Elmira Travel Guide

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Elmira, located in the beautiful region of New York State, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled in the southern tier of the state, this charming city has something to offer every type of traveler.

Nature enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise when visiting Elmira. The city is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Just a short drive away is the picturesque Finger Lakes region, famous for its stunning lakes and rolling hills. Canoeing, fishing, and hiking are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed in this outdoor playground.

For history buffs, Elmira is a treasure trove of fascinating stories. The city played a significant role in the Civil War, and visitors can explore the history of the era at the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp, where thousands of Confederate soldiers were held captive. Another must-visit is the Chemung Valley History Museum, which showcases the rich heritage of the region through exhibits and artifacts.

Elmira also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to the renowned Arnot Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of European and American art. Art lovers can also explore the many galleries and studios scattered throughout the city, showcasing the works of local and regional artists. For a dose of performing arts, the Clemens Center hosts a variety of shows, including Broadway productions and live music performances.

Foodies will delight in Elmira's culinary offerings. The city is known for its farm-to-table dining experiences, with many restaurants sourcing their ingredients locally. From cozy cafes serving up freshly brewed coffee to upscale eateries offering innovative cuisine, Elmira has something for every palate.

Alternative names: Population: 28.2 thous.Area: 7.58 mi²Elevation: 856 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°5'27"N, 76°48'35"W

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Elmira Top Attractions

Elmira Attractions - What to See and Explore

Elmira offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: First Arena, Chemung County Historical Society, Park Church, Clemens Square. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Arenas and stadiums • Hockey • Sport venue
First Arena
The First Arena is a 3,784-seat multi-purpose facility located in downtown Elmira, New York. It features two ice surfaces, a full-service restaurant and bar, a food service center for the recreational rink, video game arcade, 31 luxury suites, party/group outing facilities, and meeting/community rooms among other amenities.
Museum • History museum
Chemung County Historical Society
The Chemung County Historical Society is headquartered in the historic Chemung Canal Bank Building in Elmira, New York. It is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and presentation of the history of the Chemung River Valley region.
Church • Central West Elmira
Park Church
Park Church runs the length of an entire city block in Elmira, New York. The church was constructed from 1874 through 1876, replacing its much smaller, wooden predecessor. It was designed by Horatio Nelson White. The design of the limestone and brick church is highly eclectic.

