Are Museums Your Vacation Jam? Let’s Check Some Out!

Do You Love Museum but Don’t Want to Head to the Smithsonian? Check Out These Surprising 30 Museums in Upstate New York!

I know that upstate New York is not the first place that comes to mind when you’re planning on hitting some museums but there is an abundance of hidden gems up here waiting for you. Now, obviously, there are some great museums in New York City. However, if you’re looking for a getaway along with some sprinkle of culture and history, then you’re up for some wonderful surprises in the country, cultural spaces, history, and meaningful heritage sites that Upstate New York has to offer.

Some of the museums on our list are tucked up and away in the mountains while others are in busy cities like Buffalo and Syracuse. If you’re looking for a mountain getaway with things to do then head to one of the more secluded towns. On the other hand, if you’re looking for good dinners and a night out then head for one of the Upstate New York cities.

So, whether you’re heading into the Adirondacks for a mountain vacation, to the Finger Lakes for a waterside getaway, or to a busy destination like Buffalo there’s an abundance of museums for you to enjoy!

Before we get into the museums do you need help finding your ideal vacation spot?

Check out the best New York Vacation Rentals we have to offer to find your perfect vacation location. Whether you have a big party and need a lot of space, or it’s just you and you want a quiet getaway, we have the best rentals for you!

With that said, let’s talk about our list of THE BEST museums to visit in Upstate New York.

The Adirondacks

1. The Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center

Learn about the true, deep history of New York State at The Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center whose main mission is to educate the general public about both the Haudenosaunee culture and Native American history.

Now, let’s briefly discuss the basics–Haudenosaunee means the people of the longhouse and it is comprised of six nations that have lived in the Adirondack mountains for thousands of years.

Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center presents information about Native cultures as well as provides a safe space where traditional values, philosophies, and sensitivities can be reaffirmed. Moreover, they pride themselves on maintaining oral traditions and making sure those traditions are passed on to young Native Peoples.

If you’re planning to visit, the center is open to the public from July to August and by appointment in September. You can explore over 3,000 artifacts, and storytelling, and browse the amazing gift shop made up of handmade crafts and gifts!

Furthermore, if the Adirondacks is your ideal vacation spot then make sure to check out this gem of a cultural center! If you’re there at the right time of year that is… check out this beautiful hike in the Adirondacks while you’re at it!

2. The John Brown Farm State Historic Site

Sticking to the Adirondack region? If you plan on spending some time in Lake Placid then make sure to head to The John Brown Farm State Historic Site.

Of course, the most popular town in the Adirondacks has a great museum in upstate New York! John Brown was an abolitionist. This historic site offers tours for fans of an in-depth history and exciting re-enactments of historical events.

In 1859, Brown and his followers assaulted a U.S. Arsenal to use the stolen arms to campaign for liberation for the enslaved people in the South. Brown was captured two days later and imprisoned in Virginia. He was hanged less than two months later before his body was sent back to his farm in New York to be buried.

Admission is free at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site. Moreover, there are several hiking trails, picnic areas, and even snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails! No matter what time of year you visit this beautiful land you’ll have plenty of stuff to do.

3. Fort Ticonderoga

Image via facebook.com/FortTiconderoga

Originally dubbed For Carillon, Fort Ticonderoga is a historic fort that was constructed by the French on Lake Champlain. It was built in the 1800s in the beautiful Adirondacks.

You can book a boat tour, catch lively re-enactments, and participate in hands-on activities. Furthermore, they also offer various events and special programs. They’re open from May to October and they have a fantastic Corn Maze which is the best place to enjoy all of the surrounding foliage.

4. Adirondack Experience

Image via facebook.com/theADKX

The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake–also called the Adirondack Experience–is all about exploring and preserving the natural beauty of the Adirondacks.

Located right in the heart of the region, the museum is spread across more than 20 buildings on 120 acres. This beautiful space has an excessive amount of activities which makes it one of the best museums in Upstate New York. Here, you can enjoy the many rich exhibits, guided boat tours, the ADK fire tower, and hiking, and you might even be able to break up a log jam!

