Cayuga County is rich with historic sites, museums, and homes. Reminders of the Underground Railroad, the building of the Erie Canal, and the invention of "Talking Films" can all be found here.

Historic sites include Fort Hill Cemetery where William H. Seward and Harriet Tubman were laid to rest, and the Willard Memorial Chapel designed by Louis C. Tiffany and the Tiffany Glass & Decorating, Co. Take in the Rural Life Museum, dedicated to preserving local history and agricultural traditions and visit a water-powered gristmill operating since 1823 at New Hope Mills.

For a glimpse into Cayuga County's past, visit the Cayuga Museum of History & Art, offering rotating and permanent exhibits on the history and art of Cayuga County.

Visit some of the most unique museums in the Finger Lakes Region. These include the Ward O'Hara Agricultural Museum where you can step back in time to the turn of the century and life on the farm; the Little Theater Railway Museum featuring model train exhibits, and the Howland Stone Store Museum, the former family business of noted educator and Quaker abolitionist, Emily Howland.

Tour the hmes of ourfamous forefathers (and mothers!) such as William H. Seward, best known for his work to purchase Alaska, then known as 'Seward's Folly," Underground Railroad conductor, Harriet Tubman, and Theodore Case, inventor of 'Talking Films." The Seward House, Harriet Tubman Home and the Cayuga Museum ( Case-Willard Mansion ) are all open to the public.

Cayuga's county seat, and its largest community, boasts first-rate historical attractions such as the Harriet Tubman Home and William Seward House, park access to Owasco Lake, professional theater and baseball, New York's only Bass Pro Shops, and a wide variety of other attractions, fine dining and accommodation options. Read more

Settled in 1799, the tranquil village of Aurora is situated on the east side of Cayuga Lake. To the north, it is home to the renowned home accessories company, MacKenzie-Childs, Ltd. and to the south is Wells College, established in 1868 by Henry Wells. Places like the Aurora Inn, Dories, Jane Morgan's Little House, E.B. Morgan House and The Fargo are wonderful places to shop, dine and spend the night, as featured in Country Living's June '06 issue! Read more.

Come see the Howland Stone Store Museum in Sherwood, former family business of Quaker abolitionist Emily Howland. On view are historic items and memorabilia from her accomplishments and world-wide travels. Cleveland's Antiques, with tons of treasures, is right next door. Read more.

Geographically, Cato is surrounded by some of the best formed drumlins in the world, with water paths moving north to Lake Ontario and south to the Seneca River. This pattern accounts for its beautiful info lakes and ponds, and recreational opportunities abound! These include the Cato-Meridian Recreational Center, North Trail, Cato Golf Club and Cross Lake. Read more.

The village of Cayuga, incorporated in 1857, is located on the northeast end of Cayuga Lake . It derives its name from the lake, which is the longest of the six major Finger Lakes at 40 miles. The northern end of the lake extends into the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 7,000 acres of wetland that provide habitat for over 300 species of birds and wildlife. Read more.

Located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario this area has changed from a shipping port to a resort community and features some of the best fishing, swimming, boating and camping in New York State. Unique attractions include the Sterling Renaissance Festival, Fair Haven Beach State Park, Sterling Lake Shore Park & Nature Center and the Little Red School House Museum. Read more.

Just south of Aurora, King Ferry and Genoa form the agricultural heart of Cayuga County; their attractions include Rural Life Museum and award-winning King Ferry Winery. Read more.

Locke, which was formed in 1802, is another peaceful agrarian community with beautiful farmland, historical cemeteries and Grisamore Farms, a busy family-run fruit and vegetable u-pick, with a picnic area, petting zoo and tours. Read more.

Millard Fillmore, 13th President of the United States, was born five miles east of the village of Moravia. A replica of his log cabin birthplace is in Fillmore Glen State Park, with a deep limestone and shale glen with five waterfalls, a stone-walled swimming pool, campground, pavilion, and picnic areas. Nearby New Hope Mills has a water-powered grist mill and is famous for its pancake flour available in its country store. Read more.

