16 Best Things to Do in Oneonta, NY

By VacationIdea Staff on March 4, 2022 - Updated

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Oneonta is situated at the northern edge of the Appalachian mountain region and is known as the 'City of Hills'. Algonquin and Iroquoian tribes inhabited the area before Dutch, French and German settlements expanded up the Hudson River Valley. In 1800, the hamlet was known as Milfordville. The name changed to Oneonta in 1832. A few decades later, the Delaware and Hudson Railroad brought rapid development and at one point Oneonta boasted the biggest roundhouse in the world. Most historic homes date back to Victorian times. The town's culture is influenced by the large student population that attends the State University of New York (SUNY) and Hartwick College.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Bear Pond Winery

This winery is located on six wooded acres of land at the Susquehanna River headwaters. It was established in 2000 and currently produces 27 different varieties of wine, from dessert to dry red. They offer guided tastings of six wines or flights of six wines and three appetizers. The restaurant also serves pizzas and a range of light meals. Patrons are welcome to eat inside or picnic outdoors and are free to meander through the property. The winery is on the Cooperstown Beverages Trail.

2515 State Highway 28, 13820 Oneonta, New York, Phone: 607-643-0294

2.Robert V Riddell State Park

In 2005, Steven and Patricia Kent donated 1036 acres of land to the state. It had been in Patricia's family since 1871 and the park was therefore named after her father. In 2008 Hartwick College sold an additional 840 acres to the park but retained the use of it for outdoor education and research. The northern section of the park was formerly agricultural land whereas the southern section is forested. Also in the north, is Schevenus Creek, a trout stream and tributary of the Susquehanna River. Mud Lake is a bog in the park. It is rich in peat and has floating mats of sphagnum moss and carnivorous plants.

3.Damaschke Field

Otherwise known as Dutch Damaschke Stadium, this playing field is used primarily for baseball. It was opened on Memorial Day, 1905 and has seen players of the caliber of Babe Ruth and Rogers Hornby on the field. Over the years it has been home to several minor league teams, such as Oneonta Red Sox, Yankees and Tigers. The grandstand was erected in 1938 and in 1968 the stadium was named after Ernest 'Dutch' Damaschke who was a coach, referee, counselor and Oneonta's Recreation Commisioner for 30 years.

4.Delaware Otsego Audubon Soc. Sanctuary

This audubon society was established in 1968 and has been a member of the national body since 1970. They raise awareness of the importance of birds and provide opportunities for the public to interact with them. The society organizes monthly bird counts by species and location. Their 100 acre sanctuary has a variety of habitats and marked trails which enable visitors to see not only birds but the resident mammals, amphibians and reptiles. The annual Open Day and week-long Summer Day Camp are held at the sanctuary. The Franklin Mt provides panoramic views of the town and is the focal point for a hawk watch.

52 Grange Hall Rd. Spur, Oneonta, NY, Phone: 607-397-3815

5.A.J. Read Science Discovery Center

This center was started by Albert Read, in 1990. He was a retired physics professor at the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Oneonta and director of the center until 2005. Admission is free to this hands on science museum which adults and children find interesting. It is located in the Physical Science building at SUNY. There are more than 80 simple science experiments at the center, focusing mainly on physics. The center hosts schools and other interested groups and schedules events such as the annual Nano Day. There is also a planetarium at SUNY.

108 Ravine Parkway Oneonta, NY 13820, Phone: 607-436-3500

6.Yager Museum of Art & Culture

Willard Yager (1855-1929) was the publisher of the Oneonta Herald. He established the Oneonta Normal School which later became the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Oneonta. He wrote several books on Native Americans and the history of the area. He also accumulated approximately 6000 artifacts and meticulously documented them. He started a museum adjacent to his house which he called Long House. This he bequeathed to Hartwick College. His sister added an endowment in 1959. The museum has collections of contemporary art, archaeological findings, ethnography and the history of the first human settlements in the area.

Oneonta, New York 13820, Phone: 888-HARTWICK

7.Community Arts Network of Oneonta

The objectives of the Community Arts Network are to link artists, promote the arts and educate the community. They run three galleries showcasing monthly, solo and collaborative exhibits and an annual members' show. There are music evenings on the second Tuesday of each month with an open mic session and a featured artist. The Writers' Salon is on each third Thursday where writers read their works and share thoughts with others. The network offers after school art and music lessons for beginners and hosts regular fundraisers and the annual Art and Music Festival.

Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820, Phone: 607-432-2070

8.Swart-Wilcox House Museum

Lawrence Swart (1755-1841) purchased 230 acres of land along the north bank of the Susquehanna River. He built a house and lived there with his family until his death. Subsequently, much of the land was sold to the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad and their workers. The house and remaining 74 acres were sold to newlyweds, Henry and Phoebe Wilcox in 1867. They updated it according to Victorian style. Henry was in the lumber industry and farmed the land. He kept a daily diary of his experiences. The last Wilcox son died there in 1970. The Friends of the Swart-Wilcox House opens it on Sundays in summer.

