In the American city of Ithaca in the state of New York, there is a public park called Stewart Park. On the southern end of Cayuga Lake, the 120-acre park has a location. It was established in 1909 and is named for Jennie McGraw Stewart, the wife of Ezra Cornell.
The park has a beach, a sizable playground, picnic spots, and walking and hiking routes. The Stewart Park Children’s Garden, a little zoo, and an outdoor amphitheatre that holds activities all summer long are also present. The park is well-liked by both residents and visitors and is renowned for its picturesque views of the lake and its surrounding hills.
History of Stewart park
From the early 1900s, Stewart Park has had a long and illustrious history. The Cayuga Tribe and Ithaca Gun Company eventually acquired ownership of the area where the park presently stands. The site was purchased by the City of Ithaca from the gun manufacturer in 1908 with the intention of turning it into a public park.
In 1909, the park received its formal name and was dedicated to Jennie McGraw Stewart, the wife of Ezra Cornell, the man who founded Cornell University. As Mrs. Stewart left a sizeable inheritance to the city, it was agreed to rename the park in her honour.
The park has undergone several alterations and enhancements throughout time. The park received a swimming area in the 1920s, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) built various stone structures, including the park’s famous stone bridge, in the 1930s. The park’s zoo opened in the 1950s, and in the 1980s it underwent renovation and expansion of its playground.
Stewart Park is still a well-liked hangout spot for locals and tourists today. The park, which is still being expanded and maintained by the city, is regarded as a significant component of the history and culture of the neighbourhood.
How to reach Stewart park
1 James L. Gibbs Road, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA is where you can find Stewart Park. Depending on where you want to start and your preferred means of transportation, there are numerous routes to get to the park. Here are several possibilities:
With a vehicle: To get to Stewart Park if you’re driving, use the NY-13 or NY-89 to Ithaca. By the park’s entrance, there is a sizable parking lot.
Using public transit: TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transportation), Ithaca’s public transportation system, runs a number of bus routes across the city. To get to the park, use bus lines 11, 13, or 14.
By bicycle or foot: Stewart Park is reachable by bicycle or on foot through the Cayuga Waterfront Path, a beautiful path that follows Cayuga Lake’s southern coast. The Ithaca Commons and the campus of Cornell University are only two locations in the city where you may access the route.
Via taxi or ride-sharing services: Stewart Park is also accessible by taxi or through services like Uber or Lyft. To receive instructions, just type the park’s address into the app.
Best time to visit Stewart park
As Stewart Park offers various experiences and activities depending on the season, it may be visited all year round. According to the season, the following are the top times to visit the park:
Spring: Stewart Park comes to life in the spring months of April, May, and June as blossoming flowers and trees fill the park. Compared to the summer, the temperature is temperate and pleasant, and there are less tourists about. You may picnic there, take a leisurely stroll in the park, or ride your bike along the Cayuga Waterfront Path.
Summer: The busiest seasons for tourists to Stewart Park are July, August, and September. There is a lot going on in the park, and it’s a nice, sunny day. Swim in the lake, hire a paddleboat or kayak, go to shows and activities in the amphitheatre, or take the kids to the playground for a fun day out.
Fall: Stewart Park is especially lovely in the months of October and November when the surrounding foliage changes to vivacious hues of orange, red, and yellow. Compared to the summer, the weather is crisp and chilly, and there are fewer tourists. On the trails, you may go for a walk or a bike ride, picnic or just take in the beautiful scenery.
Winter: Stewart Park offers a unique experience throughout the winter months of December, January, and February. The lake could freeze over, allowing for ice skating and other wintertime sports, and the park is calmer. You may also take a tranquil stroll around the paths while taking in the stunning winter environment. It’s advisable to verify ahead of time because certain park amenities may be closed or only open part-time throughout the winter.
Neared place Stewart park
When visiting Stewart Park in Ithaca, New York, you might also want to check out some of the neighbouring landmarks and attractions. Here are some recommendations:
Ithaca Farmers Market: Stewart Park is within a short drive from the Ithaca Farmers Market, which sells a range of fresh, regionally produced foods, artisanal goods, and crafts. The market, which is always open, is an excellent spot to try some of the local cuisines.
Cornell University: Located in Ithaca, Cornell University is a famous Ivy League school. The campus is home to stunning buildings, galleries, and gardens, including the open-year-round Cornell Botanic Gardens.
Buttermilk Falls State Park: Only a few miles south of Stewart Park lies Buttermilk Falls State Park, which features hiking paths, swimming holes, and breathtaking waterfalls. It’s a wonderful location for a day trip to explore the Finger Lakes region’s natural splendour.
Taughannock Falls State Park is home to an imposing 215-foot waterfall, hiking paths, and picnic sites. It is situated about 10 miles north of Ithaca. It’s a wonderful location for taking a beautiful drive and seeing the local natural attractions.
The Museum of the Earth is a natural history institution with displays on the evolution of life on Earth, as well as fossils, minerals, and geology, that is situated in Ithaca. It’s a fantastic location to discover more about the Finger Lakes region’s natural heritage.
The Stewart Park stay option
There are several lodging alternatives close to Stewart Park, a well-liked tourist attraction in Ithaca, New York. Here are some recommendations:
Stewart Park is a short drive from the Hotel Ithaca, which is a downtown Ithaca hotel with cosy rooms and suites, a restaurant, a fitness centre and free WiFi.
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University features opulent rooms and suites, a restaurant, a fitness facility, and conference space. The Statler Hotel is situated on the Cornell University campus. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone visiting the institution or going to on-campus activities.
The Hilton Garden Hotel Ithaca: The Hilton Garden Inn provides cosy rooms and suites, a restaurant, a fitness facility, and free Wi-Fi. It is just a short distance from Stewart Park.
Stewart Park is just a 10-minute drive from the Homewood Suites by Hilton Ithaca, which has roomy apartments with kitchenettes, a free hot breakfast, a fitness centre, and an indoor pool.
Just three miles from Stewart Park, the La Tourelle Resort & Spa provides premium rooms and suites, a restaurant, a full-service spa, a fitness centre and an outdoor pool. If you’re searching for a peaceful escape, this is a fantastic choice.
faq about Stewart Park
questions concerning Stewart Park.
What time does the park open and close?
Every day from sunrise to night, Stewart Park is accessible. However, some amenities, like the playground and bathrooms, could have particular operating times.
Does the park charge a price to enter?
No, there is no fee to enter Stewart Park.
Does the park have parking available?
Indeed, there is a sizable parking lot close to the park’s main entrance. Street parking is also accessible in the nearby communities.
Are there any designated picnic places in the park?
The park does provide a number of picnic spaces, as well as a number of shelters that may be leased for bigger parties.
Are animals permitted in the park?
Pets are permitted in the park, but they must always be on a leash.
Can you swim at Stewart Park’s lake?
At particular parts of the lake during the summer, swimming is allowed.
Are boats available for rent at the park?
Throughout the summer, you may hire kayaks and paddleboats from the boathouse in Stewart Park.
Are disabled individuals able to enter the park?
Stewart Park does provide paved paths, accessible facilities, and special parking areas for those with disabilities.
Is Stewart Park the site of any festivals or events throughout the year?
Indeed, Stewart Park hosts a number of occasions and celebrations throughout the year, such as the Ithaca Reggae Fest, Ithaca Apple Festival, and Ice Festival.