Up for a little picnic? You can bring your food and arrange a spread with the fam! Just take note that the food must be left outside when you’re exploring the indoor exhibits. Come enjoy all that the Adirondack Experience has to offer!

5. Akwesasne Cultural Center

Don’t forget to check out the Akwesasne Cultural Center which houses a library and museum about the Mohawk Nation community of Akwesasne.

This beautiful center in Hogansburg, NY has been open since 1971 and was the first Native American Library east of the Mississippi River. They have 2,000 photographs, 700 ethnographic objects, and over 300 beautiful handmade baskets. Black ash splint and sweetgrass basketry are a large part of the Akwesasne Mohawk identity.

Moreover, the library has over 28,000 books and many are available online as part of the “Clinton, Essex, Franklin County Library System”.

This Native Collection is one of the largest in Northern New York with over 2,400 volumes.

6. Saranac Laboratory Museum

The Saranac Laboratory Museum in Saranac Lake is the perfect place for history buffs. The building was built in 1894 as a research hub for the tuberculosis epidemic. Historic discoveries were made in this very building.

Permanent exhibits include the history of the scientific research and patient care performed on-site in the main laboratory. Furthermore, they have rotating exhibits showcasing local history topics.

The Finger Lakes

7. Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

Speaking of fighting for the rights of enslaved peoples don’t forget to check out The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. From freeing enslaved people, including herself, along the Underground Railroad to abolitionist and social activist work Harriet Tubman made extraordinary contributions to American life during her lifetime.

If you’re heading to the Finger Lakes region for your vacation then make sure to stop by the quaint town of Auburn. The park features three historic sites: The Harriet Tubman Residence, The Harriet Tubman Home, and the Thompson A.M.E. Zion Church.

They offer outdoor tours on Tuesdays and Saturdays, good weather permitting. They’re first come first serve but it doesn’t hurt to book your spot ahead of time!

8. Corning Museum of Glass

Image via home.cmog.org

Have you ever watched a glass blowing? It’s truly memorizing and so cool! If you head to the Corning Museum of Glass you can witness the production site for Thomas Edison’s first hand-blown glass light bulbs.

There are stunning exhibitions, glassmaking demonstrations, and hands-on activities! You can even make your glass! Book your spot ahead of time. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to explore and enjoy this beautiful museum in one of the most adorable towns in Upstate New York.

9. The Rockwell Museum

Heading back up to the Finger Lakes region make sure you head to The Rockwell Museum! It’s a Smithsonian Affiliate museum made up of American art.

The museum is located in Corning Old City Hall and is a fantastic spot for locals and visitors of all ages. It’s a community more than a museum.

The galleries are filled with exhibitions that cover the experiences, ideas, and natural beauty of America. You can even get a combo ticket for the Corning Museum of Glass!

Hudson River Valley

10. Storm King Art Center

Image via facebook.com/StormKingArtCenter

Orange County New York is home to, the stunning, Storm King Mountain aptly named Storm King Art Center. It’s the perfect place for outdoor art lovers.

Storm King Art Center has the largest collection of outdoor sculptures in the country. They are spread out over 500 acres of Hudson Valley. The local landscapes stunning mountains, meadows, and forests heavily influenced the founders of the art center.

Make sure to check out their website for admissions information as timed entry tickets are required.

11. Dia: Beacon

The Hudson River is a beautiful area–including its art exhibitions! Dia: Beacon offers beautiful views indoors and out of doors. The Dia Art Foundation’s collection has been called Dia: Beacon Home since the 1960s.

It’s one of 11 Dia Museums that reside across the state. There are public tours every Saturday and Sunday. The museum is open from Friday to Monday and it’s only a short drive away from several other art galleries in the area!

12. Museum of Firefighting

Upstate New York offers the world’s largest firefighting museum, paying tribute to the firefighting heroes in the area. The Museum of Firefighting showcases the critical history of firefighting in America.

