Category: Cooperstown Museums

5 Reasons to Visit the Fenimore Farm & Country Village Cooperstown

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

If you are planning a trip to Cooperstown and want more than just baseball, make sure to check this spot out! Home to the immersive Fenimore Farm & Country Village Cooperstown, this living history museum brings 19th-century rural life to life in the most engaging, hands-on way possible.

Here are five exciting reasons to visit.

1. Step Inside a Living 19th-Century Village

Fenimore Farm & Country Village is not just something you look at, it is something you experience. Wander through historic homes, a blacksmith shop, a general store, and trade buildings staffed by costumed interpreters who demonstrate traditional crafts and daily routines. You are not reading about history here. You are walking through it.

2. Meet Heritage Farm Animals Up Close

Animal lovers will be thrilled by the working farm atmosphere. The museum features heritage breed cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens that reflect authentic 19th-century agriculture. Watching farm demonstrations and seeing animals cared for the traditional way gives visitors a deeper appreciation for rural life in early America. It is especially memorable for families with kids.

3. Experience Hands-On Demonstrations

From blacksmithing and printing to cooking and weaving, live demonstrations happen throughout the village. Skilled interpreters explain how tools were used and why these trades were essential to community life. Seasonal events often add even more excitement, including harvest activities, craft fairs, and themed festivals that celebrate rural traditions.

4. Explore the Empire State Carousel

One of the most unique highlights at The Farmers’ Museum is the Empire State Carousel. This beautifully carved, one-of-a-kind carousel features hand-carved figures representing New York State history and culture. It is whimsical, artistic, and a must-see attraction that blends craftsmanship with storytelling.

5. Discover Rural Innovation and American Ingenuity

Beyond the village, exhibits showcase agricultural tools, historic machinery, and the evolution of farming technology. Visitors gain insight into how innovation shaped rural communities and supported America’s growth. The museum connects past and present, showing how farming traditions continue to influence modern life.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Cooperstown, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of delicious wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book now for your next getaway.

Take in the Culture with These Museums in Cooperstown

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

Cooperstown, New York—just the name conjures up images of baseball and small-town charm. But this scenic spot is so much more than its sports legacy. It’s a hub for art, history, and hands-on experiences that will leave you feeling inspired and connected to the past. These museums in Cooperstown will spark your curiosity and ignite your sense of wonder. Let’s explore!

1. National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

If you love baseball, this is the place where dreams come true. The National Baseball Hall of Fame celebrates the players, the teams, and the game itself. Walk through exhibits filled with rare memorabilia and stories that capture the heart of America’s pastime. And here’s something exciting—July 2025 will mark the opening of the Yakyu exhibit, a tribute to the deep connection between Japanese and American baseball cultures. This exhibit will tell the inspiring story of how the sport became a bridge between two nations.

2. Fenimore Art Museum

A stunning museum overlooking Otsego Lake, filled with treasures like American folk art, Native American artifacts, and photography from the 19th century. That’s the Fenimore Art Museum. Art lovers are in for a real treat this year—don’t miss the exhibit Mary Cassatt / Berthe Morisot: Allies in Impressionism (May 24 – September 1, 2025). This inspiring collection highlights the groundbreaking friendship of two women who shook up the male-dominated Impressionist movement. It’s as empowering as it is beautiful.

3. Fenimore Farm & Country Village

This local favorite has a fresh new name! Formerly The Farmers’ Museum, it’s now called Fenimore Farm & Country Village (as of November 1, 2024). Why the change? To better reflect the rich history of the property and its evolving focus. Here, you can step back in time to experience 19th-century farm life. Meet the animals, watch craftspeople at work, and learn all aspects of rural history.

4. The Hyde Hall

History meets elegance at Hyde Hall, a grand neoclassical mansion set in the rolling hills near Cooperstown. Tour its beautifully restored rooms and learn about life in the early 1800s. The views alone make it worth the visit!