Wilcox Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820

9.Sloan's NY Grill

Local farm fresh food, craft beers and wines from New Yorks' vineyards can all be enjoyed at Sloan's grill restaurant. Everything is cooked from scratch, using a variety of cooking methods. Dry rubs, marinades, roasting, smoking and grilling all bring out the best in the rich, country flavors. Vegetarian options are made from the freshest of local herbs and vegetables There are lunch, dinner, bar and catering menus. The butchery retails beef and chicken cuts and the bakery sells pies, cakes, cookies, bread and seasonal fruit pies and flans. Sloan's is closed on Mondays.

337 Chestnut Street, Oneonta NY 13820, Phone: 607-267-4779

10.Tino's Pizza and Restaurant

The Garufi family restaurant, Pizza Land, was renowned for its pizza pies. Tino's Pizza became a spinoff of the main business. Pizza by the slice was sold out of the back of the downtown Black Oak Tavern. As demand grew, Agatino and Nancy opened their own restaurant. They can make any dish taste good as a pizza and they have a range of unique salads as side dishes. They invented the cold cheese pizza because university students regularly burnt their mouths in their haste to consume the food. Diners can choose to dine in, order take outs or have their food delivered.

180 Main Street, Oneonta, Phone: 607-432-0008

11.B Side Ballroom & Supper Club

In line with Oneonta's vision to be a regional arts and entertainment destination, the B Side Club offers live music and an imbibing and dining experience for adults only. Proof that patrons are over 21 may be requested. The kitchen serves seasonal American food, made with the best quality ingredients. Steaks, burgers, seafood, small plates and salads are on the menu, with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Home-made desserts and coffee can round off a meal or be enjoyed on their own. The fully licensed bar offers craft drinks and an extensive choice of spirits and wines. The venue is available for hire for private events.

1 Clinton Plaza Drive Oneonta, NY 13820, Phone: 607-432-2053

12.Emmon's Pond Bog

Emmon’s Pond was formed more than 11,000 years ago, when the last receding glacier scraped a hollow in the ground that soon filled up with water. Today the bog attracts nature lovers who come to enjoy walking or running the loop trail around the bog and into a forested area. As you make your way along the 1.4 mile loop trail you will be able to admire a variety of bog plants and the creatures they attract. The first part of the trail is along a boardwalk, which takes you to the edge of the bog; the second part of the trail follows the perimeter of the pond in a counter-clockwise direction. During the hunting season cross-bow hunting is allowed (with a valid permit).

Emmon’s Pond Bog, White Hill Road, Oneonta, NY 13820

13.Interskate 88

Interskate 88 has been providing a spacious safe venue for family entertainment since 1981. The entertainment facility offers everything your family needs for hours of fun, starting with a large hardwood skating floor and precision roller-skate rentals. In addition to skating you can enjoy some of the other fun activities which include Laser Tag, an indoor playground for younger visitors, a games arcade and Disco Dance Floor. The venue is the ideal place to bring a group of kids for a birthday party. The center also offers roller skate lessons for those who are still finding their feet and a snack bar for refueling.

5185 State Highway 23, Oneonta, NY 13820, Ph. +1 607 432 0366

14.Table Rock Bouldering

In case you are new to Bouldering, the sport is a form of rock climbing without the use of ropes or harnesses. Table Rock Bouldering makes it easy for newcomers to learn all about bouldering in a safe environment. The climbing walls offer a challenging new form of all-round exercise which is beneficial to your mind and body as well as being great fun. There are thick mats on the floor to protect you while you are learning all the moves. Anyone is welcome to come and try this excellent sport – new comers will soon learn how to climb and how to expand their new-found skills.

6 Market Street, Oneonta, NY 13820, 607-431-8372

15.Annutto's Farm Stand

More than just a farm stall, Annutto’s Farm Stand has been providing Oneonta residents and visitors with farm-fresh produce and all your nursery requirements since 1984. The farm stand sells a wide selection of the freshest local produce from surrounding farms, including seasonal fruit, vegetables and mouth-watering breads, cookies and muffins. You will find everything you need for your home garden in their greenhouses and an excellent selection of household articles and gifts. In fall you can see the apple press in action and buy freshly pressed cider and fabulous apple cider doughnuts. The farm stand is open from April to December each year.

5396 State Route 7, Oneonta, NY 13820, 607-432-7905

16.Oneonta Sports Park

Oneonta Sports Park has a fun outdoor activity for every member of the family. Golfing enthusiast can hone their skills at the driving range – just bring your clubs and purchase a one or two-hour Unlimited Play voucher (includes 20 or 30 clean range balls). If you are not quite ready for the driving range you can enjoy Wedge Golf, Foot Golf or Disc Golf instead, all of which are great fun for the whole family. The park also has an 18-hole mini-golf course which has been cleverly designed to offer a fun game for players of all ages and abilities.

132 County Highway 47, Oneonta, NY 13820, 607-432-0624