Cornell University
A famous Ivy League university on the eastern hill above Cayuga Lake. Its clock tower, arts quad and two gorges make it one of America's most beautiful campuses.
Cornell University was founded in 1865. Its main campus sits on the hillside east of the city of Ithaca, bordered by Cascadilla Gorge to the north and Fall Creek Gorge to the south. The classic route runs from the Arts Quad to McGraw Tower. During the academic year, bells play daily, and you can climb 161 steps to the top. Continue to the A.D. White Reading Room in Uris Library, then the Libe Slope for views over Cayuga Lake, then Beebe Lake and Triphammer Falls, and finally the suspension bridge for a look into the gorge. You can try the ice cream made on site at the Dairy Bar. The campus is open all day and free to visit. Parking requires payment at the visitor lot, and TCAT buses from downtown reach campus.
Opening hours
Campus open all day; clock tower climbing times vary by semester
Nearby sights
- Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
- Cascadilla Gorge Trail
- Ithaca Falls
- Cornell Botanic Gardens
- Ithaca Commons
- Moosewood Restaurant
- Sciencenter
- Stewart Park