Tourist Attractions in Binghamton New York

Autumn in Binghamton

Binghamton is a city in New York's southern tier, just a few miles from the Pennsylvanian border. An industrial town, the city has had a rich history as the home of Binghamton University, IBM, the Singer Link Corporation (flight simulators) and the Endicott Johnson shoe company. Nearly all shoes made in the United States prior to World War II came from the Binghamton area. River front mansions dating back to the early twentieth century let travelers know this was once a very affluent community. Located on either side of the Susquehanna River, Binghamton offers culture, history and adventure to its visitors and residents.

Binghamton Mets

Catch a game at NYSEG Stadium baseball image by Tomasz Plawski from Fotolia.com

Baseball is alive and well in Binghamton as the Binghamton Mets play at NYSEG Stadium in spring and summer. The double A affiliate of the New York Mets, the team arrived in Binghamton in 1992. Watching a Binghamton Mets game offers spectators the chance to see the future of baseball as numerous major leaguers spend time in this program on their way up to the "show." NYSEG Stadium is located in the north end of downtown Binghamton. An attractive and modern stadium, NYSEG can seat over 6,000 fans. Always a bargain, ticket prices are very affordable with kids' tickets well under $10. Aside from the great baseball on the field, a Binghamton Mets game offers between inning fun with a variety of promotions and wacky events at every home game.

Binghamton Mets
NYSEG Stadium
211 Henry Street
Binghamton, NY 13902
[phone]
bmets.com

The Susquehanna River

Go boating on the mighty Susquhana. river image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com

Covering 444 miles, the Susquehanna River runs from east to west as it passes through the heart of Binghamton on its route south where it ultimately terminates into the Chesapeake Bay. While passing through Binghamton, the river passes most of the cities major landmarks, including Binghamton University and downtown. It is near Front Street downtown that the Chenango River joins the Susquehanna. The river offers boating and fishing opportunities. According to Trails.com, the best place to put in is from the boat launches off Marshland Road. From there you can circle Hiawatha Island or as well as fish for walleye, bass and tiger muskellunge.

The Ross Park Zoo

See Binghamton's grey wolves. wolf image by Michael Shake from Fotolia.com

A charming city zoo, The Ross Park Zoo is the fifth oldest zoo in the United States. Open from April to October, this 90-acre park was the gift of Erastus Ross who left the city a large sum asking only that they build a park that the entire community could enjoy free of charge. Ross's wishes are still followed in that the zoo continues to provide education and diversion or citizens of Binghamton, but there is now a nominal entrance fee charged to offset expenses. The zoo runs numerous special events and houses a significant number of ancient exhibits including binturong, grey wolves, tigers, leopards, penguins, reindeer and other animals. Set in the woods, the zoo is part of Ross Park, which features one of Binghamton's six antique carousels.

Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park
60 Morgan Road
Binghamton, NY 13903-3667
[phone]
rossparkzoo.com

The Carousels of The Triple Cities

Go back in time on a Binghamton carousel. carousel image by Iris Schneider from Fotolia.com

Boasting not one, but six historic carousels, Binghamton has more antique carousels than any other city in the world. The carousel maker Allan Herschell built the six historic merry go-rounds from 1919 to 1934 at his North Tonawanda factory All the horses are jumpers (move up and down) with short legs, oversized heads, glass eyes and dish saddled, characterize the horses on the Binghamton carousels all of which are still in operation. All six carousels arrived in Binghamton courtesy of George F. Johnson, owner of the Endicott-Johnson shoe company. The carousels were manufactured in the country fair-style and were donated with the express stipulation that no entry fee would ever be charged.

C.Fred Johnson Park
98 C.F.J. Blvd.
Johnson City, NY

Recreation Park
58-78 Beethoven Street
Binghamton, NY

George W. Johnson Park
201 Oak Hill Ave.
Endicott, NY

Ross Park
60 Morgan Road,
Binghamton, NY

West Endicott Park
501 Maple Street (at Page Ave.)
Endicott, NY

Highland Park
801 Hooper Road
Endwell, NY

Roberson Museum and Science Center

Learn something new at the Robeson Center. computer science image by jeancliclac from Fotolia.com

Housed in an old Mansion on Front Street, the Roberson Museum is a multi-faceted education center created as a means for the benefit of all the people in the community. The museum opened in 1954 then expanded in 1984 and now houses a modern pottery studio, the New York State Heritage Visitor Center and the Link Planetarium. The Roberson mansion is a museum all of its own. Built in 1904, the Italian Renaissance Revival-style home give visitors a peek at the wealth that once graced the city and its surroundings. The Binghamton Visitor Center, located in the annex, is a great starting spot for adventures around the area.

Roberson Museum & Science Center
30 Front Street
Binghamton, NY 13905-4779
[phone]
roberson.org

References

• Ross Park Zoo
• Trails.com: Susquehanna River (around Hiawatha Island)
• The Binghamton Mets

Resources

• Bighamton Convention Bureau: Carousels