By Anna Packman, I Love New York

For a mix of small-town charm, idyllic country beauty, and farm-fresh eats and drinks, look no further than Cooperstown. Cooperstown gets its fame as baseball’s hometown, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Doubleday Field are worth a visit, but there’s oh so much more to be discovered. 

Art and history lovers will be enthralled by the Fenimore Art Museum* (pictured) and nearby Hyde Hall, which is nestled deep in Glimmerglass State Park. Note that while the full Hyde Hall house tour is accessible, you will have to go through grass and/or down a gravel path to access the ramps. The Farmers’ Museum has partial access as not all buildings in the village have ramps or flat entries, but still offers plenty to see that is doable by chair. 

Within Glimmerglass State Park, a stunning view of Otsego Lake is accessible, as is the Beaver Creek Trail, which makes for a nice nature walk. You can even borrow an all-terrain wheelchair free of charge to help access the lakefront beach* and its glimmering blue-green shores. During the summer, head to the Alice Busch Opera Theater* on the other side of the lake for the world-famous Glimmerglass Festival. 

Foodies rejoice! Though small in size, Cooperstown has a number of delicious places to eat and experience the acclaimed local craft beverage scene. Origins Cafe is a unique seasonal restaurant concept that brings cooked-from-scratch dishes using ingredients from local farms to a beautiful greenhouse and garden oasis. Most meals come with a side of live music. Just outside of town, you can find appleicious bites and both hard and zero proof ciders (including cider slushies!) along with family-friendly activities like duckie races and gem mining at the Fly Creek Cider Mill.

As part of Central NY, a region known as “Brew Central” for its hops growing prowess, Cooperstown is home to Brewery Ommegang and Red Shed Brewing, which top many a beer aficionado’s must-visit list. Whatever you choose, your accessible visit is sure to be a home run!

Anna’s Access Tips:

  • While it is possible to take coach buses to the village of Cooperstown, it is important to note that there is no direct train service.
  • Public transportation options are few and far between and there are no wheelchair accessible taxi services in the region. 
  • The best way to visit is with your own vehicle. If you don't have your own vehicle, you can rent a ramp-equipped van from Bussani locations in Mamaroneck and Kingston, NY. Alternatively, you can also get a van delivered to JFK or Westchester airports ($125 & up delivery fee each way) or a location within NYC ($150 & up delivery fee each way). MobilityWorks delivers to both Newark International Airport ($60 delivery fee each way) and JFK ($120 delivery fee each way). You can also rent a van out of Albany. MobilityWorks ($50 delivery fee each way) delivers to the airport and Amtrak station. Be sure to reserve your vehicle in advance as they book up quickly, especially during peak travel times!
  • The Cooperstown Trolley* provides lift-equipped transportation between key attractions. 
  • Free, van-accessible parking is available throughout the village of Cooperstown, including right in front of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
  • Roughly half of the souvenir shops along Main Street are accessible, the rest have 1-2 steps at the entrance. 
  • For the most accessible viewing spot at Doubleday Field, head to the bleacher area along the third baseline. You can also find a barrier-free space at the first baseline, but the view is obstructed by high fencing.