Spending the weekend in or around Little Falls, New York? Lucky you! We have just the list of activities and destinations to help you enjoy the best our pretty little town has to offer. There’s something for everyone on this lineup whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, shopping, the arts, a taste of history, or all of the above. Enjoy our personal list of what to do in Little Falls, NY.
Outdoor Adventures
The beautiful and uncommon landscape in and around Little Falls makes the area an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
If you like to hike, a great place to start is Buttermilk Falls, a stunning 40-foot cascade that empties into the Mohawk River. The falls are open to the public and easily accessed by a short walk. They also connect to several scenic trails.
At the newly renovated Canal Harbor and Rotary Park, visitors can rent canoes and kayaks and dock their boats overnight. Moss Island is a popular rock climbing spot, known for its stunning 40-foot “potholes” and convenient range of climbs for all levels. Close by is Lock 17, the largest lock on the Erie Canal and a marvel of design. Watch a video from the view of a boat being lifted up into the lock and through the gates.
In the nearby town of Herkimer, hunt for diamonds at the above-ground Treasure Mountain Diamond Mines, where you can keep all the 500 million-year-old diamonds you find, and even make them into jewelry.
Take in the sights by bicycle along the popular Erie Canalway Trail which stretches from Albany to Buffalo. The trail goes past Moss Island, Lock 17 and the beautiful gorges of southern Little Falls.
Shopping
Little Falls is home to numerous independent stores where you can shop for clothing, gifts, and locally made treasures. Arts and antiques abound at Canal Place in downtown Little Falls where you’ll find the Little Falls Antiques Center (stroll through the wares of 15 or so vendors) on the first floor, and more than 25 stores contained within the Shops at 25 West on the second floor. Nearby, The Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts exhibits regional art, showcases arts and crafts for sale, and hosts classes and performances.
Starting in early May and going through October, you can catch the Little Falls Farmer’s Market on Albany Street every Saturday. from 8 am to noon.
Local History
The Little Falls Historical Society & Museum hosts exhibits of Native American artifacts, Little Falls diamonds, and relics from the first cheese market in the U.S. The museum draws 1,400 visitors per year from 32 states and 6 foreign countries. Located in an old bank, the museum is open seasonally.
For those who enjoy stepping back in time, you won’t want to miss the Herkimer Home State Historic Site, a Georgian-style mansion built in 1777 by local Revolutionary War hero General Nikolas Herkimer. Take a tour through the restored home and lovingly maintained grounds, and view the family cemetery. There is also a visitor center, gift shop, 18th-century kitchen garden, and bird watching area.
Other Entertainment
For other forms of entertainment while in Little Falls, enjoy a night of bowling at Gorge View Lanes or take in a flick at the Valley Cinemas. Attend a game of the baseball team, the Diamond Dawgs at Veterans Stadium. Catch a yoga class at Yoga and Wellness and top off the day at a Little Falls bar with live music.
Seasonal Events
Little Falls offers a rich variety of annual events that provide fun for residents and visitors alike.
Check here for an updated schedule of the following events:
Art Walk – Stroll from the library down Main Street and on to Canal Place while exploring the work of over 40 local artists and enjoying interactive exhibits and live music.
Little Falls Cheese Festival – Little Falls was once the “Cheese Capital of the World”. Today, visitors from all over flock to the annual Cheese Festival to sample the wares of New York State cheesemakers, gourmet foods, craft beers, live music and much more.
Annual Canal Celebration (or Canal Days) A week of community activities highlighting all that Little Falls has to offer.
Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival a showcase of locally grown and produced garlic and herb products to benefit the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts.