Explore Herkimer, New York

Herkimer is a village in Herkimer County, New York on the northern banks of the Mohawk River. European settlers began to arrive in the area that would become Herkimer during the early 18th century. Originally, the new community near the Mohawk River was called Burnetsfield in honor of the governor at the time. In 1725, the Burnetsfield Patent gave 100-acre lots to 90 families in the area. The settlement was attacked twice during the French and Indian War and multiple times during the Revolutionary War. In 1788, a new township named Herkimer was established in the area, and in 1791, it was named the county seat. By 1797, the village of Herkimer had a population of approximately 250, and it was officially incorporated in 1807.

As of 2023, the population of Herkimer is approximately 7,000, and the city is mainly known as the home of the famed Herkimer Diamond Mines. If you visit the mines, you can see how quartz diamonds are mined and even try out the experience yourself. Herkimer also contains many scenic parks worth exploring, like Myers Park, where you can enjoy a picnic and listen to live music. There's also the Plantation Island Wildlife Management Center, which is an excellent place to take a bike ride and observe the local wildlife. If you're looking for more challenging mountain biking trails, you should spend an afternoon at Russell Park.

If you want to learn more about Herkimer's long and unique history, stop by the Herkimer County Historical Society while you're in town. You could also explore the area by taking a relaxing cruise on the Erie Canal or strolling along the Mohawk River, where you'll encounter a variety of bustling shops and restaurants. When you get hungry, you should try Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner, which offers delicious food and a nostalgic 1950s-themed atmosphere.

Campgrounds Near Herkimer, New York

While exploring the Herkimer area, you could camp at Delta Lake State Park, which is about 35 miles north and west of Herkimer. You can rent an RV campsite, and while you're there, you'll be provided with several basic amenities. The best thing about the campground, though, is the convenient access to many recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing.

You may also want to stop by the Herkimer Diamond KOA Resort, which offers 140 full-hookup RV campsites. Situated on the shores of West Cada Creek, the campground offers guests the opportunity to check out the on-site Herkimer Diamond Mine. The park also features a gift shop, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and fishing in the nearby creek.

Another good option is to camp at the West Cada Creek Campsites, located just outside the town of Poland, New York. Also located along West Cada Creek, the campground offers canoe and kayak rentals as well as excellent nearby fishing, swimming, and floating opportunities. Plus, during your stay, you can enjoy amenities like the camp store, showers, a swimming pool, and lots of outdoor games for the kids.

State Parks Near Herkimer, New York

Glimmerglass State Park is a serene waterfront park located mostly within the city of Springfield, New York. During the spring and summer, the park is a popular place for hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking. However, the area is mostly known as a wonderful spot for winter recreation. When the weather gets cold and snowy, visitors can partake in ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. When its cold enough, you can even use the nearby lake for ice skating.

Gilbert Lake State Park encompasses 1,584 acres and contains several placid bodies of water. The park's ponds and lakes are popular destinations for activities like fishing, boating, and watersports. If you don't have your own watercraft, you can rent a boat right at the park. If you'd rather stay on land, there are 12 miles of scenic hiking trails running through the area. During the winter, those same trails can be utilized for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. If you feel like learning something new, you can spend a few hours browsing the on-site New York State Civilian Conservation Corps Museum.

Located on a peninsula extending into Delta Lake in Rome, New York, Delta Lake State Park is a popular destination for family getaways. The park boasts many amenities, including picnic areas, basketball and volleyball courts, and baseball fields. While enjoying the park's lovely scenery, visitors can also partake in a wide variety of recreational activities. These include hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, birdwatching, and snowmobiling. Those who prefer water-based fun can head out to the lake for an afternoon of fishing, canoeing, swimming, Jet skiing, or sailboarding.

National Sites Near Herkimer, New York

At Fort Stanwix National Monument, you'll find a reconstructed military defense base called Fort Stanwix. The fort was originally constructed by the British in 1758 during the French and Indian War. The fort was later surrendered to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. These days, the reconstructed fort, which is located in Rome, New York, serves to commemorate the American forces who fought there and all the challenges they faced. During your visit, you can explore the fascinating fort and stop by the Willett Visitor Center to learn more about its history. There are also several nearby hiking trails and museums worth visiting.

Another national site relating to American military history is Saratoga National Historical Park. The site is a monument to the first major American victory during the Revolutionary War. At Saratoga, with the help of the French, the Americans were able to defeat the larger British forces. The site is spread across several different locations, including the Saratoga Monument, the country estate of Philip Schuyler, and interesting trails like the Victory Woods Trail, the Wilkinson Trail, and the Liaison Trail.

If you're an aficionado of the fine arts, you'll want to check out the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill, New York. There, you can experience the birthplace of the famous art movement known as the Hudson River School. Visitors can stop by significant historic locations like the 1815 Main House, Coles New Studio, and the 1839 Old Studio. While you're there, you can take a guided tour and learn all about the life of Thomas Cole, who was an iconic artist in his time. You should also take some time to explore the Hudson River School Art Trail.

National Forests Near Herkimer, New York

If you're looking for a scenic recreation area in upstate New York, look no further than Finger Lakes National Forest. Although it's the second smallest national forest in the country, the area is home to lush groves, towering waterfalls, and spectacular gorges. The forest provides lovely opportunities for hiking, biking, geocaching, fishing, and cross-country skiing, just to name a few. If you visit the area during a winter evening, you'll want to keep your eyes open for the magnificent Northern Lights.

Green Mountain National Forest, which spans areas of southwestern and central Vermont, is not only a beautiful nature area, but it's also a superb destination for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Some of the creatures inhabiting the forest include moose, beavers, black bears, white-tailed deer, foxes, coyotes, wild turkeys, black-throated blue warblers, scarlet tanagers, and many other unique species. While exploring the forest, you can navigate scenic trails such as the Stratton Mountain Loop via Long Trail and the North Bourne Pond Loop. You can also stop by a few of the 2,000-plus archaeological and historic sites spread throughout the area.

Spanning parts of both New Hampshire and Maine, White Mountain National Forest encompasses roughly 800,000 acres of majestic peaks, dense woodlands, placid lakes, and rushing rivers. In this gorgeous and diverse natural haven, visitors can partake in hiking, fishing, boating, camping, stargazing, and birdwatching. If you're bold enough, you can even climb to the summit of one of the forest's towering mountains. There are also quite a few well-maintained campgrounds where visitors can enjoy a peaceful nature retreat. If you're a hiking enthusiast, be sure to check out the Alpine Garden Trail, the Albany Brook Trail, and the Three Ponds Trail.