Park • Theater • Performing arts
Clemens Square
The Clemens Center is a concert and theater center in Elmira, New York. It is named after Samuel Clemens, whose pen name was Mark Twain and was often resident in Elmira when writing his books.
Museum • Art museum
Arnot Art Museum
Arnot Art Museum, opened 1913, is a municipal art museum located at 235 Lake Street in Elmira, New York. Its permanent collection includes 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century European paintings; and 19th- and 20th-century American art.
Church • Romanesque architecture
Erste Deutsche Evangelische Kirche
The Erste Deutsche Evangelische Kirche, also known as First United Church of Christ, is located at 160 Madison Avenue, Elmira, New York. Construction of the church started in 1898, and finished the following year. The church served the large German American population of Elmira. It is significant for its Rhenish Romanesque architecture.
Park • Playground
Eldridge Park
Eldridge Park, located in Elmira, New York, was a famous amusement park around the turn of the 20th century. Covering roughly 15 acres, it was dedicated to the memory of a local physician and was in common usage late into the 20th century.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Trinity Church
The parish of Trinity Church, Elmira, New York was founded in 1833. Trinity Church is a parish of the Chemung District of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York, centered in Syracuse, New York. The present structure of Trinity Church is located at 304 North Main Street, Elmira, New York.
Cemetery • North West Elmira
Woodlawn National Cemetery
Woodlawn National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery within Woodlawn Cemetery, which is in the city of Elmira, in Chemung County, New York.
Cemetery • North West Elmira
Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery is the name of a cemetery in Elmira, New York, United States. Its most famous burials are Mark Twain and his wife Olivia Langdon Clemens. Many members of the United States Congress, including Jacob Sloat Fassett are also interred there.
42°7'29"N • 76°53'45"W
Harris Hill Amusement Park
Theme park • Amusement park
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Emmanuel Episcopal Church is located at 380 Pennsylvania Avenue in Elmira, New York. It is significant for its High Victorian Gothic style of architecture. The surface of the cast concrete building was cast to resemble rough cut stone. This church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in November, 1998.
Church • Central West Elmira
St. Patrick's Parochial Residence-Convent and School
St. Patrick's Parochial Residence-Convent and School is a historic Roman Catholic parochial residence, and school complex located at Elmira in Chemung County, New York. The structures are across from St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
Museum • North West Elmira
John W. Jones House
The John W. Jones House currently stands at 1250 Davis Street, Elmira, New York, across from a historic entrance to Woodlawn Cemetery. It is the former home of John W. Jones and current home of the John W. Jones Museum. It stands on part of its original property, though it originally faced College Avenue.
Museum • Specialty museum
National Soaring Museum and Hall of Fame
The National Soaring Museum is an aviation museum whose stated aim is to preserve the history of motorless flight. It is located on top of Harris Hill near Elmira, New York, United States. The NSM is the Soaring Society of America's official repository.
42°5'33"N • 76°49'18"W
Grove Park Farmers Market
Park • Central West Elmira
42°5'17"N • 76°48'19"W
Buildings at 104–116 West Water St.
Buildings at 104–116 West Water St. were a set of historic commercial buildings located at Elmira in Chemung County, New York. They included a 3-story, four-bay building; a 3+1⁄2-story, 14-bay Second Empire style building built about 1870; and a 2-story, five-bay Streamline Moderne building. The building at 104 W.
42°5'21"N • 76°48'58"W
Elmira Coca-Cola Bottling Company Works
The Elmira Coca-Cola Bottling Company Works is located at 415 West Second Street, Elmira, New York. It was built in 1939 in the Art Moderne style. The building was designed by architect Lucius Read White, Jr.
42°5'5"N • 76°47'46"W
Alexander Eustace House
The Alexander Eustace House is a historic house located at 401 Maple Avenue in Elmira, which is in Chemung County, New York.

Day trips

Elmira – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Elmira, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Corning Museum of Glass (Corning), Sciencenter (Ithaca), Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art (Ithaca).

13 milesW
Ancient glass art and make-your-own demos
Corning Museum of Glass, Corning
The Corning Museum of Glass, located in the small city of Corning in upstate New York, is a gleaming testament to the art, history, and science of glassmaking. This unique museum, founded in 1951 by Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated), offers visitors an...
29 milesNE
Carl Sagan, Museum, Science museum
Sciencenter, Ithaca
Sciencenter is a hands-on science museum in Ithaca, New York. It was founded on February 28, 1983 as a 501 not-for-profit educational organization. The Sciencenter grew out of the volunteer-run hands-on science program run for 15 years at several elementary schools in the Ithaca City School District.
30 milesNE
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Ithaca
Perched atop the slope of Libe Slope on the Cornell University campus, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art is a cultural gem in the heart of Ithaca, New York. This striking museum, designed by the renowned architect I.M.
29 milesNE
Museum, Science museum, Natural history museum
Museum of the Earth, Ithaca
Nestled in the scenic northwest region of Ithaca, New York, the Museum of the Earth offers a unique window into the natural history of our planet. This museum, dedicated to fostering an understanding of the Earth and its life past and present, is an educational gem for...
46 milesE
Amusement, Amusement ride, Amusement park
Ross Park Zoo, Binghamton
Nestled in the scenic Southern Tier of New York, Ross Park Zoo stands as a delightful destination for animal lovers and families visiting Binghamton. Established in 1875, it holds the distinction of being the fifth-oldest zoo in the United States, inviting guests...