5. Glimmerglass Festival and Beyond

To round out your cultural journey, treat yourself to the magic of the Glimmerglass Festival. This world-class opera and theater event brings a touch of Broadway to Cooperstown every summer.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Cooperstown, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of delicious wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book now for your next getaway.

This Year at Induction Day Weekend

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

Every year, Cooperstown comes alive during Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Day weekend, attracting baseball lovers from across the country. At the heart of this vibrant celebration stands our iconic inn that has welcomed countless baseball legends and their fans over the years. 

Book The Inn at Cooperstown for Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Day. 

Our quaint inn offers spotless, comfortable lodging just one and a half blocks from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, shopping, and fine dining. We’re centrally located to many attractions including Glimmerglass Opera, Fenimore Art Museum, The Farmers’ Museum, Brewery Ommegang, the Leatherstocking Golf Course, and Otsego Lake. 

 

Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Day 

Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Day is a momentous occasion that celebrates the greatest players, managers, umpires, and executives in the history of the sport. Observed annually, this day is a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. 

 

Induction Day Weekend 2023 Schedule of Events  

  • Friday, July 21: PLAY Ball with Ozzie Smith & special guests (Hall of Famers TBA) 8-11 a.m.  
  • Saturday, July 22: Hall of Fame Awards Presentation, Alice Busch Opera Theater (Private Event) 3 p.m.  
  • Saturday, July 22: Hall of Fame Parade of Legends, Main Street 6 p.m.  
  • Sunday, July 23: Induction Ceremony, Grounds of Clark Sports Center 1:30 p.m.  
  • Monday, July 24: Legends of the Game Roundtable: Doubleday Field 10:30 a.m. (Featuring Fred McGriff and Scott Rolen) 

 

About the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 

Induction ceremonies take place at the Clark Sports Center, where thousands of baseball fans gather to celebrate the Hall’s newest members. The atmosphere is electric as fans from all walks of life, representing different teams and eras, come together to honor the game they love. 

As the ceremony begins, inductees take their place on the stage, surrounded by their families, friends, and fellow Hall of Famers. One by one, each inductee is introduced, and his accomplishments are recounted. The ceremony is a celebration of each player’s contributions to the game, his impact on the sport’s history, and the legacy he leaves behind. Emotions run high as inductees deliver heartfelt speeches, expressing gratitude to their families, teammates, coaches, and fans who supported them throughout their careers. 

Often, players’ speeches are filled with anecdotes, memories, and reflections on the journey that led them to this moment. They share stories of triumphs and challenges, of the camaraderie and bonds forged on the field, and the impact that baseball has had on their lives.  

 

Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Day: A Weekend-long Celebration  

Beyond the induction ceremony, Induction Day is a weekend-long celebration of baseball. Visitors and attendees enjoy a number of festivities, including parades, autograph sessions, and special events. Fans have the opportunity to explore the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, immersing themselves in the rich history and heritage of the sport. 

  

Induction Day is a time for fans to come together, celebrate, and honor the legends who left an indelible mark on baseball. It is a reminder of the enduring legacy of baseball and the profound impact it has on the lives of millions of fans around the world. We hope you’ll join us.

The Best Weekend Trip to Cooperstown

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

Enjoy a special weekend trip to Cooperstown. Here, there’s so much to do. From spending time on Otsego Lake to exploring museums, biking and hiking trails, breweries, local festivals, and Glimmerglass State Park, in Cooperstown there’s always something fun going on. 

 

What to do on a Weekend Trip to Cooperstown 

 

Glimmerglass State Park 

Glimmerglass State Park offers so many opportunities for recreational fun, all year long. Overlooking Otsego Lake, enjoy a picnic on the beach, fish in the vast body of water, or hike along the trails. Visit historic Hyde Hall and learn about the construction, decline and resurrection of the majestic 50 room country house. In the mansion see “the finest two rooms built in a private home in America prior to 1840” and marvel at the many original furnishings. Guided tours available.  