Here, they display how techniques, vehicles, and equipment have evolved, including 18th-century horse-drawn firefighter carriages, a 1970s diesel power truck equipped with 1,000-gallon tanks, and hands-on exhibits for all ages.

Moreover, keep an eye out for Molly, the Museum dog, as she roams around the museum to ensure everything is in order!

Rochester, NY

13. Rochester Museum & Science Center

Want to hit one of the most popular museums in Upstate New York? Head to the Rochester Museum & Science Center. This beautiful space is passionate about sharing its passion for science and technology.

Make sure to check out the Museum & Science Center, the Strasenburgh Planetarium, and the Cumming Nature Center. The Planetarium is just next door and the Nature Center offers 900 acres of a stunning nature preserve.

14. National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

Image via susanb.org

This Rochester historic building was home to none other than Susan B. Anthony for 40 years. The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House celebrates Susan’s legacy for equal rights for women.

This house was her home until her death and was the former headquarters for the National American Woman Suffrage Association back when she was president. Make sure to reserve your spot for the tour!

15. ARTISANworks

Tucked away in Rochester, NY is ARTISANworks. This unique space is located within a 40,000-square-foot renovated factory and it features over 500,000 pieces of art.

There’s also a large number of automobiles, antiques, and a showcase for local artists. This fantastic space is open 7-days a week, and they can be booked for private and special events as well as free tours on Saturdays and Sundays.

You can also purchase art during your visit! They sell pieces, lease them, and even have a lease-to-own program if you don’t have art money right there in your pocket.

16. George Eastman Museum

Image via eastman.org

This historic mansion is filled with original furnishings and artifacts, has exceptionally renovated gardens that have been restored to their former glory, and has one of the world’s oldest film archives and a photography museum.

The George Eastman Museum, or George Eastman House, has two gardens open to visitors for free, but four altogether. If you aren’t a member it’s best to purchase tickets in advance to enjoy all of the histories the museum has to offer.

17. The Strong National Museum of Play

Most museums are great for the whole family, but if you have young ones then make sure to head to The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.

This highly interactive museum makes exploring the history of science and plays fun! You can step right into permanent exhibits like the iconic Sesame Street, the National Toy Hall of Fame, and the World Video Game Hall of Fame.

Another museum favorite is the Skyline Climb where you can scale above the museum on beams, balance bars, and rope courses!

Buffalo, NY

18. Buffalo Albright-Knox Art Gallery

Image via artforum.com

The Albright-Knox Art Gallery (AKG) in Buffalo, New York is a fantastic art museum that houses some pieces by Van Gogh and Claude Monet.

If classics like that aren’t your speed then check out some more 20th-century pieces from Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keefe, and Picasso.  It truly is a hidden gem here in Buffalo. Plus, once you’ve worn yourself out looking at world-renowned art you can stop by their great museum restaurant.

19. Buffalo Museum of Science

If Buffalo didn’t have enough to offer you besides the falls, the race between Tesla and Edison to win the bid to build the Niagra Falls power plant (Tesla won), and the previously mentioned Albright-Knox Art Gallery make sure to check out the Buffalo Museum of Science!

This museum is tucked away in downtown Buffalo and is the perfect place for locals and tourists alike. There is an abundance of special exhibits including Biodiversity, Bug Works, Buffalo in Space, Rethink Extinct, the Planetarium, and more to enjoy!

20. The Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum

Image via buffaloah.com

If you thought Buffalo had run out of great museums think again! The Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum is a great place for car lovers!

Learn about the history of the automotive industry and peruse a fantastic collection of vintage and antique cars. The facility itself is bright, open, and fully accessible. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon and is right near Niagara Falls and the historic City Hall.

Syracuse, NY

21. Erie Canal Museum

The Erie Canal Museum was founded in 1962 in the only remaining weighlock building in the country!

Weighlock buildings served the same function as weigh stations on the side of the highway but for boats. The Syracuse Weighlock Building, a historic structure dating back to 1850, offers a glimpse into the past!

