Syracuse, New York

The Erie Canal, the historic waterway that stretches from Albany, NY, to Buffalo, NY, was first completed in 1825, and stretches 363 miles across the state. When it was built, it was an integral waterway for the transportation of goods between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes Region. The locks and waterways of the canal, and all the lateral canals that sprung from it, are present throughout New York State, and the storied history of this scenic canal is told through the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse. Visitors to the museum can learn about its past and its present impact on trade, New York State, and more.

Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY 13202, Phone: 315-471-0593

This contemporary building in downtown Syracuse holds within its walls an impressive collection of American art. It was the first museum to devote itself solely to American art and artists, and its collection of sculptures, paintings, video, ceramics, graphics, and photographs contains over 11,000 unique works on permanent display. There are also a wide variety of seasonal and temporary exhibitions which the Everson Museum of Art hosts, and which rotate on a seasonal basis. The museum, which is open Wednesday through Sunday, offers pay-as-you-wish admission every Wednesday, free admission on the third Thursday of every month, and several other free and family days throughout the year.

401 Harrison St, Syracuse, NY 13202, Phone: 315-474-6064

The Stickley Furniture Company was founded by the five Stickley brothers over a century ago in Binghamton, New York. In the early 20th century, their Mission Oak designs, excellent construction, and high-quality woods became very popular, especially because their furniture was made for being used, not as a decoration in a stuffy parlor. The Stickley Museum , located in Fayetteville, honors the work and the legacy of the Stickley brothers, with historical furniture on display along with information about its significance.

300 Orchard St, Fayetteville, NY 13066, Phone: 315-637-2278

This 43-acre zoo is a perfect destination for families and animal lovers, and within its bounds are animals from all over the world, including elephants, penguins, exotic birds, and lions. There are more than 700 animals at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, and visitors can see them in a number of educational environments. From the nocturnal animals in the Adaptation exhibits to the reptiles, fish, and amphibians in USS Antiquities, the zoo has plenty to keep everyone busy. Outside, the scenic Wildlife Trail will lead visitors past gray wolves, tigers, snow leopards, and more.

1 Conservation Pl, Syracuse, NY 13204, Phone: 315-435-8511

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is a staple in Central and Western New York State, known for the best BBQ north of the Mason-Dixon line and, as some would claim, in the entire country. The restaurant has expanded all over the region, but this location in Syracuse is the original and has been serving delicious food to the community since 1988. Originally a biker bar, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is now a thriving restaurant that boasts fresh, homemade, delicious ingredients and great drinks, and even hosts a music venue that offers live blues music to round out the full dining experience.

246 W Willow St, Syracuse, NY 13202, Phone: 315-476-4937

Covering around 76 acres in Syracuse, Thornden Park is located adjacent to the university campus, where it provides a beautiful green space for visitors to enjoy. The park comprises large areas of open grassy hills which are ideal for exploring on foot. At the heart of the park you will find the sensational Mills Rose Garden with more than 3000 roses which fill the air with their fragrance in summer. The park also boasts playing fields, a children’s play ground, an outdoor amphitheater (where Shakespeare is performed each summer) and a beautiful Lily Pond. Thornden Park is a very popular destination for walkers and joggers and is open all year round.

Thornden Park, Thornden Park Drive, Syracuse, NY 12310, 315 473 4330

At the Milton J Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology, visitors of all ages can explore interactive exhibits to learn about geology, outer space, technology, paleontology, and much more. In the Link Flight Trainer, visitors can learn about the history of aviation and the science behind basic flight, while in the Rothschild Apothecary Shop, they’ll see a realistic reproduction of a 1900s pharmacy. There is also a planetarium for stargazing and an IMAX theater, which screens a number of educational and fascinating documentaries and programs related to the fields of science and technology.

Museum of Science & Technology, 500 S Franklin St, Syracuse, NY 13202, Phone: 315-425-9068

If you love escape rooms you will be totally enthralled by 5 Wits Syracuse, which offers immersive physical adventures which rival any escape room you have tried in the past. Each of the 5 Wits adventures takes place in a very carefully designed set which combines lights, sound, and elaborate special effects to set the scene for an adventure of a lifetime. You and your team will have to pool your collective physical and mental resources in order to reach your objectives, using all your wits and senses. 5 Wits is an ideal destination for team-building events, birthday parties and other fun occasions and the center also offers a large function room and catering options.

5 Wits Syracuse, 10651 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse, NY 13204, 315 988 4001