Canyons, Lakes, and a World-Class University! Top 4 Tourist Attractions in Ithaca, New York

Ithaca is an inland city in New York State, located at the southern end of Cayuga Lake. Many rivers flow through the city into the lake, forming numerous gorges and waterfalls. Despite having a metropolitan area with over 100,000 residents, Ithaca is dotted with these scenic tourist attractions within the city. It is also famous as an academic city, home to Cornell University, which consistently ranks among the world's top universities, as well as Ithaca College and the State University of New York. Surrounded by water, greenery, and prestigious educational institutions, Ithaca is a perfect destination for sightseeing! In this article, we introduce four recommended tourist spots in Ithaca.

1. Fall Creek

Among the rivers flowing through Ithaca, Fall Creek is packed with scenic attractions! Within just about 1 km, there are four waterfalls, each with its own unique charm. In particular, Ithaca Falls, the lowest of the four, allows visitors to walk down from the park on the south bank to get close to the plunge pool.

As you gaze at the waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and cliffs, you might forget that you're still in the city. Additionally, Triphammer Falls and Rocky Falls can be admired from the bridges crossing Fall Creek. The area around the river has many maple trees, making the autumn foliage season the best time to visit.

2. Cornell University

Cornell University, the pride of Ithaca as an academic city, boasts a vast campus stretching across both sides of Fall Creek. This means that within the campus, you'll find rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and gorges—no wonder it is often called "the most beautiful university in the U.S." Not only is it stunning, but it is also one of the top academic institutions in the world, having produced Nobel Prize winners in every category!

The campus is so large that it feels more like walking through a small city rather than a university. Since it’s impossible to explore everything in just one day, visitors should focus on the picturesque southwestern area, where landmarks like the chapel, McGraw Tower, and Anabel Taylor Hall are located.

3. Cascadilla Gorge

Another must-visit spot in Ithaca, known for its many rivers and gorges, is Cascadilla Creek, which flows just south of Fall Creek. A well-maintained trail allows visitors to walk about 1 km along the stream. Along the way, there are several small waterfalls, and in shallow areas, you can even step into the water.

The eastern end of this trail connects to the southern edge of the Cornell University campus. You can walk through the scenic campus area and then head toward the waterfalls of Fall Creek. This route efficiently combines three beautiful sightseeing spots, making it an ideal model course for exploring Ithaca’s nature and academic charm.

4. Sciencenter

As a city of education, Ithaca also offers tourist attractions that children can enjoy. The Sciencenter is packed with fun and engaging science programs designed for kids. Professional instructors guide various interactive activities, ensuring a safe and educational experience.

From early childhood education and hands-on animal encounters to advanced topics like space and quantum mechanics, there are diverse programs to choose from. Pick the one that best suits your child's interests!

◎ Summary

This article introduced four must-visit tourist attractions in Ithaca, New York. A city surrounded by greenery and water, home to one of the world’s top universities. While not primarily a tourist destination, the city's natural beauty and academic atmosphere make it an excellent place for sightseeing. If you ever visit northwestern New York, why not take a break and refresh both your mind and spirit in Ithaca?

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Canyons, Lakes, and a World-Class University! Top 4 Tourist Attractions in Ithaca, New York