Need a historic Southern Tier town with natural beauty and literary legacy? Head to Elmira! Nestled in the Chemung Valley, Elmira offers scenic parks, Civil War history, and ties to Mark Twain. Whether you're soaring at the glider museum, hiking through gorges, or strolling Victorian streets, Elmira is a charming escape with cultural depth.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Elmira is during the spring through fall (May–October), when you can enjoy pleasant weather, scenic drives, and outdoor activities. Fall offers stunning foliage, while summer brings festivals and farmers markets.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Elmira is located off I-86 and NY Route 14, about 2 hours from Rochester and 4.5 hours from New York City.
  • By Air: The nearest airport is Elmira/Corning Regional Airport (ELM), with direct flights from major hubs like Detroit and Charlotte.
  • By Bus: Trailways and Greyhound offer service to Elmira from New York City and nearby towns.

Where to Stay

  • Holiday Inn Elmira-Riverview – Centrally located near downtown with a restaurant and river views.
  • Mark Twain Motor Inn – Budget-friendly and just minutes from local attractions.
  • Hotels in nearby Horseheads or Corning – More options include boutique inns and national chains just 10–20 minutes away.

Top Attractions

Eldridge Park

Ride the carousel and stroll lakeside paths on an easy family trip.

Eldridge Park

© Robert/stock.adobe.com

Formerly one of the most popular amusement parks in New York State, Eldridge Park fell into disuse in the late 20th century, but it has since been brought back to life by a team of dedicated volunteers. The centerpiece of the park is a beautiful 1890s carousel, which zips around at 18 miles an hour and is one of the only working carousels in the country to still have brass ring feeders, but other popular attractions include a Mark Twain themed miniature golf course, a miniature train ride, and a small lake with dragon paddle boats.

Harris Hill Soaring Corporation

Glide over the valley and enjoy thrilling views on an exciting weekend outing.

Harris Hill Soaring Corporation

© Harris Hill Soaring Corporation

Located at the Harris Hill gliderport, the Harris Hill Soaring Corporation is a non-profit glider club dedicated to advancing the sport of soaring. Flight enthusiasts have been soaring in Elmira since the 1930s, and in 1938, it became the country's first permanent site for hosting national soaring competitions. Harris Hill still hosts national soaring contests on a regular basis, but the club also welcomes people with little or no flying experience, and flying lessons are available to anyone who wants to become a pilot. If you're not interested in getting your license, you can also take an exhilarating passenger flight with an experienced commercial pilot.

57 Soaring Hill Dr, Elmira, NY 14903, Phone: 607-734-0641

Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira

Admire historic gravestones and walk peaceful grounds on a quiet retirement visit.

Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira

© Friends of Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira, NY

Established in 1864, the Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira is a well-maintained, active cemetery that welcomes visitors who want to go for a walk and pay their respects to the deceased. The cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, and a number of well-known public figures are buried here, most notably the author Mark Twain, his wife Olivia Langdon Clemens, and a handful of members of the United States Congress. Within the grounds is also a distinct cemetery known as the Woodlawn National Cemetery, which was established to bury Confederate prisoners during the American Civil War.

1200 Walnut St, Elmira, NY 14905, Phone: 607-732-0151

If you are traveling with kids:

National Soaring Museum

Discover aviation history and explore glider exhibits on an educational trip for kids.

National Soaring Museum

© National Soaring Museum

Set on top of Harris Hill not far from the airfield belonging to the Harris Hill Soaring Corporation, the National Soaring Museum is a wonderful place to learn about the sport of motorless flight and its history. The gallery hall features a collection of historical gliders and plenty of informative exhibits, and as a bonus, the building offers a spectacular view of the surrounding area. The museum is open year-round, but the exact hours vary according to the season. Group tours can be arranged by appointment, and guests can also purchase gift certificates for a passenger flight at the Harris Hill Soaring Corporation.

51 Soaring Hill Dr, Elmira, NY 14903, Phone: 607-734-3128

Mark Twain's Summer Home

Visit the writer’s study and see scenic views on a literary fall trip.

Mark Twain's Summer Home

© brizmaker/stock.adobe.com

The famous author Mark Twain was born and raised in Missouri, but he spent much of his writing career at his family's summer cottage in Elmira, a place that is now known simply as Mark Twain's Summer Home. The 200-acre property and farmhouse are now primarily used as a retreat for working writers, but the one-room study where he spent most of his time working has been moved to the nearby Campus of Elmira College. Visitors are welcome to admire it from the outside and look through the windows, and if you join a guided tour, you can go inside as well.

800 Park Pl, Elmira, NY 14901, Phone: 607-735-1941

Romantic Activities and Attractions:

Arnot Art Museum

Explore fine art and admire classical works on a cultured weekend stay.

