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Harriet Tubman chose Auburn as her home after a lifetime of leading people to freedom, and that alone makes this Finger Lakes city a pilgrimage site. She bought land here from William H. Seward in 1859, cared for family and elders on her farm, and is buried in Fort Hill Cemetery. Seward himself, Lincoln's Secretary of State and the man behind the purchase of Alaska, also lived and is buried in Auburn.
The Cayuga County seat sits at the north tip of Owasco Lake and grew rich in the 1800s on mills, farm machinery and the state prison. Its tree-lined avenues are full of grand houses, and the Willard Memorial Chapel holds the only complete church interior known to survive by Louis Comfort Tiffany's studios. The Cayuga Museum preserves the lab where Theodore Case developed sound-on-film for movies.
In summer, Emerson Park on the lakeshore hosts the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, and the Doubledays play ball at Falcon Park. Skaneateles, Seneca Falls and the wineries of Cayuga Lake are each a short drive away.
The park protects Harriet Tubman's brick house, the Home for the Aged she founded, and the Thompson AME Zion Church where she worshipped. Rangers lead tours of the grounds and tell her story from Underground Railroad conductor to Civil War scout. Check tour times ahead, as hours are seasonal.
A hilly Victorian garden cemetery on an ancient Native American earthwork site, holding the graves of Harriet Tubman and William Seward, plus a monument to the Cayuga orator Logan. Visitors often leave coins and flowers at Tubman's stone. Maps are posted near the gate to help you find both graves.
William H. Seward's family home holds its original furnishings, gifts from world leaders and objects tied to the 1867 Alaska purchase, all kept by his descendants until it became a museum. Guided tours last about an hour, and the house sits on South Street a short walk from downtown.
Set in a Greek Revival mansion, the museum covers Auburn and Cayuga County history, while the Case Research Lab on the grounds shows where Theodore Case and his team developed the sound-on-film process used for Fox Movietone newsreels in the 1920s. It is free, with donations welcome.
Completed in 1894 for the Auburn Theological Seminary, this small Romanesque chapel holds the only complete Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company church interior known to survive, with jewel-toned windows, mosaic columns and a glass chandelier. Guided tours run on weekdays; a small fee supports upkeep.
Opened in 1938 by the Schine chain, this downtown Art Deco cinema has a striking curved facade, terrazzo and a tall marquee. A nonprofit is restoring it for films and live performances after decades of closure. Admire the exterior and check for occasional open-house events inside.
A lively regional art center beside the Cayuga Museum, with changing exhibits of painting, photography and craft. Its yearly Quilts=Art=Quilts show draws quilters from across North America. The shop sells local artwork, and admission is modest, so it is an easy add-on to a downtown afternoon.
A large county park at the north end of Owasco Lake with a swimming beach, picnic pavilions, a boat launch and lawns that fill with families on summer weekends. It also hosts the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and seasonal festivals. Bring a picnic and stay for sunset over the water.
A professional summer stock theater in Emerson Park, staging Broadway musicals from June into fall in a former carousel pavilion. Performers come from New York and beyond, and the shows are a long-standing Finger Lakes tradition. Book seats in advance for weekend evenings in July and August.
One of the smaller Finger Lakes, about 11 miles long, with clear water, wooded hills and few crowds. Fishing for trout and bass, kayaking and lakeside dining are the main draws, and the drive along its east shore offers wide views. Public access is mostly at Emerson Park and state launch sites.
The Doubledays, named for Abner Doubleday, who grew up in Auburn, play summer baseball at Falcon Park with cheap tickets, fireworks nights and between-innings games for kids. It is a relaxed, friendly way to spend a warm evening. Check the schedule for themed nights and promotions.
A downtown brewpub named for Auburn's famous penitentiary, known for award-winning hazy IPAs and stouts, plus a full pub menu. It is busy on weekends, so expect a wait at dinner. Cans to go make good souvenirs if you are driving on into the Finger Lakes.
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