Finger Lakes Boating Museum
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Finger Lakes Boating Museum

4.7
·178 reviews·Hammondsport, United States

Discover the maritime heart of the Finger Lakes with a stunning collection of classic wooden boats and a unique lake tour.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Finger Lakes Boating Museum

Finger Lakes Boating Museum

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the maritime heart of the Finger Lakes with a stunning collection of classic wooden boats and a unique lake tour.

4.7
(178 reviews)

"A local gem showcasing pristine boats and offering a memorable Keuka Lake experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

Don't Miss the Boat Tour! ⛴️

The Pat II ferry boat ride on Keuka Lake is highly recommended for all ages.

Check for Live Music :musical_note:

The museum sometimes hosts live music events, adding a special ambiance to your visit.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 178 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Classic Wooden Boats

Classic Wooden Boats

Main Exhibition Halls

Marvel at meticulously restored antique and classic wooden boats, a testament to local craftsmanship.

Pat II Boat Tour

Pat II Boat Tour

Keuka Lake (departing from museum)

Experience Keuka Lake on a historic ferry boat, lovingly reconstructed with volunteer hours.

Workshop Wonders

Workshop Wonders

Museum Workshops

Peek into the ongoing restoration projects and see craftsmen at work in the museum's workshops.

Historic Wine Cellar

Historic Wine Cellar

Lower Levels

Explore a fascinating old wine cellar integrated into the museum's unique historical building.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Charm

This museum is a community-driven gem, showcasing the rich maritime history of the Finger Lakes. Expect a hands-on, local feel rather than a polished, large-scale institution. It's a fantastic stop for families and boat enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

Plan for the Elements

Some visitors note a lack of air conditioning and potential musty smells, especially on lower levels. Visiting on a cooler day or during less humid periods can enhance comfort. The unique building itself is part of the historical experience.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome to Maddie's First Time Experience: @flbmny ⛵️ If you've never stepped foot in this museum dedicated to all things boats, you're in for a treat! This is a local gem you're gonna want to add to your family's summer bucket list 🤩 📍 8231 Pleasant Valley Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840 - #exploresteuben #steubencounty #fingerlakesboatingmuseum #fingerlakes #myflx #summervacationspots #fingerlakes...
exploresteuben
85 likes • 1.4K views

Don't Miss the Boat Tour! ⛴️

The Pat II ferry boat ride on Keuka Lake is highly recommended for all ages. Instagram

Check for Live Music :musical_note:

The museum sometimes hosts live music events, adding a special ambiance to your visit. Instagram

We recently went on a trip to visit the Finger Lakes Boating Museum and meet with some of their staff. Upstate New York has a rich history of wooden boat, builders, fishermen, and steam boats that were used for transport of people and products in the 1800s. The museum is doing an amazing job of renovating and displaying old wooden boats and teaching workshops on boat building. They also have a nic...
discovercayugalake
17 likes • 328 views
I always love getting a few minutes to poke around the workshops at the Finger Lakes Boating Museum
rosemontbill
13 likes • 173 views

Combine with Nearby Attractions :world_map:

It's conveniently located near the Curtiss Museum, making it easy to visit both in one trip. Reddit

Kid-Friendly Activities :child:

Features dedicated kids' rooms with fun activities to keep younger visitors entertained. Reddit

The Pat 11 boat tour through the Finger Lakes Boating Museum is a must on Keuka Lake! Whether you’ve never been or have spent years on Keuka Lake, the boat tour is phenomenal for all ages. This relaxing, educational tour can accommodate up to 16 passengers. The boat took 7 years to reconstruct and there were over 20,000 volunteer hours put in to get this gorgeous 39’ launch boat built in 1924 b...
fingerlakescountrysides
50 likes • 2.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Don't Miss the Boat Tour! ⛴️

The Pat II ferry boat ride on Keuka Lake is highly recommended for all ages. Instagram

Check for Live Music :musical_note:

The museum sometimes hosts live music events, adding a special ambiance to your visit. Instagram

Combine with Nearby Attractions :world_map:

It's conveniently located near the Curtiss Museum, making it easy to visit both in one trip. Reddit

Kid-Friendly Activities :child:

Features dedicated kids' rooms with fun activities to keep younger visitors entertained. Reddit

Support Youth Programs 🎁

Consider supporting their #GivingTuesday campaigns to help fund youth programs. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(178 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the museum's impressive collection of beautifully preserved antique wooden boats and the dedication of its local curators. While the building's facilities, like air conditioning, are noted as basic, the passion for maritime history and the unique Pat II boat tour on Keuka Lake are consistently highlighted as major draws.