Arnot Art Museum

© Arnot Art Museum

Housed inside a Greek-Revival mansion that was built in the early 1830s, the Arnot Art Museum was established in 1913 when Matthias Hallenback Arnot bequeathed his private home and art collection to the city. The museum is an excellent example of a private 19th-century art gallery that still houses its original art, but the collection has also been expanded over the years, and it now boasts 19th and 20th century American art, European paintings from between the 17th and 19th centuries, and Egyptian and Asian artifacts. Visitors are welcome Tuesday through Saturday, and educational tours are available by appointment.

235 Lake St, Elmira, NY 14901, Phone: 607-734-3697

Newtown Battlefield State Park

Hike wooded trails and learn battle history on an affordable outdoor trip.

Newtown Battlefield State Park

© Newtown Battlefield State Park

Sitting on the bank of the Chemung River, the Newtown Battlefield State Park was where the 1779 Battle of Newtown took place during the American Revolutionary War. The main feature in the park is Sullivan Hill, which played a crucial strategic role in the battle and is now marked with a white granite pillar, and there are several interpretive signs about the battle and the history of the area. Other amenities include a children's playground and several pavilions with picnic tables, and there's even a campground with showers for visitors who want to spend the night.

2346 County Rd 60, Elmira, NY 14901, Phone: 607-732-6067

Woodlawn National Cemetery

Honor Civil War heroes and reflect quietly on a meaningful historical visit.

Woodlawn National Cemetery

© Christian/stock.adobe.com

Found inside the Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira, the Woodlawn National Cemetery is a 10.5-acre military cemetery that was originally created to serve as a burial place for the Confederate prisoners of war who were kept in Elmira during the American Civil War. In addition to the graves, the cemetery is also home to two significant monuments: one to commemorate the Confederate prisoners who lost their lives in Elmira, and another in memory of the lives lost during a tragic railway accident that took place during the Civil War. The cemetery is open to visitors every day between sunrise and sunset.

1825 Davis St, Elmira, NY 14901, Phone: 607-732-5411

Clemens Center

Enjoy live performances and support local arts on a romantic evening trip.

Clemens Center

© Clemens Center

Named in honor of Samuel Clemens, a famous writer better known by his pen name Mark Twain, the Clemens Center is a magnificent theater that hosts more than 100 performances per year. It first opened in 1925 as a silent film house, and after undergoing a number of renovations throughout the years, it's now primarily equipped to host live shows of all sorts. A handful of blockbuster Broadway shows are held each year, and the shows held on a more regular basis include dance programs, stand-up comedy nights, and performances by the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes.

207 Clemens Center Pkwy, Elmira, NY 14901, Phone: 607-734-8191

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Chemung Valley History Museum – Dive into local history from Native American culture to 20th-century industry.

Where to Eat

  • Hill Top Inn – Longtime favorite with sweeping views, American fare, and live Irish music nights.
  • 1157 North – Elevated bistro-style dining featuring seasonal dishes and creative cocktails.
  • Turtle Leaf Café – Cozy downtown spot for fresh sandwiches, smoothies, and healthy eats.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Elmira Street Painting Festival (July) – Watch the sidewalks transform into colorful chalk masterpieces downtown.
  • Glider Fly-In & Air Shows (Summer) – Seasonal soaring events held at Harris Hill, the “Soaring Capital of America.”
  • Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting (December) – Kick off the season with festive floats, caroling, and community cheer.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Elmira, New York:

  • Corning (20 min) – Visit the Corning Museum of Glass, galleries, and the Gaffer District for arts and shopping.
  • Watkins Glen (30 min) – Hike through waterfalls and gorges, or visit wineries around Seneca Lake.
  • Horseheads (10–15 min) – Stop at local parks, antique shops, or catch a local baseball game.
  • Harris Hill (10 min) – Enjoy scenic overlooks, the National Soaring Museum, and amusement rides for kids.
  • Spencer Crest Nature Center (25 min) – Walk wooded trails and visit nature exhibits near Corning.

FAQ:

  • What is Elmira known for?
    • Elmira is fondly known as "Mark Twain Country" due to the famous author's time spent working on his books there. Visitors can tour Twain's former study and visit his grave at the Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira.
  • What are some attractions in Elmira?
    • In addition to the Mark Twain-related sites, Elmira offers attractions like the Arnot Art Museum, the historic carousel at Eldridge Park, and the National Soaring Museum, where visitors can learn about and experience soaring flights.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. Holiday Inn Elmira - Riverview – A convenient stay near downtown attractions. Visit Eldridge Park – Enjoy walking trails, a restored carousel, and scenic lake views.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor exploration. Fairfield Inn & Suites Elmira Corning – A modern and comfortable hotel. Explore Harris Hill Soaring Center – Go glider flying at the “Soaring Capital of America.”
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, vibrant foliage, and harvest festivals. Mark Twain Motor Inn – A budget-friendly stay with easy access to local sites. Visit Mark Twain’s Gravesite – Pay tribute to the famous author at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Winter (December-February) – Cool and festive with seasonal activities. Clarion Inn Elmira Horseheads – A cozy and centrally located hotel. Tour the Arnot Art Museum – Discover a collection of American and European art.

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