This museum welcomes visitors daily, with just a suggested $10 donation for admission. Inside, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of Canal materials, artifacts, and exhibits that vividly showcase how the Erie Canal played a pivotal role in the growth of Upstate New York.

Don’t miss the chance to visit both the Link Gallery and the Weighlock Gallery during your visit.

22. Everson Museum of Art

Image via everson.org

The Everson Museum of Art is filled with a variety of famous American artwork. It’s a great place to explore a wide range of artistic expressions, from paintings and drawings to sculptures. In addition to these offerings, you can also immerse yourself in their permanent collections of video art and ceramics.

This museum stands out as one of the pioneers in dedicating its space to American art and features a newly commissioned architectural lighting design by Derek Porter. Nestled in an I.M. Pei-designed building in downtown Syracuse, you’ll find yourself in the heart of one of the most popular cities in Upstate New York. If you’re looking to extend your visit, consider indulging in a delightful lunch or exploring the various attractions that Syracuse has to offer. So, don’t hesitate to turn it into a full day of exploration!

Ithaca, NY

23. Museum of Earth

Ithaca, New York is the home to the Museum of Earth which will transport you right back into the Ice Age. This museum of natural history is part of the Paleontological Research Institution which exhibits some of Earth’s most amazing creatures and creations.

You can see the 44-foot right whale skeleton and the Hyde Park Mastodon–which is one of the most complete skeletons of its time!

You can also enjoy gorge walks, fossil collecting tours, and Art Mondays.

Albany, NY

24. National Baseball Hall of Fame

Cooperstown, NY is a hidden gem, and one of the hidden gems is the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Yes, The National Baseball Hall of Fame.

This unique museum in New York State is a baseball lover’s dream. You can peruse artifacts, plaques of the greats, memorabilia and so much more. There are 3 floors and even a 20-minute movie theatre. It’s a great spot for patrons of all ages!

Make sure to enjoy everything that Cooperstown, NY has to offer – which is plenty for a small town!

25. American Italian Museum & Cultural Center

Image via americanitalianmuseum.org

The former church that holds the American Italian Museum & Cultural Center showcases a stunning celebration of the Italian-American immigrant experience.

This stunning museum in Albany, NY, preserves and records the contributions of the Italian Immigrant story. Their rich culture and heritage have helped shape New York City and the Upstate New York region into what it is today.

The center is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday when the weather is good. Make sure to call ahead before you visit!

26. The Iroquois Museum

Embrace the rich cultural heritage of Upstate New York at the Iroquois Museum. This educational institution is committed to promoting Iroquois artists and culture. Located on Mohawk land, they proudly utilize art as a means to foster learning, understanding, and respect for the unique history and traditions of the Iroquois people.

Furthermore, the building itself is inspired by the longhouse design, which is the namesake of the Haudenosaunee people. As one of the best museums and experiences in Upstate New York, it invites visitors to immerse themselves in this remarkable culture.

27. Old Stone Fort Museum

This historically rich museum in Schoharie Valley near Albany, NY, resides within a 1772 Dutch Reformed Church. The Church fortified itself during the Revolutionary War and faced an attack by British forces in 1780.

You can enjoy an array of exhibits at the Old Stone Fort Museum ranging from the world’s earliest fossil trees, a fire engine built before the birth of George Washington, and Schoharie’s first car which was a 1903 Rambler!

You can also explore the other buildings on the lot which include an early 1700’s home, a 1780’s Dutch barn, an 1830’s law office, and an 1890’s one-room schoolhouse.

28. Knickerbocker Historical Society

Image via knickmansion.com

The 18th Century Knickerbocker Mansion 35 minutes north of Albany, NY is a great place to learn about the historical, cultural, and literary impact of the Knickerbocker family.

The mansion was built in 1780 by Johannes Knickerbacker III and is operated by the Knickerbocker Historical Society. This family was full of notable members who were pioneers, military officers, politicians, public servants, and authors.

