Glen H. Curtiss in an old photograph.

Discover the Best Museums in Hammondsport, NY

What’s on your Hammondsport, New York, itinerary? From jaw-dropping natural beauty to award-winning wineries to history museums, our small town has it all! Carve out some time during your trip to visit the best museums in Hammondsport. Although it’s quiet and small, our town boasts a wealth of history. The local museums showcase early aviation, maritime history, and much more. A visit to any one of these museums in Hammondsport is sure to give you a deeper appreciation of this area. Read on to learn more about five of our favorite local museums! 

When you’re ready to start planning your trip, request our free Hammondsport Destination Guide. This planning tool is filled with local recommendations on outdoor activities, dining, entertainment, and, of course, more museums and galleries!  

5 Historic Museums in Hammondsport to Explore 

1. Glenn H. Curtiss Museum 

The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum is one of our town’s top attractions! This regional history museum focuses on the life and legacy of motorcycle pioneer & early aviator Glenn Curtiss, including his impact on the aviation industry. This museum also showcases the history of Hammondsport, Keuka Lake, and other regional stories. Best of all, it’s less than a half-mile from the Hammondsport Hotel, so it’s easy to visit this museum during your stay! 

2. Finger Lakes Boating Museum 

The 11 Finger Lakes total more than 4,500 square miles of water. That said, no trip to the Finger Lakes region of New York would be complete without learning about the area’s maritime culture. The Finger Lakes Boating Museum, located right here in Hammondsport, is the best place to learn about the history of boating and boat building across the Finger Lakes region. 

3. Rockwell Museum 

The Rockwell Museum, located just a short drive from Hammondsport in Corning, NY, is the only Smithsonian Affiliate museum in the state that’s outside of New York City. This museum showcases various interpretations of the American experience through several mediums. From paintings to sculptures and beyond, there are countless amazing works of art at the Rockwell Museum. 

4. Corning Museum of Glass 

During your visit to the town of Corning, be sure to also stop by the Corning Museum of Glass. This art museum is home to more than 50,000 works of glass that date back thousands of years. Here, you can not only view beautiful works of art, but you can also create your own with one of their studio classes

5. International Motor Racing Research Center 

Watkins Glen International is one of the top attractions in the Finger Lakes region. Did you know that it’s only a 30-minute drive from Hammondsport? This area is a must-visit destination during your Finger Lakes vacation! If you’re not attending a race, be sure the visit the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen. Here, you can learn all about the history of motorsports and this area and how it became such a beloved sport. 

Book Your Stay at the Hammondsport Hotel 

Want to stay near the best museums in Hammondsport? Look no further than the Hammondsport Hotel! Located on the southern tip of Keuka Lake, we offer premier lodging near all the best things to do in Hammondsport. If you’re looking for a convenient place to stay in the Finger Lakes, you’ve found it!  

Room at Hammondsport Hotel

The Hammondsport Hotel offers four accommodation types including Standard 2 Queen Rooms2 Queen SuitesStandard King Rooms, and King Suites

Our overnight guests can also enjoy our complimentary hotel amenities like daily breakfast, a 24/7 exercise facility, an indoor heated pool, and more! 

Check our availability to start planning your trip. We can’t wait to show you all this area has to offer!