Explore the historic town where Mark Twain rests: Top 6 tourist attractions in Elmira

Elmira is a quiet city with a population of about 30,000, located in the midstream basin of the Chemung River in western New York State. It is said that Native American settlements existed here long before the arrival of white settlers, making Elmira one of the oldest cities in the United States in terms of history.

Elmira is also known as the resting place of Mark Twain, the author famous for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. In recent years, it has also gained attention as the hometown of Thomas Jacob Hilfiger, the founder of the fashion brand TOMMY HILFIGER.

Elmira boasts many historical tourist attractions. Here are six recommended spots to visit in this historically rich city.

1. Woodlawn Cemetery

Woodlawn Cemetery, located in the northern part of downtown Elmira, New York, is a must-visit attraction for literature lovers and cultural tourists. This serene cemetery is home to the grave of world-renowned author Mark Twain, making it one of Elmira’s most iconic tourist destinations. Although Twain was born in Missouri, he married Olivia Langdon, a native of Elmira, in 1870 and was later buried here alongside her and their children.

The Mark Twain family plot is on a gentle slope within the cemetery. Despite Twain’s global fame, the grave is surprisingly modest, reflecting the humility of the literary legend. Visitors are encouraged to show quiet respect while visiting this historic site. Notably, "Mark Twain" is a pen name—his real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens.

2. Arnot Art Museum

Located in the heart of Elmira’s historic downtown, the Arnot Art Museum is a top cultural attraction for travelers exploring New York’s Southern Tier. The museum boasts a diverse collection of European and American paintings spanning from the early modern period to contemporary times. Notable highlights include masterpieces by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, a key figure in academic painting, and Thomas Cole, celebrated as one of America’s greatest landscape artists.

The museum is part of the broader Elmira Historic District, which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Nearby, visitors can also explore other architectural landmarks such as the Chemung County Courthouse Complex, the former Chemung Canal Bank, and the Elmira Armory—many of which date back to the 19th century.

3. National Soaring Museum

Elmira is a place deeply connected with the history of "soaring," or flying without an engine. Between 1930 and 1946, the National Soaring Contest was held 13 times at Harris Hill, located northwest of downtown Elmira.

In 1969, with the cooperation of the glider manufacturer Schweizer Aircraft Corporation, the National Soaring Museum opened at Harris Hill. Even today, large-scale soaring contests are occasionally held here, drawing glider enthusiasts from all over the world.

Inside the museum, numerous gliders that tell the history of soaring are on display, making it enjoyable even for those who aren’t aviation experts. Some gliders are exhibited outdoors, so visitors can imagine them soaring gracefully down the runway used in the contests.

4. Maple Avenue Historic District

Along Maple Avenue, on the opposite side of the Chemung River from downtown Elmira, stand 121 historic buildings registered on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Built between 1869 and 1940, these buildings reflect a variety of architectural styles popular in America at the time.

Notable examples include the Alexander Eustace House, built in 1886 in the Second Empire style; the John Brand Sr. House, built in 1870 in the Italianate style; and the John Brand Jr. House, constructed in 1890 in the Queen Anne style. Aside from the historical and architectural value, the area is a quiet residential neighborhood, so visitors should admire the buildings respectfully from the street.

5. Quarry Farm

Located quietly in the northeastern suburbs of Elmira, Quarry Farm is a significant historical site deeply tied to the life of celebrated American author Mark Twain. This scenic summer home was originally purchased as a vacation retreat by the father of Olivia Langdon, Twain's wife. After his passing, ownership was passed to Olivia's sister Susan and her husband.

Although Mark Twain never owned a home in Elmira, he and his family spent over 20 summers at Quarry Farm, enjoying the peaceful surroundings while Twain worked on many of his masterpieces. Today, the estate is open to the public and recognized as one of Elmira’s top literary landmarks.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Quarry Farm is the octagonal study where Twain did much of his writing. It was here that he wrote iconic works like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. This quaint study, resembling a small gazebo, has been preserved and relocated to the Elmira College campus, where visitors can see it today.

Perfect for literary history enthusiasts, Quarry Farm in Elmira is a must-visit site when exploring Mark Twain’s life and works in the United States.

6. Park Church

Located on the western edge of Elmira’s historic district, Park Church was built in 1876. It was a reconstruction of a small wooden church that had previously stood there. The walls, skillfully assembled using stone and brick, are one of its most attractive features. Its tall and narrow structure is distinctive, and Wisner Park—facing the long side of the building—serves as a relaxing space for the citizens of Elmira.

Directly across from Park Church is another historic building: Trinity Church, built in 1858. This one is a classic example of Gothic Revival architecture, made with bricks. Both churches are iconic landmarks of Elmira, so be sure to visit them together.

◎ Summary

We introduced some of the sightseeing spots in Elmira, a historic city in western New York State. In addition to those mentioned above, the Elmira area also offers historic districts and battle sites from the American Revolutionary War. Even if you’re not a Mark Twain fan, Elmira is a quiet city where you can learn about American history. Though it's a bit removed from New York City, it's worth visiting if you're also touring places like Syracuse or Niagara Falls.

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Explore the historic town where Mark Twain rests: Top 6 tourist attractions in Elmira