Things to Do at Keuka Lake

What Makes Keuka Lake Special?

Keuka Lake is different from the other 10 Finger Lakes in New York. Most of the lakes are long and straight, like fingers. But Keuka Lake is shaped like the letter Y .

This unique shape means Keuka Lake is the only major lake in the U.S. that flows both north and south . Water from different inlets meets in the middle and flows out one exit. The water then drains into another Finger Lake, Seneca Lake.

This geography was important for the area's history. First, it was used for the Crooked Lake Canal in the 1800s. Later, a railroad was built along the same path to move goods between the lakes.

The lake's name comes from its shape. "Keuka" means "lake with an elbow" in the Seneca language. Early settlers called it "Crooked Lake," but the name was changed as the wine industry grew.

Today, Keuka Lake is known for a few key things. It's called the "Cradle of the Finger Lakes Wine Industry" because winemaking started here in 1829. It also has very clear, warm water perfect for swimming and boating, and cozy historic towns along its shores.

Towns Around the Lake

Three main towns are located around the Y-shaped lake. Hammondsport is at the southern tip. Penn Yan is at the northeast fork, and Branchport is at the northwest fork.

Hammondsport

Hammondsport sits at the southern end of the lake. It's a quiet, charming village with a big history in aviation.

The town is famous because of Glenn H. Curtiss. He was a pioneer in aviation in the early 1900s and was a rival to the Wright brothers . His legacy is celebrated all over the village.

Key Attractions

• The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum: This is a must-see transportation museum. It shows off Curtiss's work on bicycles, record-setting motorcycles, and many old aircraft. You can even watch volunteers restore historic planes in the workshop.
• Finger Lakes Boating Museum: This museum is all about the area's boat-building history. It has over 200 restored wooden boats, from canoes to hydroplanes. The museum is located in the old Taylor Wine Company building.
• The Village Square: Pulteney Square is the town's center. It's a classic village green with historic buildings that now hold shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

Things to Do in Hammondsport, NY

Most activities in Hammondsport are about its history of aviation, boating, and wine. A great day here includes visiting both museums and then walking around the village square. The town also has two parks, Depot Park and Champlin Beach, for swimming and paddling.

Seasonal Events

Hammondsport has events all year long that celebrate its history.

Penn Yan

Penn Yan is the main town at the north end of the lake's east branch. Its name is a mix of its first "Pennsylvania" and "Yankee" settlers. It's a good place to find shops and restaurants.

Historic Downtown

The village has a historic downtown area that is easy to walk around. Main Street is full of unique shops and places to eat.

Key Attractions

• The Windmill Farm & Craft Market: This is a huge market with over 200 vendors, including many local Amish and Mennonite families. They sell produce, baked goods, and handmade furniture. It is open on Saturdays only from April through December.
• Keuka Outlet Trail: Penn Yan is the main starting point for this 7-mile trail. You can find parking at the entrance on Elm Street.
• Downtown Shops & Stops: Main Street is great for a walk. You can stop at the Keuka Candy Emporium for a treat or visit the Oliver House Museum to see local history.
• Finger Lakes Rail Riders: This is a fun attraction where you can take a guided tour on rail bikes that run on old railroad tracks.
• Lake Access: Penn Yan has a large public boat launch. There are also two public parks with swimming areas, Red Jacket Park and Indian Pines Park.

Branchport

Branchport is a small, quiet town at the north end of the lake's west branch. This is the place for people who love nature. While the other towns focus on flight and industry, Branchport is all about the lake's natural history.

Public Access

Branchport provides great public access to the lake. It is home to Keuka Lake State Park, which has a large boat launch. It also has a smaller launch site for kayaks and canoes.

Key Attraction: Saunders Finger Lakes Museum

The main feature of Branchport is the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum. It is a campus focused on the nature and culture of the Finger Lakes.

It's important to know that the main museum building is still being built . But, the 30-acre campus is open to the public from dawn to dusk.

• Wetlands Trails: You can walk on trails and a boardwalk through the wetlands. It's a great spot for bird-watching and has nice views of the lake.
• Public Kayak/Canoe Launch: The museum offers a public launch on a creek that flows into Keuka Lake. This lets you explore the quiet wetlands by boat.
• Creekside Center: This is a family-friendly "Play Zone" with a playground and a "StoryWalk" for kids.

Outdoor Activities

Boating, Swimming, and Fishing

Boating and Paddling

Keuka Lake is about 20 miles long and has warm water, so it's great for boating.

• Marinas: You can find full-service marinas for gas, repairs, and docking. Some key spots are Morgan Marine in Penn Yan and East Bluff Harbor near the lake's middle point.
• Boat Rentals: You have a few options for renting a boat.
  • Weekly/Multi-Day: Morgan Marine in Penn Yan is a good place for weekly power boat rentals.
  • Daily/Hourly: Keuka Watersports in Hammondsport rents pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards by the hour or day .
  • Pontoons: Keuka Boat Rentals only rents pontoon boats.
• Public Boat Launch Locations: There are three main public boat launches on the lake.

