McGraw Tower Cornell (Cornell Chimes)

McGraw Tower is centrally located on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York. It's easily accessible on foot from most campus buildings. If arriving by car, look for campus parking options near the Arts Quad or Olin Library.

Limited visitor parking is available in garages and lots around the Cornell campus. It's best to check the Cornell University Parking Services website for the most up-to-date information on availability and rates.

While the tower itself is an iconic landmark visible from many parts of campus, access to the interior for chimes concerts is limited to scheduled times. The exterior is always accessible.

The most popular way to experience McGraw Tower is by attending a chimes concert. You can also climb the stairs to the top for incredible views.

Unfortunately, access to the top of McGraw Tower requires climbing 161 steps, making it inaccessible for those with significant mobility challenges.

No, tickets are not required for chimes concerts. Students and community members are welcome to attend all concerts without a reservation, except where noted on the schedule.

Attending a chimes concert and climbing the tower to the observation level is free of charge.

Chimes concerts are held daily, but specific times vary. It's best to check the official Cornell Chimes concert schedule online for the most accurate daily listings.

The door to McGraw Tower typically opens approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled concert time.

Yes, it's often possible to ask questions of the chimes master after the concert, which can be a very insightful experience.

You can attend a live chimes concert, climb 161 steps to the top for panoramic views of campus and Ithaca, and learn about the tower's history and the famous pumpkin prank.

The views from the top are spectacular, offering a sweeping panorama of Cornell's beautiful campus, the town of Ithaca, and the surrounding natural landscapes, including waterfalls.

Chimes concerts typically last around 15-20 minutes, providing a delightful interlude to your campus visit.

The climb involves many stairs, which can be tiring, but the tower itself is safe. Some may find the height at the top daunting if they have a fear of heights.

In 1997, a 60-pound pumpkin was mysteriously impaled on the spire of McGraw Tower, 173 feet up. How it got there remains an unsolved campus prank and a popular legend.

Early morning or late afternoon offer beautiful lighting for photos. Sunset views from the top are particularly stunning. Graduation photos are also very popular here.

Yes, you can take photos during a chimes concert, but be respectful of the performers and other attendees.

The area around the Arts Quad offers great perspectives of the tower. The view from the top provides a sweeping photographic panorama of the campus and beyond.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the tower's architecture and the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on campus.

The original pumpkin prank was in 1997 and is no longer there. However, it's a popular topic of conversation and a fun story to capture in photos of the tower itself.