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Utica is a city of about 65,000 people on the Mohawk River in central New York, at the edge of the Adirondack foothills. It grew from Old Fort Schuyler, a colonial outpost, and boomed after the Erie Canal opened in 1825, becoming a busy textile and manufacturing city. Generations of immigrants, from Italians and Poles to recent refugees from Bosnia, Burma and elsewhere, have shaped its character.
Utica's food is famous across the state, from chicken riggies and Utica greens to tomato pie and half-moon cookies. The F.X. Matt Brewing Company, maker of Saranac beers, offers tours of one of the oldest family breweries in America, and the Stanley Theatre is an ornate 1928 movie palace that now hosts Broadway tours and concerts.
The Munson museum has an excellent art collection in a building designed by Philip Johnson, and Union Station is a grand restored rail station. Utica's parks, including the Olmsted-designed Roscoe Conkling Park, the Utica Zoo and the Utica Marsh, offer green space, and the Adirondacks are a short drive north.
A grand 1928 movie palace in downtown Utica designed in a lavish Mexican Baroque style, now restored as a performing arts center hosting Broadway tours, concerts and local performances. Its ornate lobby and auditorium are worth seeing. Check the event schedule and buy tickets early for touring shows.
A museum and arts school in Utica with a collection of American and European art in a modern building by architect Philip Johnson, plus the restored Fountain Elms Victorian house next door. It also runs a performing arts series. Check hours online; there is usually no admission charge for the galleries.
A local history museum in Utica with exhibits on the region's past, including the Erie Canal, early settlers, immigrant communities and local industry, plus a research library for genealogy. It is a good introduction to the area's history. Allow about an hour, and check opening days before visiting.
A grand Beaux-Arts railroad station built in 1914, with marble columns, a high waiting room ceiling and wooden benches. It still serves Amtrak trains and the Adirondack Scenic Railroad in season. Visitors can admire the restored waiting room; it is in the Bagg's Square district near downtown.
A massive Greek Revival building known as Old Main, completed in 1843 as one of the first state mental hospitals in the United States, with huge columns across its front. It is a National Historic Landmark. The building is not open for general visits, but it can be viewed from the grounds.
The center of Utica along Genesee Street, with historic buildings, theaters, local restaurants and the Bagg's Square district near the station. Recent investment has added a hospital campus and new development. It is easy to explore on foot; try Utica specialties such as tomato pie and half-moon cookies.
A short street in west Utica known for its bars, pubs and nightlife next to the F.X. Matt Brewery. It is especially busy during local events and the Utica Boilermaker race weekend in July. It is a fun place for an evening out; street parking is easy most nights except on special event days.
A family-owned brewery in Utica since 1888, maker of Saranac beers and sodas. Guided tours show the historic brewhouse and end in the 1888 Tavern with free tastings for adults. Book tours in advance, especially on summer weekends, and look for the brewery's annual events and festivals.
A small zoo in Roscoe Conkling Park on the south side of Utica, home to red pandas, big cats, sea lions, alligators and a children's zoo with farm animals. It is a manageable visit of about two hours for families. Entry fees are modest; check seasonal hours, as some exhibits close in winter.
A large city park on Utica's south side, designed by the Olmsted firm, with wooded hills, walking paths, a golf course, a ski hill and the Utica Zoo. It offers good views over the Mohawk Valley from its higher points. It is busy on summer weekends; the Boilermaker race route passes nearby.
A wildlife management area along the Mohawk River on the north side of Utica, with trails, boardwalks and observation towers for watching birds such as herons, ducks and migrating songbirds. It is a quiet spot for nature lovers. Bring binoculars and insect repellent in summer, and wear waterproof shoes.
Utica's main arena, originally the Utica Memorial Auditorium, with a distinctive suspended cable roof built in the late 1950s. It is home to the Utica Comets hockey team and hosts concerts and events. Buy tickets ahead for weekend games, which are popular, and use nearby parking lots.
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