"Great collection of boats, but the museum is pretty-run down. No air conditioning and the lower levels of the museum smell of mold and mildew. The interpretation is also very minimal. That said, the collection of boats is pristine and you can tell that the preservation craftsmen have put a lot of effort in preserving the collection."

John Giblin

"I missed this a couple of weeks ago when I first passed through.🫤 It is very close to the Curtiss Museum. It is possible to spend a couple hours at each and then continue on your journey. 🙌🏻

Upon approaching the boating museum I realized that I wasn't going to make it up that hill with my camper.😲 Conveniently located on the side of the road was a narrow empty parking area by an abandoned building.👍🏻

This museum was put together by the locals and is most certainly an important part of the history of the finger lakes area. I've always liked antique and classic boats. I lived on a lake for 26 years. ⛵So I was interested in the museum and I enjoyed the collection of boats and motors. 🥸

They had an example of a classic boat much like the one my Fad had when I was a kid. 😀

They have a cute little gift shop and I did purchase a very appropriate camper sized handmade cutting board made from beautiful woods 🤩"

Michael Scott

"I’m giving this rating based on location and accessibility, staff enthusiasm, thoughtfulness of displays, historical commitment and quality of materials. This is a fine location for this boat, museum, and they’re reusing a bit of history in selecting the museum building. I hope all of these old Gold Seal buildings eventually can convert to museum space."

Ceecie Bryson

What People Like

Pristine boat collection
Dedicated volunteers
Pat II boat tour

What People Dislike

Lack of AC
Musty smells
Minimal interpretation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at 8231 Pleasant Valley Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840. It's accessible by car, and parking is available nearby, though some visitors have noted finding convenient spots can sometimes be a challenge, especially with larger vehicles like campers. TikTokReddit

It's situated on the side of the road, making it visible. Some visitors have mentioned a convenient, though sometimes narrow, parking area near an abandoned building. Reddit

Driving is the most common method. The scenic Finger Lakes region offers beautiful drives, and the museum is a great stop on a larger itinerary. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Specific hours can vary seasonally. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Instagram

Admission fees are generally reasonable, reflecting its community-run nature. Check their website for current pricing. Some local libraries offer VIP passes that may include entry. Instagram

While advance tickets might not always be necessary, it's a good idea to check if they offer online booking, especially if you plan to attend a special event like a concert. Instagram

Look into local library programs like the 'Very Important Places' (VIP) Pass program, which can offer discounted or free admission to various attractions. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore a fantastic collection of antique and classic wooden boats, learn about their restoration, see old motors, and even visit a historic wine cellar. They also have kids' activity rooms and sometimes host live music. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, it's considered family-friendly with dedicated kids' rooms offering fun activities. The boat tour is also enjoyable for all ages. InstagramReddit

The Pat II is a historic ferry boat that has been reconstructed and converted to electric power. The tour offers a relaxing and educational experience on Keuka Lake, accommodating up to 16 passengers. Instagram

While the collection is pristine, some visitors note the building itself can be a bit run-down, with no air conditioning and potential musty smells on lower levels. However, the staff are enthusiastic and the displays are thoughtfully curated. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions or ask staff if you're unsure, especially when photographing restoration work. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself doesn't typically have a full-service restaurant, but it does have a cute little gift shop where you might find small snacks or souvenirs. Reddit

Hammondsport and the surrounding Finger Lakes region offer numerous wineries with restaurants, charming cafes, and local eateries. It's a great area for food and wine enthusiasts. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the intricate details of the classic wooden boats, the ongoing restoration work in the workshops, and the scenic views from the Pat II boat tour. The unique building architecture also offers interesting shots. Instagram+1

Absolutely. The combination of historic boats, the lake setting, and the charming Finger Lakes countryside provides ample opportunities for beautiful photography. Instagram

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