Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

Things To Do Near Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

Start your visit at the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center. This location offers a great opportunity to learn more about her life and the Underground Railroad. Then, join a guided tour of the property. See inside the Tubman Home for the Aged and the outside of the Thompson Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, including its rectory. Then, tour the outside of the home where she lived. End your visit at Fort Hill Cemetery, where she is buried. 

Hiking Trails

• Cato-Meridian Recreation Trail

  This trail starts behind the Cato Recreation Center. At about the midway point, take a break to enjoy the sites at the observation tower. Bald eagles often nest along this loop trail between April 15 and June 15. 

  Location

  Cato Recreation Center, 2851 New York 370, Cato, New York 13033

  Length

  0.9 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Cayuga Community College Trail

  The Cayuga Community College Trail is behind the Franklin Street Campus. This dog-friendly trail runs by small ponds. It is often a great place to go wildlife watching in the early morning or at sunset. 

  Location

  Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin Street, Auburn, New York 13021

  Length

  1 mile

  Intensity

  Easy

• Fort Hill Cemetery Trail

  This trail runs by several of the gravesites in Fort Hill Cemetery, including Harriet Tubman’s grave. It also runs by the grave of William H. Seward, who served as a United States Secretary of State. 

  Location

  Fort Hill Cemetery, 19 Fort Street, Auburn, New York 13021

  Length

  1.3 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Emerson Park

  Emerson Park is a 135-acre facility on Owasco Lake’s shores. You can go paddling and swimming in this lake. There are several historical attractions to see, including the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. Children will love the two playgrounds, and you can play disc golf or baseball on the diamond. 

  Location

  6914 East Lake Road, Route 38A, Auburn, New York 13021

• Fair Havens Art Center

  Located in a home built in 1864, the Fair Havens Art Center provides you with many hands-on art activities. They also host frequent exhibitions. Drama, music, and art all happen within this facility, so check out their calendar. 

  Location

  562 Main Street, Fair Haven, New York 13064

• Bahar Preserve & Carpenter's Falls

  Climb the hill to the overlook to see the 100-foot-deep Bear Swamp Creek ravine at Bahar Preserve & Carpenter's Falls. You can go kayaking in Skaneateles Lake by launching your vessel from the 65 feet of shoreline. There is also a beautiful waterfall to watch. 

  Location

  3800 Appletree Point Road, Skaneateles, New York 13152

Museums

• Cayuga Museum of History and Art and Case Research Lab

  The three buildings at Cayuga Museum of History and Art and Case Research Lab each have a different theme. The Case Research Laboratory is where Theodore Case created the first talking-movie machine. The mansion offers many local history displays, including the Auburn Correctional Facility. The Carriage House Theater is a multi-purpose space where local groups often put on concerts and shows. 

  Location

  203 Genesee Street, Auburn, New York 13021

• Seward House Museum

  See political and travel souvenirs, decorative arts, and photographs that span William Seward’s nearly 40-year political career as a state senator, secretary of state, and holder of other political offices. One exhibit focuses on the relationship between William Seward and Harriet Tubman. Four acres of lush gardens surround the house, which was built in 1816.

  Location

  33 South Street, Auburn, New York 13021

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Suzy Q’s

  Find one-of-a-kind artwork from local artists at Suzy Q’s. You can also pick up various cards and stationery. This shop is also a great place to shop for essential oils. 

  Location

  449 North Seward Avenue, Auburn, New York 13021

• Lake House Gifts

  You will feel like you have stepped back in time when you visit Lake House Gifts. This store, divided into 30 departments, features local honey and syrups. They also sell a variety of wall art, with many having wildlife or religious themes. Shop their collection of home décor to find the perfect item for your RV or house and choose gifts to give to friends. 

  Location

  3953 East Genesee Street Road, Auburn, New York 13021

• Café 108

  All proceeds from Café 108 go to supporting Auburn Public Theater. Start your day with a fresh cup of coffee roasted right in the restaurant. Then, come back at lunchtime for scrumptious entrees created with local produce. There are many vegan and vegetarian entrees on the menu. 

  Location

  08 Genesee Street, Auburn, New York 13021

• Osteria Salina

  Wood-fired cuisine and a raw food bar are available at Osteria Salina. This upscale restaurant is also a great place to get an outstanding steak. Valet parking is offered at this downtown Auburn restaurant. 

  Location

  16 State Street, Auburn, New York 13021

How To Get To Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

It is easy to get to Harriet Tubman National Historical Park from throughout the Finger Lakes region by taking Interstate 90 to Exit 41 for New York 414 toward Waterloo Clyde. Stay right at the fork to get on New York 414 South. Turn left onto New York 318 East. Turn right onto US 20 East and another right onto New York 326 West. Turn left onto Wright Avenue and right onto Columbus Street. This road will become Dunning Avenue. Turn left on Clymer Avenue and left onto Thorton Avenue. Then, turn right on Clymer Street and right on South Street. Your destination will be on your left. The best time to visit this site is often in the spring and fall as it can get busy in the summer when families are coming to the region for their vacations. 

Address

180 South Street, Auburn, New York 13021

Fee: Entry fee $0

While you may have a basic understanding of who Harriet Tubman was, you can gain a deeper appreciation for her life by touring the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. Bringing your RV to the Finger Lakes region is a great way to experience all the sights and sounds of this popular tourist area after you finish visiting the park. If you do not have an RV, rent one on RVshare.com.