Explore the Mohawk Valley and the Adirondack Park, all in Herkimer County!
Whether you are planning a vacation, a business trip, a second home, relocating here, or just stopping by, Herkimer County offers activities and destinations for everyone. From mountains to valleys; canals to lakes; and from shopping to the great outdoors, Herkimer County is abundant in natural beauty, as well as recreational and leisure activities!
VISIT
Arts, Culture & Festivals
Rich in culture and the arts, Herkimer County is a creative center for museums, galleries, festivals, and celebration of community life.
EXPERIENCE
Attractions & Family Fun
Discover all the Mohawk Valley and Adirondacks have to offer. From water parks to cruises, and a trip to the zoo, family fun starts here.
GET MOVING
Golf & Recreation
Home to some of most beautiful courses in the region, these destinations have much to offer for an afternoon outdoors, or a weekend experience.
Southern Herkimer County, in the Mohawk Valley, is the home of some of the area’s most prized attractions as well as rich historical heritage. Visitors will find pleasure boating along the Erie Canal, historic sites, cultural festivities and fairs, unique shopping opportunities, a wide variety of restaurants, hiking, biking, and rock climbing. If that’s not enough, there’s prospecting for the world-famous Herkimer Diamonds – the quartz crystals unique to this area.
The central region of the Adirondack Park dominates the northern part of the county. Here the mountains, forests, and waterways offer hiking, boating, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, skiing, snowmobiling and more for anyone seeking some quality time out in the sunshine and fresh air.
Visitors less inclined to the outdoors will find that the village of Old Forge features New York’s largest water theme park, a newly expanded art center, scenic train rides, restaurants, special events, and a wide variety of shopping.
North or south, Herkimer County is the “PLACE TO BE” any time of the year! Just remember that whatever your interests are and whenever you decide to visit, plan enough time to do it all in Herkimer County.
Arts, Culture, & Festivals
Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, Inc. (MVCA) is a non-profit organization, located in Little Falls, NY, that promotes and facilitates the arts for residents and tourists of Mohawk Valley. The organization is well known for its diverse art programs such as 6-week art classes and workshops that include music, Tai Chi, cell phone photography, Zentangle, and more.
Learn more at https://mohawkvalleyarts.org
Russian History Museum A museum, library, and archival collections of materials related to Russia and the Russian diaspora. The museum offers guided tours, a library, an online lecture series, and special exhibitions.
Find out more at http://www.russianhistorymuseum.org
Garlic and Herb Festival Each year in September, The Garlic & Herb Festival is held in the arts district of Little Falls and hosts more than 90 vendors. You don’t want to miss this community celebration for local farmers and gardeners; and the opportunity to enjoy live music and the work of local artisans.
Cheese Festival Did you know that a wide range of high quality artisanal and farmstead cheeses are produced right here in the Mohawk Valley? Come to Little Falls October 1, 2022 for the Cheese Festival, New York’s premiere gathering of cheesemakers. This year’s event will host a food truck court, farmer’s market, live music, vendors and more.
More information at https://littlefallscheesefestival.com
Canal Days Celebration A celebration recognizing the community, heritage, and spirit that makes Little Falls a unique place in Mohawk Valley. Community programs are held throughout the second week in August showcasing all Little Falls has to offer to thousands of visitors from all over the country. Some of the activities you’ll find at Canal Days are art exhibits, baseball games, food, live music, fireworks, a fishing derby, book sale, tours of historical sites, Freedom Run (10K and 2 Mile), walking tour, golf tournament, tractor pulls, car show, and more.
Find out this year’s details at http://www.littlefallsny.com/canaldays/schedule.html
Attractions & Family Fun
Water Safari Enchanted Forest Water Safari is New York’s largest water theme park with over 50 rides and attractions. This is truly an Adirondack family fun destination. There are 33 heated outdoor water rides, private cabanas, classic amusement rides, a circus show, food, arcade and so much more.
