Cass Park
Bustling Ithaca park with waterfront trails, a pool, ice rink, playground, and a charming Children's Garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Cass Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bustling Ithaca park with waterfront trails, a pool, ice rink, playground, and a charming Children's Garden.
"A wonderful park right on the inlet with beautiful breezes and activities year-round."
🚶♀️ Paved Trails Galore
Enjoy flat, paved paths perfect for walking, running, or rollerblading along the water. :athletic_shoe:
🏊♀️ Pool Fun
The park's pool is clean and a great spot for summer fun. Check hours before you go! :smiley:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inlet Waterfront Trails
Along Cayuga Inlet
Enjoy flat, paved paths perfect for walking, running, or rollerblading with scenic water views.
Community Pool
Cass Park Pool
A clean and refreshing spot for a summer dip, offering a great way to cool off.
Year-Round Ice Rink
Cass Park Ice Rink
Offers ice skating fun in winter and roller skating in warmer months.
Children's Garden
Cass Park Children's Garden
An educational and fun space for kids with plenty to explore and discover.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Seasonal Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Paved Trails Galore
Enjoy flat, paved paths perfect for walking, running, or rollerblading along the water. :athletic_shoe:
🏊♀️ Pool Fun
The park's pool is clean and a great spot for summer fun. Check hours before you go! :smiley:
⛸️ Ice & Roller Rink
Offers ice skating in winter and roller skating in warmer months. Fun for everyone! :ice_skate:
🐢 Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for turtles, especially near the Children's Garden. They can be quite large! :turtle:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Paved Trails Galore
Enjoy flat, paved paths perfect for walking, running, or rollerblading along the water. :athletic_shoe:
🏊♀️ Pool Fun
The park's pool is clean and a great spot for summer fun. Check hours before you go! :smiley:
⛸️ Ice & Roller Rink
Offers ice skating in winter and roller skating in warmer months. Fun for everyone! :ice_skate:
🐢 Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for turtles, especially near the Children's Garden. They can be quite large! :turtle:
⚽ Sports Fields
Great for organized sports or just letting kids run free in open fields. :soccer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cass Park is a well-loved city park offering a variety of amenities for all ages, from its scenic waterfront trails and children's garden to its seasonal ice and roller rink. Visitors appreciate its cleanliness, accessibility, and the pleasant breezes from the inlet. Some note that certain facilities, like the pool and rink, have associated fees.
"This is a wonderful park right on the inlet. It gets beautiful breezes. There are walking, rollerblading, running trails. This is a great place for kids for organized sports or to just play in a field. It has multiple access points and the Rink has a ton of activities year round.
The pool is clean and great too!"
A. Lambert
"Wonderful Children's Garden - educational information in a really fun setting; so much to see! We stopped there as a break on a long road trip. There are plenty of paths to stretch the legs. Great place. Just watch out for giant turtles - this one looked hungry!"
Theresa Jack
"This is a pretty good city park. It has bal diamonds, running trails, playground, calisthenics based exercise stations, a Marina, swimming pool, and ice/roller rink. Some things you may have to pay for but it's definitely worth the prices they're asking. I recommend Cass park to everyone."
Dylan Dingler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cass Park is conveniently located on the Cayuga Inlet in Ithaca, NY. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors also find it a pleasant destination for biking or walking, especially if staying nearby. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the park.
Yes, Cass Park offers parking facilities for visitors. The amount of parking can vary, especially during peak times or events, so arriving earlier is recommended.
Absolutely! Cass Park is a great destination for cyclists. The paved trails around the park and along the inlet are perfect for a leisurely ride.
While specific routes can change, Ithaca generally has public transportation options. It's best to check the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) website for the most up-to-date information on bus routes that service Cass Park or nearby areas.
Cass Park is about a 3.5-hour drive from Philadelphia, making it a feasible day trip or weekend getaway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cass Park itself is generally free to enter and enjoy the grounds, trails, and playgrounds. However, some specific facilities within the park, such as the swimming pool and the ice/roller rink, may have separate admission fees or require tickets for use.
Park grounds are typically open from dawn to dusk. Specific facilities like the pool and rink have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally and daily. It's recommended to check the official Ithaca Parks and Recreation website or call ahead for the most current hours of operation for the pool and rink.
Yes, for public skating sessions at the Cass Park Ice Rink, you will likely need to purchase tickets. Prices can vary, and it's a good idea to check their schedule and pricing online before your visit.
