Elmira, New York is a city in southern New York and the county seat of Chemung County. Before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited by the Cayuga nation of the Haudenosaunee people. In 1791, a treaty was signed between the Haudenosaunee and the United States to settle territorial disputes that were taking place in the region. After originally being established as Newtown in 1788, the village changed its name to the Town of Elmira in 1808. In 1864, Elmira was officially incorporated as a city. Throughout much of the 1800s, the city served as a transportation hub for the southern region of New York. Elmira saw significant growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the population peaking at around 50,000 in 1950.
As of 2022, Elmira is home to approximately 27,500 people. The community is perhaps most known as the home of Elmira College, which was founded in 1855 as one of the earliest women's institutions for higher learning in the country. If you like visiting unique landmarks, you'll have several good options around Elmira. A few spots worth stopping by are the Woodlawn National Cemetery, Newtown Battlefield State Park, and Mark Twain's Summer Home. If you want to learn something new, you could browse great museums like the National Soaring Museum, the Arnot Art Museum, and the John W Jones Museum.
When you're looking for a fun night out with the family in Elmira, consider heading to First Arena. There, you can enjoy the two ice rinks as well as a video game arcade. Plus, there's a full-service restaurant and bar. Alternatively, you could catch a Broadway show at the historic Clemens Center. Another awesome family-friendly activity is spending an exciting afternoon at the Eldridge Park amusement park, which features mini-golf, a carousel, paddleboats, and much more. There are also lots of quality dining destinations around Elmira. While you're in town, you should sample great restaurants such as Lib's Supper Club, the Turtle Leaf Cafe, and Pudgie's Pizza & Sub Shop.
Campgrounds Near Elmira, New York
One wonderful campground in the Elmira area is Hickories Park, which boasts 120 full-hookup RV campsites available for just $25-$30 per night. Located along the banks of the lovely Susquehanna River, the park is an excellent option for fishing enthusiasts. The campground also contains a mini-golf course, several pavilions, and other amenities.
Another great option is the Aspen Family Campground, which is home to 30 RV campsites featuring electrical hookups. There are several miles of scenic hiking trails winding through the area, and the park offers quite a few amenities as well. During your stay, you'll have access to a licensed massage therapist, a swimming pool, a catch-and-release fishing pond, and a variety of activities and events.
You could also stay in one of the 144 full-hookup RV campsites at the Pine Valley Campground. The sites are available for $30-$48 per night, and the park is known for its beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Plus, there are various shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations within a short distance of the campground.
State Parks Near Elmira, New York
Located in the village of Watkins Glen, New York, Watkins Glen State Park is a gorgeous natural area known for its wondrous forests, steep cliffs, and breathtaking waterfalls. The park is home to a whopping 19 separate waterfalls, and there are also great modern amenities like an Olympic-sized swimming pool and campgrounds. Visitors can embark on educational tours or take advantage of the exceptional fishing and hunting opportunities throughout the area. There are also some lovely hiking trails meandering through the forests and plenty of excellent spots for picnicking.
Robert H. Treman State Park comprises 1,100 acres in the southwestern region of New York. The park's main feature is a 14-mile canyon carved into the area's granite, and visitors can hike along the impressive gorge. While exploring the park, you can also see several beautiful waterfalls and observe a variety of wildlife species. If you're in the mood for a dip, you could head to the stream-fed Enfield Falls Swimming Hole, which can be very refreshing during the summer.
Buttermilk Falls State Park is a wonderful natural haven known for its cascading waters. The rushing Buttermilk Creek flows through the area and into Cayuga Lake. In addition to the falls and lake, the park features peaceful woodlands, several miles of hiking trails, a pond, and a creek. During your visit, you can cast your fishing line, explore the serene trails, and, during certain seasons, go deer hunting.
National Sites Near Elmira, New York
If you're interested in the history of the United States and women's suffrage, you should definitely visit Women's Rights National Historical Park. The fascinating park features four separate attractions. While you're there, you can check out the visitor center, the Wesleyan Chapel, and the homes of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Thomas and Mary Ann M'Clintock. All of these sites have historical significance relating to women's rights, and while you're in the area, you may also want to explore the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
Another site that all history buffs should see is Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. There, you can see where Harriet Tubman, famous for her incredible underground railroad, lived at the end of her life and was buried. The site features her former home, Thompson Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and the Tubman Home for the Aged. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the amazing railroad as well as Tubman's fascinating life.
Located near Scranton, Pennsylvania, the Steamtown National Historic Site is home to historic diesel locomotives. You can sit in one of the locomotive's comfy passenger cars and explore the unique on-site museum, which boasts engines, cabooses, and rolling stock. While visiting the site, you'll have the chance to learn about the region's fascinating railroad history. You can also enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch and explore one of the nearby nature trails.
National Forests Near Elmira, New York
Finger Lakes National Forest lies in upstate New York and has the distinction of being the country's second-smallest national forest. However, the peaceful forest packs plenty of natural beauty into a relatively small area. While exploring the national forest, you'll encounter not only lush woodlands but also breathtaking gorges and vividly colorful wildflowers. You can enjoy all sorts of activities around the area, including fishing, biking, geocaching, skiing, and hiking. A few of the best trails to navigate are the Greendale Loop Trail, Excelsior Glen Falls Trail, and the Burnt Hill Trail.
Situated in the foothills of the mighty Appalachian Mountains, Allegheny National Forest is the only national forest in Pennsylvania. The forest boasts high plateaus, low valleys, and huge stretches of dense woodlands. Hikers often visit the area to explore fantastic routes such as the Blacksnake Mountain Trail and the Christian Hollow Loop. There are also some excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests comprise roughly 1.8 million acres across Virginia's Appalachian Mountains, as well as parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. The massive area is most known for diverse flora and fauna, featuring over 40 types of trees, 100 species of fish and mussels, 200 species of birds, and 2,000 species of plants. There are also about 60 mammal species, which you may get to observe while exploring the area's hiking routes. If you're a fishing enthusiast, you can cast your line in many of the forest's rivers, streams, and ponds. You can also partake in bird-watching, geocaching, and stargazing.
