History of Cooperstown

To the west of Albany, in central New York State, is Cooperstown, made famous by James Fenimore Cooper, author of the Leatherstocking tales. Its other tourist feature, for devotees of the American national game, is the Baseball Hall of Fame, for this is where the national sport was invented.

Tourist Attractions in Cooperstown

Farmers' Museum
The land surrounding the Farmers' Museum has been part of a working farm since 1813. The barn, creamery, and herdsman's cottage are still standing today and are part of the museum complex. The museum has over 23,000 farming artifacts on display.

Fenimore Art Museum
The Fenimore Art Museum features collections of American art including native, folk and fine art in changing exhibits. It is housed in a neo-Georgian structure overlooking Otsego Lake. James Fenimore Cooper memorabilia and historic photos are also on display.

Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum
The Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum features replicas of 30 famous baseball players and a collection of rare memorabilia. Visitors will also enjoy the full-length bloopers movie and the virtual reality batting cage game.

Hyde Hall National Historic Landmark
Hyde Hall was started by George Clarke in 1817, it has over 50 rooms. This house museum and regional cultural center is undergoing ongoing restoration. The visitor center is located in the estate's carriage barn.

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
The centerpiece of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown is the historic Hall of Fame Gallery, where the plaques of every Hall of Fame member line the oak walls. The Records Room on the third floor features leader boards for hits, home runs, victories, and other statistical categories. Artifacts and baseball exhibits include areas such as the World Series, Women in Baseball, Babe Ruth and the African-American Experience. The Sandlot Kids' Clubhouse is a hands-on area for children 11 and under.

Chief Uncas Boat Tours
Tours depart from the southern tip of Lake Otsego aboard a 60 foot 1912 boat for a narrated 1 hour tour.