20 Unique Things To Do In Syracuse New York

1. Discover The World Of Shopping Destiny USA

Destiny USA is a 2.4 million square foot entertainment and shopping paradise in Syracuse, NY. One can enjoy luxury shopping, savor delectable dining, and thrilling entertainment options. It is the largest shopping mall in the state of New York and ranks as the ninth largest in the entire country.

Here, Visitors can discover the world of shopping at Destiny USA with its wide range of name brands, athletic gear, home goods, jewelry stores, budget shopping, and beauty shops. For entertainment, especially on rainy days, there are numerous options such as Get Air, an IMAX theater, Canyon Climb Adventure, Dave and Busters, mini-golf, an escape room, go-karts, and a mirror maze.

2. Stop By Clinton Square For It's Heritage

Clinton Square which is located in downtown Syracuse, New York, is a vibrant public square celebrated for its rich historical architecture. It is held by a significant or historic event such as Syracuse City Hall and the Onondaga County Courthouse, this square invites you to experience the heart of the city's heritage.

Get ready to experience an array of exciting festivals and outdoor events at Clinton Square! From the sizzling Bacon Fest and lively Crawfish Festival to the vibrant Polish Fest, soulful Blues Fest, and the festive Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, there's something for everyone.

Join for the Irish Fest, savor the flavors at Taste of Syracuse, or explore the bounties of the all-summer-long Farmers Market. Clinton Square is the place to be for endless entertainment.

3. Explore The Everson Museum Of Art

The Everson Museum of Art is located in Syracuse, New York in which there are over 11,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and video art. It is open for 4 days (Sunday to Wednesday), showing a large number of exhibits, exhibitions, and community events.

The museum points to present-day American art, along with multiple traveling displays. It offers different educational programs for individuals of all ages, such as guided tours, workshops, and lectures, focused in  encouraging an understanding and appreciation of visual arts.

4. Travel Over Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Rosamond Gifford Zoo is home to different types of animals, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds, and fish. Among the amphibians, there are poison dart frogs, salamanders, and the hellbender, as well as rare reptiles like the Komodo dragon and the banded Gila monster.

The zoo also provides educational programs and conservation initiatives focused on fostering awareness about wildlife and the need for habitat preservation. Here, the visitors can feed giraffes and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. It's the ultimate destination for families and animal lovers in Central New York.

5. Capture The Moment At The Jma Wireless Dome

In the Jma Wireless Dome, you can experience the excitement of college sports in the grand domed stadium lie within the Syracuse University campus.  The stadium has more than 30,000 seats and is home to Syracuse Orange football, basketball, and lacrosse teams. Join it for thrilling moments and unforgettable memories.

The JMA Wireless Dome, formerly known as the Carrier Dome, also holds other sporting events, like championship games, matches, and competitions, Monster Jam, and dozens of big-name performers have had concerts here. These include Grateful Dead, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Drake, Kanye West, Taylor Swift, and Kenney Chesney amongst dozens of others.

6. Be Amused By The Music Of Maxwells

Maxwell's in Syracuse is an iconic music venue and bar nestled on the vibrant Syracuse University campus. Embraced by the local music scene for years, it has showcased electrifying performances by both homegrown talents and renowned national artists.

It is the ultimate destination for fantastic food, great drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere. As the premier spot for craft burgers and beer, it's a must-visit. You'll also love their mouthwatering brick oven pizza and lively pub menu. Don't miss out on experiencing the best of Syracuse at Maxwell's!

7. Explore Green Lakes State Park

Nestled in upstate New York, near Syracuse, you will find the breathtaking Green Lakes State Park. It is mostly known for its two glacial lakes, Green Lake and Round Lake, which are famous for their mesmerizing rare green hues.

These lakes are called "meromictic lakes." This means they have multiple layers of water that don't mix. Because of this, the lakes are likely to contain evidence of ancient animal and plant life.

In this park, visitors can enjoy the different outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, and bird-watching. It also a suitable picnic areas and a golf course for visitors to enjoy.

8. Come To See Onondaga Lake Park

Onondaga Lake Park is a seven-mile stretch of lakeside bliss in Syracuse, New York. With four picturesque trails to explore on foot, you can easily spend a day hiking or strolling along the water. If you prefer to get out on the water, grab a kayak or canoe and paddle around the lake. And when winter arrives, the park transforms into a cross-country skier's paradise.

It is more than just a pretty face. It's a hub of activity with events, concerts, and even a Salt Museum. Whether you're hiking, kayaking, skiing, or just soaking up the scenery, there's something for everyone. It features shaded picnic areas, ballfields, waterfront lawns, and a fishing pier.

9.Explore The Community Folk Art Center

Being a “vibrant cultural and artistic hub committed to the promotion and development of artists of the African Diaspora,” the Community Folk Art Center takes great delight in this statement. It is the place where the community comes together with originality.

The art center is focused on preserving the arts the visitors are also allowed to take a look at film screenings, and gallery talks and can participate in live workshops and classes. In-house exhibits at the art center change throughout the year and the center offers virtual exhibits.

10. Hiking To Pratt's Falls

Pratt's Falls Park is a county park in Pompey, New York, United States, Standing at 137 feet, hiking to Pratt’s Falls is a favorite amongst locals and visitors. While there is a viewing platform near the falls, most people opt to take a short hike down to the base of the falls.

It is a magical escape from the city. Picture yourself surrounded by lush greenery, the soothing sound of rushing water, and the sweet smell of pine. There's a small pond at the top of the falls for fishing.

