Unique Things to do in Cortland, NY that Might Surprise You

The city of Cortland, NY is known for a handful of things. It’s thriving agriculture. SUNY Cortland’s education degrees and notable alumni of Kevin James and Mick Foley. The famous Cortaca Jug football game between SUNY Cortland and Ithaca College. And a handful of other notable features. But there are plenty of things to do in Cortland, New York that might surprise you. World records, haunted history, and stunning nature await you in this upstate city.

Cortland was first settled in 1791, but not incorporated for over a century, in 1900. At the time it was the 41st city established in the state. It has earned the nickname “Crown City” as it sits higher than another other city in New York. Cortland was established at a unique landscape — at the convergence of seven surrounding valleys. With over 230 years of history, Cortland has a lot of stories to tell.

**Play on the Longest Mini Golf Hole in the World at Shipwreck Amusements**

One of my favorite things to do in Cortland is to play mini golf at Shipwreck Amusements. For years I’ve been trekking the 40-minute drive to go play, despite having several other mini golf courses in Syracuse. Why? Because Shipwreck has not one, but two incredible 18-hole courses.

The outdoor mini golf course is pirate-themed. And it holds the Guinness World Record for having the single longest miniature golf hole in the world. On top of that, the course is very well maintained and a lot of fun to play.

Inside, there is a second mini golf course. The indoor holes and walls surrounding them are painted with blacklight paint, so it is colorful and visually stunning. The 18-hole course is divided into three 6-hole segments, each with a different theme.

Signage indicating the Guinness World Record for longest mini golf hole

Inside mini golf course decorated with black light paint

Admire the Beauty of Cortland’s Murals

In the world we live in now, every great city is filled with great public art. And Cortland is no different. If you take the time to explore the many streets of Cortland, you’ll find some incredible murals worth checking out. The several-story-tall Cortland Corset Company Mural is undoubtedly the most famous and serves as an icon to the small city.

Colorful mural of flowers and produce with a pink door and pink garage door in the middle

Drink for a T-Shirt at the Red Jug Pub

If you went to SUNY Cortland, you know all about the Red Jug Pub. It’s *the* place for college kids to hang out. Once they’re 21 of course. It has all of the things that newly-legal drinkers look for in a bar. Cheap drinks, bar games, and great music. And if there is one more thing that college kids love, it’s free stuff. Which is one of the reasons that Red Jug has become so popular with both students and alumni.

Red Jug continuously creates clever designs that customers can get on t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats. And while you can choose to buy the merch directly, most folks drink for them. Because Red Jug offers a deal if you have a certain amount of drinks, the shirt is included. To start, choose either ten 10-oz draught beers or 4 flavored vodka lemonades. Then when you finish your challenge, choose the shirt to take home! Just be sure to have a designated driver.

This is a fun activity that alumni love to come back to town to do so they can collect the shirts. I know because I have several friends who still partake!

Four guys with several empty beer mugs at Red Jug Pub in Cortland

Three men facing away from the camera, all wearing shirts from Red Jug Pub

Sample the Local Beverages at Cortland Beer Company

If you’d prefer to sample some drinks directly from the source, head over to Cortland Beer Company. The brewery and distillery first opened in 2010 as the only brewery in the county. Since then it has grown a loyal audience of local craft beer drinkers. Operating on a 20-barrel system, Cortland Beer Company operates as a NYS farm brewery, sourcing the majority of their ingredients locally. In addition to a variety of beer styles, the distillery part of the business creates gin, vodka, and a selection of whiskeys.

Visitors to the tap room can enjoy flights and pints of beer, samples of the spirits, or cocktails. Or if you’d prefer a non-alcoholic option, try their homemade root beer. Better yet, get yourself a root beer float.

Chalk signage with the words Farm Distillery and Brewery along with the names of the beers on tap at Cortland Beer Company

Root beer float at Cortland Beer Company

Learn about Amelia Jenks Bloomer at the Cortland County Historical Society

Did you know that the woman who is credited with inventing bloomers was from Cortland County? Originally born in nearby McGraw, Amelia Jenks Bloomer is remembered for her fashion sense and her impact on women’s rights. Her trademark bloomers became the fashion statement linked to the women’s suffrage movement. A pair of the historic bloomers can be seen on display at the Cortland County Historical Society. The museum is free and open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, noon til 5pm.

Experience the Haunted History of the 1890 House

Tell me a place is haunted, and I’ll immediately go make plans to go visit it. Which is exactly what happened the first time I visited the 1890 House Museum in Cortland. This late 19th-century house sits like a castle along the streets of modern day Cortland. And it has a lot of history to tell.

While operating a local grocery store, Chester Wickwire received a carpet loom in a customer trade. After tinkering with it for some time, he he discovered he could weave more than threads. He could weave wire. At that point he shifted his business and and his brother Theodore joined him in wire weaving. Together they invented what we know today as chicken wire, barbed wire, window screens, and more. Their products were in high demand and made them incredibly wealthy. With his newfound wealth, Chester wanted to showcase his standing in town (and provide for his family) by building a mansion.

Today, the house stands as a testament of the time period it was built and the unique history of the people who lived there. Just walking through the many rooms of the house is a joy. When you visit, take the time to appreciate the architecture and the furnishings in the house.

exterior view of the 1890 House Museum in Cortland, NY

Parlor at the 1890 House Museum in Cortland, NY

Chandelier hanging from an ornate ceiling at the 1890 House Museum in Cortland, NY

Tiled room with stained glass ceiling and sculptures inside the 1890 House Museum in Cortland, NY

Tours of the 1890 House Museum

The house has so much more history to tell, but I’ll let you discover its tales on your own. The museum offers both self-guided and guided tours with admission. I highly recommend a guided tour so you can learn so much about the Wickwires and their incredible history. The museum encourages guests to book their guided tours in advance.

But don’t worry. I didn’t forget that I mentioned the museum is haunted. Ask your guide for information about the stories they’ve both heard and experienced inside the building. There are tales of a handful of different spirits whoe are still lingering in the castle-like walls. Because of this, the museum hosts sporadic paranormal events such as ghost hunts. Be sure to check their website for any upcoming spooky activities.

The 1890 House Museum is also one of the locations along the newly established Cortland Curiosities Trail that highlights the “strange and forgotten history” of the area.

A wire-framed bed with white linens and a photo of a woman on the pillow

Stained glass window with a family seal and the words "je trouve bien"

Antique carriage at the 1890 House Museum in Cortland

Love haunted places?
Check out other stops I’ve visited along the Haunted History Trail of New York.

Explore the Trails & Go Birdwatching at Lime Hollow Nature Center

Since Cortland sits among the rolling hills of Upstate New York, it is no surprise that it is home to some beautiful hiking trails. Lime Hollow Nature Center is a true hidden gem in Cortland. Spanning 594 acres of pristine land, Lime Hollow offers 12 miles of public-use hiking trails. The trails are open daily year-round from dawn til dusk and admission is free. If you love birdwatching, be sure to bring your binoculars and a camera. The trails are inhabited by some spectacular birds.

Among the many miles of trails, there is a short, fully-accessible trail to those with mobility concerns. And it’s important to note that only one of the trails is marked as dog-friendly.