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
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!