The mansion has seasonal tours, educational programs, and other special events throughout the year.

29. USS Slater DE766

If you’re sick of being a landlubber head to the USS Slater, a floating museum in Albany! During WWII, shipbuilders constructed 563 destroyer escorts, but the USS Slater is the sole survivor remaining in the US.

After you’re on board you can explore the ship deck-by-deck, and tour the objects used by the men who live and fought on board the ship.

30. Irish American Heritage Museum

Right in downtown Albany is the Irish American Heritage Museum, where you can discover the significant contributions of the Irish people and their rich culture in America.

Also, you can enjoy a wide range of experiences, including exhibits, lectures, special events, book signings, film screenings, and more. Be sure to explore the Irish Immigration in America exhibit and the Irish-American Catholics exhibit.

The best part is that this lovely museum is open year-round!

Discover the Best Museums to Visit in Upstate New York

Upstate New York is home to some of the most spectacular museums in the United States, offering a diverse range of experiences for art lovers, history buffs, and casual visitors alike. From world-class sculpture parks to museums dedicated to specific cultural movements, the region is brimming with destinations that highlight both local and international contributions to the arts. Below are some of the best Upstate New York museums that you should add to your itinerary.

1. Storm King Art Center: A World-Class Sculpture Park

One of the best museums in Upstate New York is the Storm King Art Center, a massive 120-acre outdoor museum featuring large-scale sculptures spread across stunning natural landscapes. This world-class museum is home to works by renowned artists like Pablo Picasso and others, providing an immersive experience where art meets nature. As you walk through the sculpture park, you’ll encounter unique installations, each blending seamlessly with the rolling hills and meadows that surround them.

2. The National Comedy Center: A Unique Museum Dedicated to Laughter

Located in Jamestown, the National Comedy Center is another must-visit museum in Upstate NY. Dedicated to celebrating America’s rich comedy history, this museum offers interactive exhibits that explore the careers of iconic comedians. Visitors can tour three floors of exhibits covering everything from the birth of modern comedy to the art of improvisation. The museum also includes a special section dedicated to folk humor and printing, a nod to Jamestown’s history as a box-printing factory town.

Exploring Must-See Upstate NY Museums for Art and History Enthusiasts

Upstate New York is a hub for art and culture, with museums that explore both local and global history. Whether you’re interested in learning more about 19th-century American painters or exploring the national historical movements that shaped the country, there is something for everyone.

1. Fenimore Art Museum: Celebrating American Folk Art

The Fenimore Art Museum, nestled in Cooperstown, is a treasure trove of America’s folk art, with an emphasis on pieces from the 19th century. The museum boasts a comprehensive collection of works from key figures in American art, including Georgia O’Keeffe and other prominent artists. Alongside these masterpieces, the museum offers exhibits dedicated to Native American history and New York’s regional art.

2. The New York State Museum: A Journey Through New York’s History

Located in Albany, the New York State Museum offers visitors a comprehensive view of the state’s history. From the Ice Age to the modern day, the museum’s exhibits span across centuries and offer a deep dive into New York’s past. A notable feature of the museum is the Path Through History exhibit, which highlights significant events and figures that have shaped the region. With three floors of interactive displays, you’ll find yourself captivated by everything from America’s geological history to its cultural development.

3. Albright-Knox Art Gallery: Contemporary and Modern Art at Its Best

For those interested in modern art, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo is a must-visit. This gallery is home to a vast collection of contemporary works, including pieces by Pablo Picasso and other pioneers of the 20th-century art movement. The gallery’s exhibitions focus on the evolution of modern art, offering visitors an opportunity to see how America’s and the world’s movements influenced the creative landscape.

Time to Pick Your Destination

Having explored our surprisingly extensive list of museums in Upstate New York, it’s now time to consider the kind of vacation and museum experience you desire. So, make your choice and get a move on – your vacation awaits!

No Booking Fees!
No Commissions!
Direct Communication with the Owner
Start Saving Today!

Browse and book on New York Rental By Owner!