New York has plenty of famous attractions that draw in tons of visitors every year like the Statue of Liberty and Niagara Falls. And while we're nothing short of proud to be home to these well-known destinations, we'd also like the rest of the world to know that we have even more to offer with our more whimsical attractions. With that said, who's ready to see the unique side of the Empire State that not many out-of-towners are familiar with?
1. Eternal Flame Falls - Orchard Park
Sure, New Yorkers can show out-of-town visitors a wide variety of waterfalls that can be found all over our state. But there's one waterfall in particular that's so incredibly unique that you won't want to miss it. Worthy of any bucket list, Eternal Flame Falls is everything that it sounds like, a stunning waterfall that features a literal flame. Natural gas is emitted from the waterfall, so even if the flame goes out at times it can easily be re-lit with the spark of a match!
To find out more information about this amazing waterfall, click here.
How to get here: Eternal Flame Hiking Trail Orchard Park, NY 14127
2. Green Lakes State Park - Fayetteville
There are quite a few bodies of water within New York that are praised for their clear, blue color. But if you're looking to enjoy an attraction that's a bit more unique, then you should make your next visit Green Lakes State Park. Just outside of Syracuse, this state park attracts visitors from all over with its wonderful hiking trails and two glacial lakes that are made up of insanely clear water. The unique lakes are some of the only ones in the world that don't experience turnover, meaning that the top and bottom layers do not mix, creating the lake's clear color that allows you to see all the way to the bottom.
To find out more information about this state park, click here.
How to get here: 7900 Green Lakes Road Fayetteville, NY 13066
3. Wing's Castle - Millbrook
We talked about how New York is filled with stunning waterfalls, but another wonder we're not lacking in? Breathtaking castles. Wing's Castle is an out-of-this-world creation that is something you won't frequently come by nowadays. Fascinating anyone who hears of how this place came to be, Wing's Castle was sculpted by mastermind and artist Peter Wing, with the help of his loving wife. The entire property is as whimsical as it gets, the type of magical location that you'd expect to have faeries and gnomes secretly crawling around all over it. Not only is the castle something amazing to see, it also serves as a bed and breakfast that will give you an unforgettable stay to say the least.
To find out more information about the history of this castle and to book your stay, click here.
How to get here: 717 Bangall Road Millbrook, NY 12545
4. Tinker Nature Park - Pittsford
It only seems fitting that New York's magical Fairy Trail would be located inside of a placed called Tinker Nature Park. The park features beautiful trails, made up of boardwalks and scenery that will leave you feeling peaceful and relaxed. Now featuring 20 different faerie doors and homes, theses adorable works of art began mysteriously popping up in the park back in 2014, with no one taking claim over their existence to this day.
To learn more about this park and its magical trails, click here.
How to get here: 1525 Calkins Road Pittsford, NY 14534
5. Saratoga Spa State Park - Saratoga Springs
Another one of our state parks that you won't want to miss out on visiting, Saratoga's state park features a handful of unique natural wonders that you won't be able to find anywhere else. The city is known for its water and mineral springs, most of which can be found right here in the park. Visitors from all over come to bottle up this water that's said to have healing powers, with no two springs being alike and offering different tastes. The park is one of our favorites because of the large variety of attractions that you can find inside of it, from an epic performing arts center and fascinating museums to a golf course and amazing hiking trails that will bring you into our beautiful woods.
To find out more information about this state park, click here.
How to get here: 19 Roosevelt Drive Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
6. Seaglass Carousel - New York City
You can find plenty of charming and historic carousels all throughout New York, but this one unique attraction will grab your attention unlike any other. Amazing to see at night once it's dark, the Seaglass Carousel is made up of a variety of glowing fish that will take you on a ride you'll never forget. Lighting up the surrounding area, the nautilus-shaped building features 30 illuminated fish and is an attraction that draws in visitors of all ages.
How to get here: The Tiffany Co Foundation Woodland Gardens in Battery Park New York, NY 10004
7. Stone Quarry Hill Art Park - Cazenovia
By now you're probably familiar with New York's popular art park, Storm King Art Center. But if you've never heard of Stone Quarry Hill and are looking for a lesser-known attraction to visit, then you'll want to visit this place. The park provides the perfect place for visitors to come and explore the property, all while enjoying fresh air, nature and yes... art! Stone Quarry Hill features over 100-acres of land and four amazing trails that will wow you.
To find out more information about this wonderful park, click here.
How to get here: 3883 Stone Quarry Road Cazenovia, NY 13035
8. Widow Jane Mine - Rosendale
Make your way out to Ulster County to visit the town of Rosendale if you're looking for a unique adventure that will require just a bit of bravery! A unique outdoor attraction, this abandoned mine can be found not too far from some of our favorite towns in the Hudson Valley region. The enormous mine has an interesting history and features large pillars, looking like a palace of sorts for one of the Flintstone characters.
To learn more about the amazing history behind this abandoned mine and how you can visit, click here.
How to get here: 668 Route 213 Rosendale, NY 12472
9. Jell-O Gallery Museum - Le Roy
For those of our residents who have no interest in working up a sweat outdoors and would prefer to stay indoors while exploring New York's more quirky side, we've got an adorable location for you! Right in the town of Le Roy out in Genesee County, there's a museum dedicated to the surprisingly fascinating history of America's favorite dessert - Jell-O!
To find out more about the birthplace of Jell-O and this interesting museum,click here.
How to get here: 23 East Main Street Le Roy, NY 14482
10. The Trolley Museum of New York - Kingston
While we're on the topic of museums, it's probably time you take a visit to Kingston's Trolley Museum. The history that's waiting to be discovered here will initially draw you in, but the fact that this museum features an actually trolley ride that brings you through town is the best part of all. Bringing you a couple miles down the road and along Kingston's gorgeous waterfront area, there's simply nothing like a ride on one of these trolleys.
To find out more information about this unforgettably charming ride, click here.
How to get here: 89 East Strand Street Kingston, NY 12401
11. Whiteface Mountain - Wilmington
There are plenty of mountains that you'll want to visit while you're in New York, especially when it comes to the Adirondacks and our High Peaks. But there's one mountain that's far from average and absolutely worth the trip. Taking you up north to where everything is perfect and serene, one of the reasons why Whiteface Mountain is so unique is because there are so many different ways to experience it. True adventurers looking to become an official 46er can hike their way up this mountain from the bottom, while others will choose to take a scenic drive up Whiteface Memorial Highway.
To find out more about this epic mountain, click here.
How to get here: Whiteface Mountain Wilmington, NY 12997
Do you have a favorite attraction to visit in the Empire State that's unlike any other? For more inspiration, check out this Adventure Park That's Hiding In The Middle Of A New York Forest That You Need To Visit!
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