Present-day Utica, New York was established at Old Fort Schuyler in 1758. The fort was constructed by a group of American colonists who were participating in the French and Indian War. In 1794 The Great Genesee Road was built in order to connect Utica to the Genesee River. Just a few years later, in 1798, the road was extended to Albany. The Great Genesee Road, which is also known as the Seneca Turnpike, was an important catalyst for the town's overall growth and development. Soon, the small town would become a popular rest and supply stop for those traveling throughout West New York.
On April 3, 1798, the New York legislature officially set Utica's boundaries. The borders were later expanded in both 1805 and 1817. The town’s growth was further stimulated by the construction of the Erie Canal, which was completed in 1825. Utica was finally granted a city charter in 1832. By the year 1840, the population had grown to nearly 13,000. Today, Utica is home to more than 65,000 residents.
Head over to the Utica Zoo during your visit to check out some of the interesting animal exhibits. Featured animals include red pandas, sea lions, owls, lions, and snapping turtles. If you’re an art enthusiast, you will enjoy spending time at the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute. Founded in 1919, this well-respected institute houses three distinct fine arts divisions, including an art museum, an art school, and a performing arts program.
Enjoy an American-style, farm-to-table meal at The Tailor and the Cook, which is one of Utica's most popular restaurants. Menu options include roasted carrots, pan-roasted duck breast, and pan-seared scallops. At the Mi Casa Restaurant, you can indulge in a variety of Dominican-inspired dishes. This laid-back eatery serves everything from fried calamari and shrimp shish kabobs to quesadillas and seafood crepes.
Campgrounds Near Utica, New York
Delta Lake State Park is situated along the Delta Reservoir in nearby Rome, New York. The reservoir is generously stocked with bass, perch, trout, and pike. The park’s hiking trails feature a wide variety of local wildlife. Other amenities include a playground, picnic tables, grills, and shower facilities. This RV campground is open all year long.
The Herkimer Diamond KOA Resort, which sits adjacent to West Cada Creek, is suitable for miners of all interest levels. The on-site mine features fossils, gemstones, quartz, and other unique minerals. Visitors can also participate in a host of fun activities, such as crafting, jewelry designing, t-shirt making, and constructing windmills. Available amenities at this RV park include full hookups, a swimming pool, Wi-Fi access, and pull-through sites.
Nestled along the West Cada Creek in Poland, New York, the West Cada Creek Campground is ideal for those interested in water-based activities. These activities include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The campground provides a variety of other helpful amenities, such as a camp store, full hookups, and hot showers.
State Parks Near Utica, New York
The 720-acre Delta Lake State Park is situated on a peninsula in Delta Lake. With a beach area, pavilions, a playground, food concessions, and picnic areas, this lovely park is the perfect place for year-round recreation. Available activities include bicycling, ice fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. During your visit, explore some of the other nearby attractions. The Steuben Memorial State Historic Site, Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site, Verona Beach State Park, and Old Erie Canal State Historic Park are just a short distance away. Because the park is conveniently located less than seven miles away from Rome, New York, you'll have access to a variety of nearby stores and restaurants when you visit this park.
Glimmerglass State Park is a modest 593-acre park on Hyde Bay. Although the park's official location is in Cooperstown, much of the land is actually located in the town of Springfield. Overlooking the bay is the historic Hyde Hall mansion. Built in 1834, this stately home was designed by American architect Philip Hooker. Other park features include pavilions, a nature trail, a beach area, camping sites, and picnic tables. This year-round park offers a host of recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, biking, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.
Established in 1944, Verona Beach State Park in the town of Verona covers over 1,700 acres of land. This gorgeous park, which is located on the shores of Oneida Lake, encompasses a beach area, a picnic pavilion, a recreation building, and a bathhouse. Miles of nature trails provide opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. Hunting is also permitted.
National Sites Near Utica, New York
The Fort Stanwix National Monument houses a Colonial fort that was constructed in 1762 during the French and Indian War. The fort, which has since been reconstructed, now serves as a monument to the American soldiers who tirelessly and selflessly fought during the war's many battles. While visiting the monument, you can explore museum exhibits, view historic weapons demonstrations, or take a self-guided tour. You can even build your own fort or browse the on-site bookstore.
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park is dedicated to the life, memory, and achievements of famed American abolitionist Harriet Tubman. The park contains three separate properties, including a home for the aged, the Thompson A.M.E Zion Church, and her former home. Harriet Tubman moved into the home with her parents in 1857. The A.M.E. church is a place she frequented during her time in the area. You can also visit her gravestone, which is located at the Fort Hill Cemetery.
The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River includes a 73-mile-long portion of the Delaware River. The site features the Zane Grey Museum, Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct, and the ruins of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. The river offers opportunities for fishing and boating.
National Forests Near Utica, New York
Finger Lakes National Forest spans over 16,000 acres. This lush forest, which is located between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake, is one of the smallest official national forests in the country. Along with the abundant forest, the area features a pasture, archaeological sites, preserved historic sites, gorges, waterfalls, and plenty of beautiful wildflowers. Available activities include hiking, skiing, fishing, and geocaching.
Green Mountain National Forest is located about two and a half hours away from Utica in Vermont. Various animal species inhabit this 399,000-acre forest, including coyotes, deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. The area encompasses eight separate wildlands, such as the 22,000-acre Glastenbury Wilderness and the 25,000-acre Breadloaf Wilderness. Portions of the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail are contained within the park, making it a great place for hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists.
White Mountain National Forest stretches a whopping 800,000 acres within both New Hampshire and Maine. This breathtaking forest consists of everything from mountains and rivers to lakes and trails. Enjoy some of the available recreational activities, including hiking, skiing, and backpacking. Wildlife inhabitants you might spot during your visit include bald eagles, white-tailed deer, red foxes, black bears, river otters, and bobcats.
