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All the United States New York State Ithaca

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Ithaca

12 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Ithaca, New York

Updated August 29, 2024

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Unusual Attractions in Ithaca

Ithaca, New York

Six Mile Creek

In upstate New York, gorgeous waterfalls and a watermill are slowly being reclaimed by nature.
The A.D. White Library

Ithaca, New York

The A. D. White Library

The library of every book lover's dreams.
The six-story treehouse.

Ithaca, New York

Cayuga Nature Center

A six-story treehouse offers spectacular views of New York's Finger Lakes region.
Brain of Helen Hamilton Gardener

Ithaca, New York

Wilder Brain Collection

This collection started by a Cornell professor once held more than 600 human brain specimens, including the one that belonged to its founder.
Gourd lamps for sale at Gourdlandia.

Ithaca, New York

Gourdlandia

This art center is way beyond your average pumpkin-carving operation.

Ithaca, New York

The Sagan Planet Walk

Pluto is still considered a planet in Ithaca, New York.
Another view of the ice cave exhibit.

Ithaca, New York

Ice Age Glacial Exhibit

This exhibit allows visitors to wander through the interior of a replica Ice Age glacial cave.
Inside the Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca on the Dalai Lama’s 82nd birthday.

Ithaca, New York

Namgyal Monastery

This peaceful gem in upstate New York was chosen as the future home of the 14th Dalai Lama's Library and Museum.
See All 12 Things To Do in Ithaca

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Ithaca

Horticulture students showing off their work.

Ithaca, New York

The Cornell Apple Vending Machine

For a buck, students can snag freshly picked apples grown in the university orchards.
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Ithaca, New York

A
12
Libraries 3
Museums 3
Collections 3
Nature 2
Water 2
Art 2
Science 2
Animals 2

Ithaca Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. Trevor
    1
  2. grahamottoson
    1
  3. Johnmeszaros
    1
  4. Jimmy Stardust
    1
  5. Paleontological Research Institution
    1
Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to Ithaca.

Places Edited

  1. ctr287
    2
  2. nbj914
    1
  3. Rachel
    1
  4. Martin
    1
  5. Greg Jones
    1
Join the Ranks!
Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. jwrivera
    10
  2. molatecta
    10
  3. jlittlepaz
    9
  4. bookivore
    9
  5. Squirrexplorer
    8
Join the Ranks!
Visit a place in Ithaca.

Recent Ithaca Activity

  • Squirrexplorer

    has been to Namgyal Monastery

    1 day ago
  • murphmar2

    wants to go to Six Mile Creek

    1 day ago
  • knajdusak

    wants to go to Six Mile Creek

    1 day ago
  • knajdusak

    wants to go to Cayuga Nature Center

    1 day ago
  • murphmar2

    wants to go to Cayuga Nature Center

    about 19 hours ago

Stories About Ithaca

Podcast: Gourdlandia

One of Ithaca’s most beloved, wholesome art centers is dedicated to the humble gourd.
by The Podcast Team
December 14, 2023

Podcast: Rites of Passage

Time to go back to school to appreciate some unusual campus traditions with the Altas Obscura Places Team.
by The Podcast Team
September 8, 2023
A popcorn-powered robot actuator successfully grips a balloon.

How to Make a Robot Move, Using Popcorn

The future is now and it’s happening, appropriately, at Cornell University.
by Cara Giaimo
August 7, 2018
The pumpkin on the tower.

More Than 20 Years Later, Cornell's Great Pumpkin Mystery Remains Unsolved

Who put a gourd on top of this 173-foot bell tower?
by Cara Giaimo
October 11, 2017

Lists Featuring Ithaca

A view of the Cushing Center from the entrance
Brain of Helen Hamilton Gardener

The World's Most Fascinating Displays of Preserved Brains

The mind is a terrible thing to waste.

8

Including The Cushing Center, Mammalian Brain Collection, and Brain Museum

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