Otsego Lake
The “Glimmerglass” of Cooper’s novels, a long, narrow, clear glacial lake. Visitors can take boat tours, paddle kayaks or watch the sunset from the lakeside park.
Otsego Lake is about 14 km long from north to south and is the source of the Susquehanna River. Cooper called it the “Glimmerglass” in “The Leatherstocking Tales.” The lakeside park in town is a good spot for a picnic and sunset. In summer, sightseeing boats and kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available, and from the boat you can see the Kingfisher Tower on the eastern shore. Driving around the lake takes about 1 hour. At the northern end is Glimmerglass State Park, where swimming is allowed. The water is cold, so it is best to swim after late June.
Opening hours
All day (boat tours roughly May–Oct)
Nearby sights
- Kingfisher Tower
- Hyde Hall
- Glimmerglass State Park
- Fenimore Art Museum
- The Glimmerglass Festival
- The Farmers' Museum
- National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
- Main Street, Cooperstown