Make memories and plan your getaway at https://watersafari.com
Herkimer Diamond Mines Mining, Camping, Dining, and Shopping! The Herkimer Diamond Mines is the perfect getaway for a true mining experience. Stay overnight across the street at the award winning KOA resort for deluxe cabins, fishing, swimming, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, and fun activities throughout the summer season.
Erie Canal Cruises Come aboard the ‘Lil Diamond’ for an unforgettable experience through Lock 18 on the historic Erie Canal. This sight seeing cruise departs daily during the summer season, and is a fun and fascinating trip for visitors of all ages where you will learn about the history of the canal system.
Visit https://eriecanalcruises.com for more information.
Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs All the fun of major league baseball right here in the Mohawk Valley. Watch the games at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Little Falls for great time of exciting action, family fun, and more. You’ll create lasting memories with your loved ones and enjoy the true baseball experience with leading athletes right here in your backyard.
Utica Zoo Home to more than 200 domestic and exotic animals from around the world, the Utica Zoo opens its doors to the public for a unique experience of wildlife. Enjoyed by visitors of all ages, the zoo offers a large area for viewing of the animals in picturesque settings, a playground, restaurant, interactive stations for children, and more. Open year round.
Visit https://www.uticazoo.org/ for more information
Herkimer County Fair Each summer in August, the Herkimer County Fair welcomes the community for a great time of summer fun. Live music, rides, pageants, interactive shows, demolition derby, talent showcase, tractor & truck pull, horse show and so much more can be found here as the community comes out for a great time of family fun spanning Wednesday through Sunday.
See all the fair has to offer and this year’s dates at https://herkimercountyfair.org
Ace of Diamonds Mine Family owned and operated for over 50 years, the Ace of Diamonds Mine is a great way to spend your afternoon from spring to fall. Climb over rocks and use your hammer and chisel to mine for Herkimer Diamonds. Browse the gift shop for souvenirs and other oddities. Make it a weekend with onsite camping.
Visit https://herkimerdiamonds.com for more information.
Adirondack Bank Center Come see a hockey game with the Utica Comets at Adirondack Bank Center. The Utica Comets are members of the North Division in the Eastern Conference of the American Hockey League and affiliated with the National Hockey League's New Jersey Devils. The Adirondack Bank Center also hosts other shows and events year-round, from A-list concerts to the Harlem Globe Trotters to the WWE.
Take a look at the events schedule at https://adkbankcenter.com
Central New York Cheese Trail Did you know that during the second half of the 19th century, Little Falls was known as the "Cheese Capital of the World?"
The tradition of cheesemaking in the region is as vibrant today as it ever was with the Central New York Cheese Trail, a culinary experience in visiting 12 amazing Central New York Cheesemakers.
Find out more at http://cnycheesetrail.com
Rock Valley Brewing Co Located on Mill Street in Canal Place in Little Falls, Rock Valley Brewing Co is a family and pet-friendly craft farm brewery. They offer a variety of house brewed ROCK VALLEY beer, spirits, wine, and hard cider. Patrons can also have food delivered from local eateries right to the brewery.
Stop in on Friday nights for trivia and karaoke. Every Saturday night enjoy live music! The brewery also hosts many events throughout the year, including paint & sips, a brews & booze bus trip, comedy shows, a chili cook-off, and more. Open year round, Rock Valley Brewing Co is a great destination!
Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057875640551
Golf & Recreation
Hopson Hills Golf Course A striking course using golden age design in the heart of Dolgeville. Hopson Hills Golf Course is known for its wide open spaces, rolling fairways and generous greens for people of all skill levels to enjoy the challenge of the game of golf, while surrounded by the open sky and beautiful scenery of the Adirondacks.
MV Golf & Event Center At this scenic location in Little Falls, NY, you can enjoy a pristine 18-hole golf course, delicious food and drinks at the Tin Cup Tavern & Grille, and beautiful events for any occasion!