Swimming and Beaches

• Swimming Safety: Yes, you can swim in Keuka Lake, and it's a very popular thing to do. The water is shallower than other big Finger Lakes, so it warms up faster.
• Water Quality: The water in Keuka Lake is known for being very clear . But clear water isn't always safe. During warm, calm summer days, Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) can be a problem.
  
  
  Water Safety Alert: These blue-green algae can be dangerous to people and pets. They often look like floating mats of scum or spilled paint. The official advice is simple: if you see it, stay out of the water , and keep your pets away too.
• Public Beaches: There are several great public beaches around the lake.
  • Keuka Lake State Park (Branchport): A large beach with lifeguards, a playground, and picnic areas. There is a fee to enter with a car.
  • Champlin Beach (Hammondsport): A free town park with a swimming area, lifeguards, and kayak rentals right on site.
  • Depot Park (Hammondsport): Another park in the village with lifeguarded swimming.
  • Red Jacket Park (Penn Yan): A popular park with a sandy beach and playground. There is a fee for admission.
  • Indian Pines Park (Penn Yan): A smaller park with free admission to its swimming area.

Fishing

Keuka Lake is a top spot for fishing.

• Types of Fish: The lake is famous for its trout, including lake trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout. It is also a great place to catch smallmouth bass. You can find plenty of yellow perch and bluegill too.
• Popular Spots: Trout and salmon are usually found in the deep, cold parts of the lake. Bass and panfish are easiest to catch in the shallower areas near Penn Yan, Branchport, and Hammondsport.
• Fishing Charters: If you want a guide to help you, services like Keuka Lake Charters and Reelaxin Fishing are available. They can help you learn the lake and find the best spots.

Hiking, Biking, and Scenic Drives

Keuka Outlet Trail

The Keuka Outlet Trail is a 7-mile path that connects Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake. It follows the path of an old canal and then a railroad, so the trail is flat and easy to walk or bike.

• What You'll See: The trail has two beautiful waterfalls called Seneca Mills Falls and Cascade Mills Falls. You will also see the old ruins of 19th-century mills that used to be powered by the water.
• Access: The Keuka Outlet Trail is free and open all year for hiking, biking, and even snowmobiling in the winter. The main entrance is on Elm Street in Penn Yan.

Keuka Lake State Park

• Overview: This 621-acre park is the main public park on the lake, located near Branchport.
• Amenities: It has everything you need for a day outside. There's a large swimming beach, picnic tables, a playground, a boat launch, and places to dock your boat.
• Hiking Trails: The park offers eight hiking trails that are easy to medium in difficulty. They take you through woods and small valleys.
• Campsites: The park has 150 sites for tents and trailers. These are very popular, so you need to book them far in advance for the summer.

The Scenic Drive

• Route: Driving the 44-mile loop around Keuka Lake is a beautiful trip. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes without stopping. But you should plan for a full day to stop for wine, photos, and lunch.
• The Most Scenic Route: Most people agree that the west side of the lake, between Hammondsport and Branchport, has the best views. There are three roads at different heights. The Middle Road ( Rt. 76 ) offers amazing, wide-open views of the lake and vineyards.
• Must-Stop Scenic Overlooks: The best views are often from the wineries themselves, which were built to have great sights.
  • Public Overlook: There is a public scenic overlook on Route 54A, just north of Hammondsport.
  • Winery Vistas: The most amazing views are from the patios of certain wineries. The best ones are at Heron Hill Winery, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, and Bully Hill Vineyards.

Wineries, Breweries, and Restaurants

The Wineries

Keuka Lake is where the Finger Lakes wine story began. The first grapes were planted here in 1860. It is known as the "Cradle of the Finger Lakes Wine Industry."

When you visit, it helps to know one thing. The "Keuka Lake Wine Trail" is a group of six specific member wineries. But some of the most famous wineries on the lake, like Dr. Konstantin Frank, are not members but are still must-visit spots.

Must-Visit Wineries: The Icons

• Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery: This is maybe the most historic winery in the eastern United States. Dr. Frank was the first to successfully grow classic European grapes, like Riesling, in New York. His work proved that world-class wines could be made here.
  • Tasting Experience: The "1886 Wine Experience" was voted the #1 Winery Tour in America by USA Today. It is a 2-hour tour that includes a guided wine tasting with small snacks.
• Heron Hill Winery: Heron Hill is known for its amazing building and views. The vaulted Tasting Hall offers one of the most stunning panoramic sights of Keuka Lake. They are famous for their Rieslings and have an on-site cafe for lunch.
• Bully Hill Vineyards: This is the "fun" winery, known for its funny history and artistic labels. It's a great all-day spot with a restaurant that has a great view, gift shops, and a wine museum.

