Broome: Discover Nature, Water and Culture

In Broome, reasons to go on outings range from largely unspoiled landscapes and ponds to museums, wildlife viewing and regional traditions. When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to first decide what matters most to you: should your stay focus mainly on trails and water, or would you also like to include culture, science and events? The different attractions offer various ways to plan your vacation days.

Nature, Trails and Water

The Aqua-Terra Wilderness Area covers 466 acres of largely unspoiled natural landscape. Its six-acre pond offers a secluded place to fish. The hiking options also differ clearly: a more challenging uphill trail runs along the south side, while the north side offers an easier, flatter hike near the pond. This lets you focus either on an incline or on a flatter trail by the water.

At Hawkins Pond Nature Area, about four miles of nature trails pass through forests and fields and around a 24-acre pond. The approximate length and varied landscapes make this trail a different option from the hikes at Aqua-Terra, which offer different kinds of terrain.

Greenwood Park has swimming areas at a sandy beach. Fishing is possible from the shore or from a rental boat; availability on the water may vary seasonally, and rental boats are seasonal. Nathaniel Cole Park is home to a 53-acre lake. The park also has the largest protected beach in the Broome County park system. A 1.25-mile trail runs around the lake. This makes the park a combination of lakeside scenery and a loop trail, while Greenwood offers swimming and fishing.

Wildlife Viewing and Waterside Trails

Ross Park Zoo was founded in 1875 and is America’s fifth-oldest zoo. Visitors can see red wolves there; the zoo is one of only 43 facilities in the United States that offers this opportunity. This number may change over time. A loop trail of about one mile can be followed during a visit to the zoo.

There are also different waterside routes for walking or cycling. The paved Binghamton River Trail is 1.5 miles long and runs along the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers. The Whitney Point Community and Lake Walkway/Bikeway is 2.0 miles long: it runs from Dorchester Park along the south shore of Whitney Point Lake to Keibel Road in Whitney Point. The two routes therefore differ both in length and in whether they follow rivers or a lakeshore.

Museums, Science and History

Roberson Museum presents collections and interactive exhibits on art, science and history. It also has the region’s only digital planetarium. Cutler Botanical Garden is a center for education about horticulture and environmental issues. Phelps Mansion Museum preserves a home built by Sherman D. Phelps and his family.

Another regional highlight is the carousels: Greater Binghamton is home to six hand-carved wooden carousels. All six are listed on both the New York State Historic Register and the National Register of Historic Places.

Regional Experiences and Practical Information

At Castle Berries in Castle Creek, visitors can pick their own blueberries at a family-run farm. This activity is seasonal. The Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally features concerts and rides; the specific program may change. Alongside trails and culture, seasonal experiences and events are also possible interests to consider when planning your trip.

For getting around, BC Transit provides local bus service in Broome County, the ADA paratransit service BC Lift, and the rural transit service BC Country. There is also a shuttle operated by the Office for Aging for people aged 60 and older. When choosing a vacation rental, consider the locations of your planned activities and the transportation options that are relevant to you.

Discover more destinations: Whitney Point, Endicott, Vestal, Binghamton, Deposit, Orleans County, Schenectady, Steuben.

For the broader travel overview: New York.