Cass Park hosts various events throughout the year, from sports tournaments to seasonal activities at the rink. Keep an eye on local event listings or the Ithaca Parks and Recreation website for announcements.
For organized sports or larger gatherings, you may be able to reserve athletic fields or picnic areas. Contact Ithaca Parks and Recreation for information on group reservations and facility rentals.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Cass Park offers a wide range of activities, including walking and running on paved trails, swimming in the pool, ice skating or roller skating at the rink, playing on the playground, and enjoying the Children's Garden. There are also athletic fields for sports.
Absolutely! Cass Park is very family-friendly, featuring a playground, a dedicated Children's Garden, and open fields for play. The pool and rink also provide entertainment for children.
The park boasts flat, paved trails that are ideal for walking, running, rollerblading, and dog walking. They run along the Cayuga Inlet, offering pleasant views.
Yes, Cass Park has a dedicated swimming pool that is open seasonally. You can also find swimming areas in nearby gorges, but always adhere to posted signs and safety guidelines.
While specific picnic tables might be limited, the park offers plenty of open green space perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a picnic.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Cass Park itself does not typically have on-site restaurants. However, its location in Ithaca means there are numerous dining options nearby, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a great option. The park's open spaces are perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors.
Ithaca has a vibrant food scene. You can find various cafes, delis, and restaurants within a short drive or bike ride from Cass Park. The Ithaca Farmers Market is also a popular spot for diverse food vendors.
While not a permanent fixture, food trucks may be present during special events or festivals held at Cass Park. It's best to check event schedules for specific information.
The Ithaca Farmers Market, a short distance from Cass Park, offers a wide array of local produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and international cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront along Cayuga Inlet offers beautiful views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The Children's Garden provides charming, colorful backdrops, and the ice rink can be picturesque in winter.
While Cass Park is a city park, its location on the inlet and the presence of the Children's Garden offer opportunities for nature-inspired photography. For more dramatic natural scenery, consider nearby gorges like Buttermilk Falls or Robert H. Treman State Park.
Drone usage is often restricted in city parks and near public facilities due to privacy and safety concerns. It's crucial to check local regulations and park rules regarding drone operation before flying.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most flattering light for photography along the waterfront. Midday can be bright, but the Children's Garden offers shade and interesting subjects.
The combination of urban park amenities with waterfront views provides a unique backdrop. The seasonal transformation of the ice rink into a roller rink also offers distinct photographic moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During warmer months, the swimming pool is a major draw. In cooler weather, the ice rink (which converts to roller skating) provides year-round entertainment. The open fields are also great for impromptu games of catch or simply letting kids run around.
🏃♀️ Active Individuals & Runners
The park also features athletic fields that can be used for various sports, and the ice/roller rink provides a dedicated space for skating. It’s a great spot to get your exercise in a pleasant, accessible environment.
📸 Photographers
While Cass Park offers urban park aesthetics, for more dramatic natural landscapes, consider nearby gorges like Buttermilk Falls or Robert H. Treman State Park for waterfall and gorge photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Ithaca's Gorges
These parks feature well-maintained paths that wind through the gorges, allowing visitors to get up close to the waterfalls. Be prepared for stairs and uneven terrain in some areas. The best time to visit these gorges is often after a good rain for maximum waterfall flow, but always check trail conditions and safety advisories.
Many visitors combine a trip to Cass Park with an exploration of these natural wonders, creating a well-rounded Ithaca experience that balances urban park enjoyment with the raw beauty of the Finger Lakes region.
Year-Round Activities at the Rink
As the weather warms up, the rink doesn't close down; it transitions to roller skating. This dual-purpose facility ensures that Cass Park remains an active destination throughout the year, catering to different interests and seasons. It's a fantastic community resource that provides accessible entertainment for all ages.
Checking the rink's schedule is crucial, as public skating and roller skating times vary, and special events or private rentals can affect availability. This adaptability makes the rink a valuable asset for both locals and visitors looking for active fun.
Family Fun and the Children's Garden
Beyond the garden, the park features a well-equipped playground and expansive athletic fields. These open spaces are perfect for unstructured play, sports, or simply letting children run freely. The park's flat, paved trails are also ideal for strollers and for kids learning to ride bikes or rollerblade.
With amenities like the swimming pool and the year-round rink, Cass Park provides a variety of activities to keep children entertained throughout the year, making it a go-to destination for family outings in Ithaca.
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