Visit Ithaca
Once described as having the advantages of a city and a desirable place for business or pleasure, Ithaca still reflects this sentiment in its small but vibrant community. The Ithaca story can be told through fossils, museum exhibits and magnificent outdoor spaces.
Points of Interest
Begin your exploration of local history! Learn how our community grew from early Native American settlements, through the establishment of Cornell University and Ithaca College, to the building of the downtown Commons, and more. The History Center offers unique exhibitions, experiences, and educational programs throughout the year.
The Museum of the Earth provides a unique opportunity to explore Earth and its prehistoric past—from the tiniest trilobites to the mighty mastodon—through engaging and interactive displays, hands-on features, stunning fossils, and science-inspired art. The museum’s 2.4 square km permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey through 4.5 billion years of history, from Earth’s origin to the present day.
Formerly the site of the Wharton Brothers silent movie studios, Stewart Park celebrated its 100th birthday as a public park in 2021. Nestled on the south end of Cayuga Lake, the park has expansive flat ground, grand willow trees, an accessible playground, a spray pool, picnic area, tennis courts, municipal golf course, and the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary. Paved paths along the park are great for foot or bike, while the waterways provide access for paddlecraft. Picnic pavilion rental and public grills are also available.