The Village was incorporated in 1837, and is situated on the Owasco Lake Outlet and former Erie Canal, near the center of the Town of Mentz. The completion of the Erie Canal, in 1825, gave a new impetus to the businesses of the village, rapidly increased its population, and soon made it one of the principal grain markets in western New York. Read more...

www.co.cayuga.ny.us/portbyron
www.co.cayuga.ny.us/mentz

Union Springs is located on a bay of the east shore of Cayuga Lake, with Frontenac Park offering visitor amenities and lake access. As might be expected, the town's name is derived from the many springs within its boundaries. Two of the largest, dammed to form ponds, were the source of power for the earliest industries. Other springs have a strong taste of sulfur and contain various minerals of interest to the geologist. The extensive and valuable minerals, gypsum and limestone played an important part in the industrial development of the town, as well as its draw as a health resort. Read more.

Weedsport, formally known as "Weeds Basin" was incorporated in 1831 was the site for early development of the Erie Canal starting in 1818. There are still remnants of the Centerport Aqueduct, providing a good example of Erie Canal stone work. Currently, Weedsport is known for the Cayuga County Fair Speedway and the DIRT Hall of Fame and Classic Car Museum. Read more.

The entire family will enjoy the natural beauty and recreational possibilities that Cayuga County offers. With eight lakes, three State Parks, and the Erie Canal, vacations can be as relaxing or active as you like. Even when the snow falls, there is plenty to do - cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, sledding and skating are all popular activities during the winter months.

Emerson Park, near Auburn, offers swimming, boating, picnic facilities, playgrounds and disk golf, while Fair Haven Beach Park features 823 acres on the Great Lake Ontario for camping, hiking, fishing, and other activities. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for over 300 species of birds and wildlife.

Hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders enjoy the Cayuga County Erie Canal Recreational Trail. Those that prefer to see the beauty of the area from their cars will want to drive the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway and the Seaway Trail.

Cayuga County is a golfer's paradise with ten public golf courses available from April - October.

Fishing and hunting are world class in the Finger Lakes and available year round. There are plenty of fishing charters and marinas and Auburn's Bass Pro Shops will provide you with the best in hunting and fishing gear.

For an in depth look at our waterways, take a dive trip on the Finger Lakes or lake Ontario.

Whether it's fishing, golfing, hiking, or even a balloon ride you're looking for, you'll find it in Cayuga County .

Let us entertain you! The Auburn Players Community Theater, NY Institute of Dance & Education, Auburn Public Theater, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and the Morgan Opera House, all provide showcases for the performing arts at their best. Check our events calendar for special performances and festivals throughout the year.

Emerson Park, near Auburn, offers swimming, boating, picnic facilities, playgrounds and disk golf, while Fair Haven Beach Park features 823 acres on the Great Lake Ontario for camping, hiking, fishing, and other activities. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for over 300 species of birds and wildlife.

Hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders enjoy the Cayuga County Erie Canal Recreational Trail. Those that prefer to see the beauty of the area from their cars will want to drive the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway and the Seaway Trail.

Shop 'til you drop at the Fingerlakes Mall in Auburn or browse the unique boutique shops in the historic village of Aurora, overlooking Cayuga Lake.

If you are looking for locally made products, be sure to stop at the Cedar Craft Wild Bird Center for a hand made bird feeder, New Hope Mills for their delicious pancake mix and MacKenzie-Childs, Ltd. for hand-decorated tableware and home furnishings.

Antique shops abound throughout the county and collectibles can always be found on the annual 50 Mile Long Garage Sale held on Route 90 the last weekend in July.

Waterloo Premium Outlets

The Finger Lakes Region offers an abundance of premium wineries and wine trails which follow the banks of five different lakes, Cayuga, Canandaigua, Keuka, Ontario, and Seneca.

The organized wine trails make touring easy and the their special events such as the Holiday Shopping Spree in December are not to be missed. Try a wine tour package and let someone else do the driving!