Cooperstown is the mecca of baseball history. The small town, set among the rolling farmland of central New York, might seem an unusual vacation destination for many. For me, it was on my bucket list. Ever since I first learned about Cooperstown being home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame (HOF), I’ve wanted to visit. Growing up I loved baseball and the Red Sox, and was fascinated by the history of the game. One summer I decided I was finally going to make my dream a reality. Not only did I get to see the HOF, but I discovered there is much more than that to be found in Cooperstown.
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National Baseball Hall of Fame
The HOF is smack dab in the middle of downtown Cooperstown, so you can’t miss it. For baseball fans it is the best museum on Earth! Gallery after gallery contains priceless artifacts that bring to life the game of baseball and provide color commentary on the game and those who played a starring role.
As I wandered the halls, I noticed many people casually glanced at the exhibits, but I spent a few hours there and soaked in every last bit. It’s pretty amazing how baseball history comes alive and transports you back in time to the days of Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and Ted Williams. It was also fun to relive the 2004 Red Sox World Series victory that finally “reversed the curse”.
Other Things To Do in Cooperstown
Doubleday Field
A visit to Cooperstown isn’t complete without a visit to Doubleday Field. Tucked in behind the buildings on Main Street, Doubleday field is located on the former cow pasture where it was once thought Abner Doubleday invented baseball. While it wasn’t Abner who invented the game, we still have him to thank for putting Cooperstown on the map and spreading the popularity of the game.
Doubleday field was my first stop in Cooperstown. There were no games being played on the field and the parking lot was empty, so I wasn’t sure if I could actually walk into the stands to see it. But I figured why not give it a try. While it might just look like any other baseball diamond, Doubleday Field has that historic aura surrounding it. Similar to Fenway Park, it’s shrouded in the history of the game. I couldn’t help but sit in the stands and think about how the field was the first baseball diamond in the country and how lucky I was to be there. It was so satisfying to be in Cooperstown fulfilling a childhood dream.
Otsego Lake Kayaking
After spending an afternoon inside the Hall of Fame, I was itching to get outside and do something a bit more active. Conveniently, the picturesque Otsego Lake is across the street. Instead of a boat ride around the lake, I decided to rent a kayak and create my own tour of the lake. For me, a peaceful paddle around a lake is far more relaxing than sitting in a motor boat. Being so close to the water and relying on yourself for movement creates a stronger connection to nature and more satisfying experience.
I headed to Brookwood Point, along the western shore of the lake, to rent a kayak and brought my GoPro along to have a little fun. I strapped it to my pfd and off I went to see Cooperstown from the water. Despite being near the center of town, the lake was quiet and I didn’t have much company. It was perfect- no motor boats creating waves or distracting from the sounds of the birds and the breeze rustling the trees lining the shore. We have the Clarke family to thank for the undeveloped land surrounding Otsego Lake. The family owns most of the land, and Jane Clarke, the current family matriarch, also runs the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Cycling Around Cooperstown
The best way to experience the beautiful scenery in Cooperstown and the surrounding area is on two wheels. Map out your own route or take a tour. A few suggestions:
- Woman Tours– This tour company offers a four day Cooperstown and Lake Glimmerglass tour. All rides conveniently start at the Inn at Cooperstown.
- Otsego Lake Ride– Otsego Outdoors provides an excellent summary and pictures of this ride around Otsego Lake.
- Rentals– Rent a bike from Woodland Cycles and use Map My Ride or Ride With GPS to download or create your own route.
Cooperstown Craft Beer
Interestingly, Cooperstown and the surrounding area was once the center of hop growing in the US. The Busch family, of Anheuser-Busch fame, moved to Cooperstown after visiting in the summer season to buy hops. Descendants of the family still live in Cooperstown. Hops can easily be grown anywhere but they are highly susceptible to disease, especially in wet climates. Because of this, hop growers eventually moved west to take advantage of the drier climate.
The craft beer tradition continues in Cooperstown at the well-known Brewery Ommegang as well as smaller breweries like Red Shed, Council Rock and Cooperstown Brewing. During my visit, I was disappointed the Ommegang taproom was closed but I continued on to Red Shed and was perfectly happy relaxing and enjoying the chill vibes in their beer garden overlooking the rolling farmland.
If you’re up for the challenge, there is a 37 mile long Cooperstown Beverage Trail that includes visits to breweries, wineries, a cider mill and a distillery.
I loved my visit to Cooperstown and I was pleasantly surprised with all the town has to offer. The Hall of Fame was amazing, but there is certainly much more to do. Filling a long weekend is no problem- kayak, bike, or even hike to your heart’s content and then sit back and relax with a cold beer.