 

Cooperstown Museums 

From establishments that house groundbreaking pieces of art to those that celebrate Cooperstown’s rural heritage, here you’ll find several museums to visit. As one of the country’s oldest outdoor living history museums, The Farmer’s Museum showcases rural life as it once was in 1845 in Otsego County. Fenimore Art Museum is home to beautiful art with a focus on American folk art and American Indian artwork. It’s also home to historic letters exchanged by Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. 

 

Glimmerglass Festival 

Celebrating the musical arts, the Glimmerglass Festival occurs every summer with musicals and opera performances. The festival is hosted at the beautiful Alice Busch Opera Theater near the northern part of Otsego Lake. Patrons have a thrilling experience at these unique concerts and enjoy the opportunity to meet fellow art enthusiasts as well. 

 

Brewery Ommegang 

Brewery Ommegang is an authentic Belgian-style farmstead brewery located on an old 140-acre hop farm. Visit Café Ommegang for unique beer and cider, plus delicious food from the Ommegang kitchen. You can also take a guided tour and tasting. Don’t forget to attend one of their concerts during your trip! 

 

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown 

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of town, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake. 

Outside, our front porch is the ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer and relax in our signature rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for some much need rest and more relaxation. Recharge for another day of exploring in Cooperstown, NY. 

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book your weekend trip to Cooperstown now.

Five Cooperstown Museums to Visit in 2022

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

Art is always within arm’s reach while exploring Cooperstown, New York. From historical architecture to dozens of beautiful art museums and exhibits, there’s so much to discover. While the art culture is incredibly strong, it is also evolving. The various Cooperstown museums provide an opportunity to appreciate art and history in a new way.

Fenimore Art Museum

Immerse yourself in the world of American folk and Indian art at Fenimore Art Museum. Not only can you take in the diverse beauty of that art, but photography and art from the 20th century are on display as well. Starting September 17, Elliot Erwitt’s photography will be a part of a new exhibition, showcasing snapshots from the 1950s.

The Smithy

If you’re looking to explore unique art in Cooperstown, take a visit to The Smithy. Explore three floors of paintings, photography, and other artwork by local and regional artists.

The Farmers’ Museum

The Farmer’s Museum provides an in-depth look at the rural culture founded in the Cooperstown area. The artifacts and history within the museum teach the importance of how rural heritage shapes the country and has been running as a working farm since 1813. The museum opened its doors in 1944 and displays over 23,000 artifacts.

Cooperstown Art Association

The Cooperstown Art Association is a haven for all unique crafted by local artists and craftsmen. Their exhibits are constantly rotating, providing you with a unique visit. They also host art sales on their lawn as well throughout the year. If you happen to be in town during Fine Arts on the Lawn, you’ll be able to take a gorgeous piece of art home!

Hyde Hall

Located right off the shore of Ostego Lake, Hyde Hall is a neo-classical mansion that allows you to travel to the past with its rich history. The mansion houses 50 rooms, all furnished with antique furniture and other adornments within the historical architecture.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of town, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book now and help us continue our mission to be green.

How to Experience the Arts in Cooperstown

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

Cooperstown is a diverse melting pot of many cultural events, attractions, and historical treasures, making it one of the best places to discover the arts. Whether you’re looking to see a show or a world-class art exhibition, here’s how you can experience the arts in Cooperstown!

Fenimore Art Museum

The Fenimore Art Museum rests on the shores of Otsego Lake in an elegant 1930’s neo-Georgian mansion. It showcases the heritage and history of America through its permanent and rotating art exhibits. The beautiful museum houses some of the most impressive collections of American landscapes, genre paintings, American folk art, photography, and American Indian art. Take in the views of Otsego Lake from their dining outdoor terrace!

