While the Cooperstown Village baseball tournament you’re in town for is your top priority, there are plenty of sights to see while you’re here. Make the most of your family vacation with the excursions and activities below.
Whether you’re taking the team out for some downtime, socializing with other parents, or spending quality time with your family—there’s something for everyone. So, no, you won’t have to spend all day at the ballpark. That is unless you want to!
This nationally revered museum is every Little Leaguer and a baseball fanatic’s dream come true. It’s full of artifacts, photos, memorabilia, and history. There’s a balanced mix of historical figures and the MVPs of this generation.
Farming is the cornerstone of America, and this museum celebrates our nation’s farmers. However, this museum is so much more than a museum, it’s a local gem! The land was the Clarke family’s farm from 1813 to the mid-1900s. The museum and exhibitions are spread out between the historic barn, creamery, and herdsman’s cottage commissioned by George Clarke.
It features over 5,000 farming tools and 23,000 artifacts. Be sure to check the museum’s events calendar as there’s always a rotating range of hands-on activities for the entire family. From livestock shows to arts programs, family fun farm days, STEAM activities for children, and more.
It’s the perfect place to keep your other kids engaged while your student-athlete prepares for their Cooperstown 12U tournament.
Fenimore Art Museum is home to rotating exhibits featuring a range of historic and contemporary artists. From American folk art to Native American art, 19th-century paintings, contemporary art, and renowned American and international artists of countless mediums. No worries if you aren’t an art connoisseur, as you’ll enjoy at least a few of the exhibits.
Exhibitions have featured the work of:
Be sure to check the events calendar for live music, art workshops, live shows, lectures, kid’s STEAM events, guided tours, and more. Some of the evening events are a great parents’ night out while in town.
This gleaming lake is nicknamed “Glimmerglass” by locals, so you at least need to stop by and see it for yourself in person. If you enjoy the outdoors, you and the family or team can have a picnic or go swimming on your time off from the baseball tournament. You can also get a group together to rent a boat. If you love to fish, pack your fishing poles and go fishing. If you’re up for it, go hiking or cycling.
In addition to the pristine lake, Glimmerglass State Park offers a variety of things to see and do. High on this list is the 60-foot Kingfisher Tower. The tower’s Gothic Revival architecture is castle-like, which is fun to see. You can’t climb it or get too close as it’s on private property, but you can take some great shots. It’s one of the most Instagramable spots in town.
Be sure to visit Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, one of the oldest wooden covered bridges in the nation. It’s another photo-worthy spot.
If you’re at Glimmerglass State Park, be sure to visit this stunning 50-room neoclassical mansion overlooking Otsego Lake. Architect Philip Hooker was commissioned by George Clarke in 1817 to design this grand estate. Philip Hooker also designed the New York State Capital and Albany City Hall. The architecture was inspired by Clarke’s childhood home in England. The Hyde Hall mansion has been preserved to perfection.
The Clarke family were passionate about farming and agriculture, and once owned a significant amount of land in the area. This includes the land and buildings that are now home to the Farmers’ Museum.
On your day off from the Cooperstown Village baseball tournament, take a road trip to Howe Caverns. You can tour the caverns on foot in a 1.25-mile walk or take a .25-mile boat ride. Just be mindful that there are 130+ stairs if you take the walking tour.
While you’re there, be sure to visit the onsite HC Mining Company. Kids (and adults) can sift raw gemstones such as garnets, rose quartz, and fools’ gold in a real mining sluice!
If you have the time to stay overnight, choose from one of the onsite hotel’s packages. This includes access to Sunday family tours, evening lantern tours, sweetheart tours, and more. If parents are in need of a workout, plan your day trip around the Cave Yoga, Cave Zumba, or Cave Pilates schedule.
There’s even an escape room!
You used your vacation days traveling to the Cooperstown 12u tournament, arguably one of the best baseball tournaments in the nation. That said, you deserve a bit of me time! When you find yourself in need of a parents-only escape, head to a nearby winery or brewery.
Your top choices are the Pail Shop Vineyards and the Ommegang Brewery:
We haven’t forgotten that you’re in town for a baseball tournament. As such, your Little Leaguer, and all the kids, will get some giggles at the Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum. Take photos with over 40 wax figures. Most are baseball greats, but you’ll also find Kevin Costner from Field of Dreams and Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, and Madonna from A League of Their Own.
Be sure to pop in the Baseball Bloopers Theater to view footage of legendary baseball blunders.
The Barnyard Swing mini-golf and family fun center is a popular outing for teams between their next baseball tournament. It’s a fun spot for both the team and the family. You can even book and host a team party.
In addition to golfing, there’s a decadent dairy bar with candy, sundaes, milkshakes, and other frozen treats. Adults can enjoy hard cider, hard seltzers, and cold brew on tap.
Cooperstown Village baseball tournaments aren’t the only attraction, as there’s always something to do—especially in the spring and summer. So, head to the village event calendar to see if there are any family-friendly or kid-free events and activities.
Cooperstown Dreams Park is home to the best baseball tournaments in the nation! The tournaments keep the American pastime of baseball alive. It’s an honor that your team was invited.
The activities and excursions above ensure the entire family has an amazing vacation!
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