The small village of Cooperstown, New York, located in the center of New York State, welcomes more than 500,000 visitors each year to enjoy its outdoor recreation. With three lakes, four state parks and four state forests, the beauty and bounty of Cooperstown is breathtaking. A town rich in history and culture, there are many landmarks not to be missed. Home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and a majestic opera house, Cooperstown, New York is anything but boring.
Batting Cages
There is much fun to be had for children and adults of all ages at Cooperstown Fun Park. Located just three miles from the Village of Cooperstown, Cooperstown Fun Park provides free grounds admission to its patrons. The park offers visitors an array of outdoor fun and games which include go karts, bumper boats, laser tag, miniature golf and batting cages. Each activity requires tokens or tickets to participate which can be purchased at the main entrance.
State Park
Situated just eight miles outside of the Village of Cooperstown is Glimmerglass State Park. The park, which overlooks Ostego Lake, is open year round from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Depending upon which season you visit Glimmerglass, there is hiking, fishing, swimming, ice skating, snow shoeing, cross country skiing and more all at your disposal. Glimmerglass State Park does not charge admission, but rather a vehicle entrance fee, which as of August 2010 was $7 per car. The park's campground are open during the summer season from May through October at an additional rate.
Ghostly Tour
Within the Village of Cooperstown, there is much lore told about its haunted past. The Science Fiction Channel has filmed a few episodes of "Ghostly Tour" within the town, and since 2004 Cooperstown Candlelight Ghost Tours has provided historic walking tours to cater to paranormal seeking visitors and residents alike. The tour company provides nightly tours from April through August and more limited tours during September and October. The tours begin within Cooperstown's Pioneer Park and give visitors a historic look at the town and its storied citizens.
Golfing
Golf enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities in and around Cooperstown, New York. More than 20 18-hole courses surround the Village of Cooperstown, many that are situated atop scenic backgrounds such as Ostego Lake. In nearby Springfield Center, the Ostego Golf Club is one of the oldest golf courses in the United States having been built before the turn of the 20th Century in 1894. The Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown has also received four and a half stars from "Golf Digest," and is a must see on any visit.
Boating
Situated adjacent to Ostego Lake, there is no shortage of water adventure to be had in Cooperstown. Sam Smith's Boating is just one of the local boating companies who provides visitors with boats to explore its waters. Whether traveling as a single kayaker or seeking a fishing boat, Sam Smith's has boats available to rent. After a long day of boating, visitors can stop by at neighboring Blue Mingo Grill, a lakeside casual eatery that has served up meals since 1994.
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