The Smithy Gallery

Sitting inside the oldest building in Cooperstown, the Smithy Gallery houses three floors of exhibition space showcasing a variety of works by local and regional artists and craftsmen. The Smithy Clay Studio, located behind the original building, is a year-round workspace where they hold pottery classes and workshops for all skill levels.

Hyde Hall

While not an art museum or gallery, Hyde Hall is one of the most beautiful representations of neoclassic country mansions in America. Step inside the national historic landmark and explore the house with its nearly 50 rooms and stunning architectural details. Bring your picnic lunch to enjoy on the lawn as you take in the unspoiled view of Otsego Lake. The gorgeous scenery inspired George Clarke to choose this site Hyde Hall two hundred years ago! Open mid-May through October.

The Cooperstown Art Association

The Cooperstown Art Association was formed in 1928 by a group of six professional artists to serve and maintain interest in the arts within the community of Cooperstown. In addition to an extensive exhibit schedule, the Cooperstown Art Association offers interactive art classes and workshops along with an ongoing figure drawing class. They also host an array of special events including Spring Cleaning-Art Bazaar, Fine Arts on the Lawn, The Pumpkin Glow, and The Adorn-A-Door Wreath Festival.

Glimmerglass Festival

Representing more of the performing arts, the Glimmerglass Festival is one of the best ways to experience the artistic culture in Cooperstown. Featuring four new fully staged productions, including three operas and one work of American musical theater, all are performed with a full orchestra and a large cast. In addition, other special performances such as concerts, lectures, and symposiums are held throughout the season as well.

The Art Garage

The Art Garage is a pop-up gallery space that offers free art displays to area visitors and residents for the past five years. Located inside a three-bay garage, each gallery is the size of a one-bay stall, filled with rotating shows of contemporary art during the summer months. It’s a great way to discover the latest local artists in Cooperstown!

Stay at Inn at Cooperstown

Cap off your dive into the arts with a stay at The Inn at Cooperstown. Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of town, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown, Hyde Hall, Fenimore Art Museum, and Otsego Lake, making it easy to experience the arts in Cooperstown.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown!

Top Historic Sites in Cooperstown

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

Cooperstown, NY offers a rich history from the beginning of baseball to its rural traditions and beautifully restored historic buildings. In 1980, Cooperstown was placed on the list of National Register of Historic Places. The Cooperstown Historic District includes numerous buildings, properties, and structures that contribute to the town’s recognized history. During your visit, uncover the past by visiting these top historic sites in Cooperstown.

The Farmer’s Museum

As one of the country’s oldest outdoor living history museums, The Farmer’s Museum showcases rural life as it once was in 1845 in Otsego County. The museum features a working farmstead, recreated historic village, and a Colonial Revival stone barn that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hyde Hall

One of the more popular National Historic landmarks in Cooperstown is Hyde Hall. The mansion is considered one of the finest examples of neoclassical country mansion found anywhere in the U.S. Take a tour of the home’s nearly 50 rooms and admire its stunning architecture and enjoy a picnic on the lawn overlooking Otsego Lake for a perfect afternoon in Cooperstown.

Hyde Hall covered bridge in Glimmerglass State Park

The Hyde Hall covered bridge is the only covered bridge still standing in Otsego County and is the oldest existing covered bridge in the state and the country. With its distinct Burr arch truss and horizontal siding, it is a beautiful structure and one of our favorite historic sites in Cooperstown.

Fenimore Art Museum

As the former farmhouse of the famous American writer, James Fenimore Cooper, who made Cooperstown famous, the Fenimore Art Museum is a neo-Georgian mansion that houses notable collections of fine and folk art pieces and photography that focus on the history of America.

Visit here to learn more about the history of Cooperstown.

Doubleday Field

Known as the “birthplace of baseball,” Doubleday Field is a legend in the world of baseball and is one of the top historic sites in Cooperstown. See where baseball legends have played and where new legends are crowned the best in the game at the annual Hall of Fame Awards.