More Winery Ideas

• Wineries Known for Riesling: Try Dr. Konstantin Frank, Heron Hill, Weis Vineyards, and Keuka Spring Vineyards.
• Unique Tasting Experiences:
  • Domaine LeSeurre Winery offers French-style wines paired with macarons.
  • Keuka Spring Vineyards has a popular live music series on their patio.
  • Point of the Bluff Vineyards hosts major outdoor concerts with national bands.

Breweries, Distilleries, and Cideries

If you need a break from wine, the area has a great craft beverage scene.

• Key Breweries:
  • Steuben Brewing Company (Hammondsport): A family-friendly farm brewery with a large patio, great lake views, live music, and food trucks.
  • Keuka Brewing Co. (Hammondsport): This was Keuka Lake's first microbrewery. It once won an award for being the "Best Craft Brewery in New York State."
  • Other Good Spots: Finger Lakes Beer Company, The Brewery of Broken Dreams, and Abandon Brewing Company are also popular.
• Distilleries: You can find craft spirits at places like Barrelhouse 6 Distillery and Krookid Leyk Distilling in Hammondsport.
• Cideries: A good local spot is Apple Barrel Orchards in Penn Yan. It's a family farm where you can pick your own fruit and try their cider.

Where to Eat

You can find everything from fancy restaurants to casual lakeside bars around Keuka Lake.

• Fine Dining:
  • The Mansion at Keuka Lake (Penn Yan): This is the top fine dining spot on the lake. It's in a beautiful historic mansion and has amazing views.
  • Union Block Italian Bistro (Penn Yan): This restaurant serves real Italian food and is perfect for a special night out.
• Casual Lakeside Eats (Dock & Dine):
  • The Switzerland Inn ("The Switz") (Hammondsport): This is the classic, casual lake bar. It has bar food, a famous fish fry, and plenty of boat slips if you arrive by water.
  • The Waterfront Restaurant (Hammondsport): This place has been around for 30 years and offers classic dishes right on the lake. You can even eat on the dock.
• Family-Friendly Options:
  • The Switzerland Inn (Hammondsport): This place is great for families. It has a game room for kids and a special kids menu.
  • Keuka Restaurant (Penn Yan): This is the sister restaurant to The Switz and is known for great barbecue in a casual setting.
• Cafes and Breakfast Spots:
  • In Penn Yan: The Penn Yan Diner is a must-do . It's a cool 1925 dining car that serves breakfast all day.
  • In Hammondsport: The Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company is a 50s-style diner that serves a good breakfast. Service Station FLX is a modern coffee shop perfect for coffee and a light meal.

Planning Your Trip

Trip Ideas

For Couples

A romantic trip to Keuka Lake can be a mix of great wine and simple time by the water.

• Stay: Try a charming Bed & Breakfast in Hammondsport or rent a private cabin on the lake.
• Activity: Book a special wine tasting, like the "1886 Wine Experience" at Dr. Konstantin Frank. Or, enjoy French wine and macaron pairings at Domaine LeSeurre.
• Activity: In the evening, take a private sunset cruise to see the hills and vineyards in the golden light.
• Dining: End your day with a romantic dinner at The Mansion at Keuka Lake.

For Families with Kids

A family trip to Keuka is all about history, outdoor fun, and treats.

• Morning Activity: Start your day at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. Kids love seeing the full-sized airplanes, cars, and motorcycles.
• Afternoon Activity: Go for a swim at Keuka Lake State Park, which has a playground and lifeguards. You can also rent kayaks at Champlin Beach.
• Easy Hike: Walk or bike a part of the Keuka Outlet Trail. It's flat and stroller-friendly, and you can easily see Seneca Mills Falls.
• Treats: Stop for a treat at the Keuka Candy Emporium in Penn Yan or the Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company in Hammondsport.
• Dining: Have a casual dinner at The Switzerland Inn. It has a kids menu and a game room, which makes it easy for parents.

A Weekend Getaway

This two-day plan is great for a first-time visitor. It covers the best of Keuka Lake.

Free Things to Do

A trip to wine country can be expensive, but many of the best things to do at Keuka Lake are free.

• Hike the Keuka Outlet Trail: This is the best free activity in the area. The 7-mile trail has two waterfalls and cool old mill ruins, and it costs nothing to explore.
• Swim at Public Beaches: Indian Pines Park in Penn Yan and Champlin Beach in Hammondsport are free town parks where you can go for a swim.
• Explore State Forests: You can visit Urbana State Forest and Birdseye Hollow State Forest for free. They have miles of hiking trails.
• Window Shop in Historic Villages: Walking around the charming town squares of Hammondsport and Penn Yan is a perfect and free way to spend an afternoon.
• Visit the Saunders Museum Campus: The museum building isn't open yet , but you can visit the 30-acre campus in Branchport for free. This includes walking trails, a boardwalk, and a kids' play area.
• Take a Scenic Drive: The amazing views from the roads around the lake are free . You can find public overlooks on Route 54A and on Branchport State Road.
• Go Bird Watching: Public areas like the Cold Brook Wildlife Management Area are great spots for bird watching at no cost.