attended a Caroline Elementary second grade field trip with my grandson. The person teaching the class about engineering was very friendly. She was also very knowledgeable and worked well with adults and children. We enjoyed every minute of the field trip.

For toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary kids the Sciencenter is a really fun time. The large exhibit rotates for interest, and they have very well maintained live animal areas. The outside area is fun for all ages, and they have a small outdoor area for the little ones. The area outside for the little ones was designed somewhat.... interesting (poorly?). There are a variety of ground covers, that are not well maintained because if you've ever met kids, they never keep anything separate. So think, sand pit mixed with wood chips, and pebbles. The grocery stand needs help as well. It has the potential to be amazing, and maybe as people use it, they will reconfigure. The indoor toddler area is great. Lots to do for the 4ish and under crowd. I am saddened they took away the kitchen because my crew really enjoyed that, but I understand they can't keep everything. The Tide Pool is interesting for all ages, the rotating exhibit is definitely enough reading and info for older kids to have something to do. Food and drink allowed in the cafeteria.

Great place to bring children of any age. There are lots of hands-on things for them to do, as well as many animals to see.

Went to the Sciencenter for the first time with my family today. Not only did my kids loved it, but so did I. For only $10 per person, it was jammed packed with a lot of interactive exhibits with great information. We all learned really great and amazing facts today while having a lot of fun. The outside playground area alone was worth the price of admission. If planing a fun little date day with the kids, definitely check out the sciencenter.

A great view if your afraid of heights this one isn't for you but if you still go it is surely a rush of adrenaline, the views are breath taking!!

Very wide open space when you view these falls on the suspension bridge. Anywhere else the view is blocked and the falls are not in direct line of sight. Also very difficult to find parking and the only "legal" parking is on the north side next the to bridge entrance. There needs to be a closer view available.

Nice view from the road. Can walk down the path to get a closer look on the foot path over the gorge.

Beautiful falls and suspension bridge.

I viewed this from the suspension bridge, not sure if you can get a better view of it somewhere else

Viewed from one of Cornell's bridges. The trail down to the bottom was closed.

Watch them stairs going up to the college its best to walk the other side of the bridge. Although the college is beautiful and has some neat artwork. YouTube 2RanDumb