If you are interested in watching different kinds of bird, you must visit here. Even if you just want to relax and soak up nature's beauty, Pratt's Falls is your perfect sanctuary

11. Explore The Salt Museum

Syracuse was built on salt and the Salt Museum pays homage to that heritage. It is home to one of the first-ever boiling blocks, and one of the first salt-making machines invented here. It boiled away the water, leaving pure salt which was then shipped across the country.

Although saltmaking stopped here in the 1920s, you can still see the old tools they used, like big pots and wooden tubs. There is a map that the visitors can download for a self-guided tour of the exhibits and artifacts. The museum has many heritage sites and souvenir shops.

12. Take A Look At Niagara Mohawk Building

The Niagra Mohawk Building built in 1932 is one of the most interesting architectural buildings in Syracuse. This building is the former headquarters of a major power company.

The Features and unique details of this building show how an architectural treasure can become a history for any art lover. It is also known as a national treasure as proof of Syracuse's rich heritage.

It is an electricity and natural gas supplier to about 1.6 million customers in upstate New York that has its roots in the hydroelectric potential of the region's many rivers.

13. Recreation Activities In Labrador Hollow

Labrador Hollow is an outdoor recreation area with loads of things to do. The park is open throughout the year so it's easier for visitors to visit at any time in the year. When people visit the park they like to paddleboard, kayak, fish, hunt, hike and view wildlife. During the winter months, hiking trails are used for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. 

It's Boardwalk makes it easy for wheelchairs and strollers to explore areas of the park. Tinker Falls can also be found in the area. This 50-foot waterfall has a trail leading to the top of the falls, as well as the bottom. Both trails are short and most people make a loop of both.

It is fun for everyone! You can walk around easy paths, see a cool waterfall, and learn about nature.

14. BeaverLake Nature Center

The Beaver Lake Nature Center contains 670 acres of various habitats, hiking trails, lakes, migrating wildlife, a wildlife observation room, a visitors center, a children’s room, and a gift shop. It is open most days of the year. It has 8 trails of varying length, with the longest the Lake Loop coming in at 3 miles.

Some of the trails are boardwalks, allowing wheelchairs and strollers to easily explore the area, including an elevated boardwalk over the wetlands. Birding tours are offered weekly, where you can learn how to spot and identify migrating birds in the area. Visitors can experience canoeing or kayaking in this nature center.

15. Amusement Park At Wonderworks Destiny

Get ready for fun and learning at WonderWorks Destiny in Syracuse, New York! This unique amusement park features live show, thrilling rides, and interactive displays that will amaze visitors of all ages. It is perfect for family outings and school field trips.

Get ready for a thrilling challenge! WonderWorks' ropes course is towering 70 feet high, making it the tallest in the country. With over 80 obstacles to navigate, it's not for the faint of heart.

It is a family fun fairytale! Let your kids unleash their energy in the Laser Tag Combat Zone or experience the excitement of a 4D XD Motion Ride.

16. Hypnotic View Of Three Falls Woods

Three Falls Woods is a serene nature preserve located in Syracuse, New York. 

It is a designated Critical Environmental Area that protects rare geology and natural features, as well as endangered species. Hiking through the woods, Visitors can also visit a pond on the north end of the park and a limestone ledge that overlooks the gorge.

It gets its name from the three waterfalls that you can find there — Staircase, Tall Twins, and Bridalveil. There are also smaller waterfalls throughout the woods, called Little Twins and Cascade Falls. All these falls are seasonal, meaning they are at their best during spring and early summer, or after a good rainstorm. 

17. Exporing The Erie Canal Museum

The Erie Canal was built in the early 1800s and was a major feat for its time. Housed in a historic weighlock building, the museum offers interactive exhibits, artifacts, and a replica canal boat to immerse visitors in canal life

Want to take a boat ride like in old times? Visit the Erie Canal Museum! 

Kids love the Erie Canal Museum too! There's a special spot just for them with books, old-fashioned toys, dress-up clothes, and even a puppet theater. It's fun and educational!

18. Experience The Magic Of The Great New York State Fair

The New York State Fair is a massive, yearly celebration held every late August and early September. It's the longest-running state fair in the entire country! Over a million people come each year to enjoy the fun, food, and festivities.

For thirteen thrilling days, the New York State Fair transforms into a wonderland of fun! Enjoy mouthwatering treats, heart-pounding rides, exciting games, and live music under the open sky. It's a massive celebration you won't want to miss!

19. A great Hike To Clark Reservation State Park

Clark Reservation is a fun place to hike! It has cool rocks, forests, and a special lake made by a big waterfall a long time ago. There are lots of trails for walking, so you can explore and enjoy nature.

Shaped by the power of ancient ice, the site was once home to a colossal waterfall. Carved out by melting glaciers at the end of the Ice Age, the massive cascade has since receded, leaving behind a serene lake in its place.

Clark Reservation is great for fishing too! You can catch fish like pickerel, bullheads, and sunfish. It's also fun to swim in the lake, but be careful because there are no lifeguards.

20. Check Out The NBT Bank Stadium

NBT Bank Stadium is a public ballpark located in Syracuse, New York. It is also home to a minor-league baseball team i.e. Syracuse Mets.

Love baseball? Check out a game at NBT Bank Stadium! It's where the Syracuse Mets play – that's the New York Mets' farm team. But there's more than just baseball here.  The stadium is also used for other sporting events and concerts. 

Catch a future MLB star at the Syracuse Mets! The newly renovated NBT Bank Stadium offers a fantastic game-day experience with plenty of parking, yummy food, cool shops, and more. Enjoy a summer night cheering on the Mets and maybe even spot tomorrow's baseball legends.