Council Rock Park

Marked with important historical markers, Council Rock Park once served as a meeting place for the Indians and members of the Clinton/Sullivan Expedition. Located at the mouth of the Susquehanna River, the park provides beautiful views of the lake and surrounding area.

Historic buildings in downtown Cooperstown

Take a stroll through the streets of downtown Cooperstown to see beautifully restored historic buildings including the Cooperstown Post Office and courthouse. Plus a few others listed below that are all within easy walking distance from The Inn at Cooperstown:

  • The Smithy is the oldest building in town and is now an art gallery and studio.
  • Pomeroy House is the first stone house built in Cooperstown. It is a private residence but beautiful stonework to take in from the outside.
  • Otsego County Bank was built as a bank and then used as the quarters for the YMCA. It is now used as office space for the Clark Estate.
  • Woodside Hall and Gate Tower was a private residence and are now a senior living facility.
  • Byberry Cottage was built around 1855 for the two daughters of novelist James Fenimore Cooper. It is now a private residence.

The historic Inn at Cooperstown

image of Inn at cooperstown

Continue your historic tour through Cooperstown with a stay at The Inn at Cooperstown. Our Cooperstown hotel is designated as a historic landmark, offering a beautiful example of Second Empire architecture. Notable details and distinct character give our inn a unique charm you will not find anywhere else in Cooperstown. We offer spacious accommodations that come with an exceptional level of comfortability and elegance. Discover the unique history of our historic village and book your stay at The Inn at Cooperstown!

Things to do in Cooperstown: More than Just Baseball

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

As spring season rolls in, so does the start of baseball season. Thoughts of sold-out crowds, home-run cheers, and ball-park hotdogs start to fill the minds of baseball-enthusiast. And for those looking to immerse themselves in the history and culture of baseball, most turn to Cooperstown, NY.

As one of the most popular things to do in Cooperstown, the baseball hall of fame is high on most any visitor’s list. But there is more to do in Cooperstown than just the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Discover these things to do in Cooperstown and uncover more than just baseball in this quaint New York town.

Cooperstown wineries, distilleries, and breweries

The town of Cooperstown has no shortage of places to get a good beer or a refreshing glass of wine. Visit local favorites such as Brewery Ommegang, Fly Creek Cider Mill, Cooperstown Distillery, and Pail Shop Winery.  Or visit them all and more along the Cooperstown Beverage Trail.

Fenimore Art Museum

Experience beauty, inside and out, at the Fenimore Art Museum. The 1930s neo-Georgian mansion is surrounded by beautiful garden grounds, while inside visitors can also view one of the nation’s finest examples of the American landscape, American folk art, and American Indian art.

The Farmer’s Museum

Experience the 19th century at one of the oldest rural life museums in the country with a visit to The Farmer’s Museum. See what rural and village life was like first-hand through demonstrations and interpretive exhibits. The museum site includes a working farmstead, a re-created historic village, the Empire State Carousel, and so much more.

Hyde Hall

A national historic landmark, Hyde Hall is a fine example of neoclassic country mansions. Visitors can explore the mansion’s nearly 50 rooms, filled with ornate furnishings and stunning architectural details, during one of the mansion’s guided tours.

Glimmerglass Festival Opera House

The Glimmerglass Festival is one of the more popular things to do in Cooperstown and attracts visitors from all over the world, each year. Combining world-class opera and musical theater, four large-scale productions are put on every year along with various special performances, lectures, and symposiums to supplement the performances.

Discover more things to do in Cooperstown by visiting our activities page and start planning your vacation today!

Cooperstown hotels

Enjoy the best of Cooperstown with a stay at The Inn at Cooperstown. Our award-winning historic bed and breakfast is ideally located near these local attractions, including the Baseball Hall of Fame, and more – making us your best choice when exploring all the things to do in Cooperstown. So, browse our rooms and discover how we can help make your stay unforgettable.