7 Finger Lakes, New York, Destinations for Family Travel

The Finger Lakes aren’t just beloved for its wines and lakes. Corning Glass Museum in Corning is dedicated to the history, art and science of glass, inviting visitors to explore more than 50,000 glass objects, some as old as 3,500 years old. Galleries include Glass in Nature, Glass of the Romans, The Rise of Venetian Glassmaking and Origins of Glassmaking. © Tracey Cullen

The longest of the central Finger Lakes, Cayuga Lake spans three counties and many towns and cities, including Seneca Falls, Ithaca and Aurora. The lake is part of the American Viticultural Area, with many wineries, as well as distilleries and a cidery. The lake is also a popular fishing spot, particularly teeming with lake trout, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout and yellow perch. © Beautynature | Dreamstime.com

The Finger Lakes’ great depths allow for lush vineyards to thrive, making the Finger Lakes the state’s largest wine-producing region. With more than 400 wineries and vineyards, you’ll find a wide range of grape varieties, from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir to Riesling to Cabernet Franc. In addition to wine, the region also has a growing craft beer and cider industry. © Paul Hamilton | Dreamstime.com

At the end of the pier at Seneca Harbor Park is iconic, red Seneca Lake Boathouse in Watkins Glen. A postcard-worthy and picture-perfect spot, this boathouse sits on Seneca Lake, the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes and considered the lake trout capital of the world. The surrounding areas feature more than 50 wineries, including Seneca Lake wine trail. © Paul Hamilton | Dreamstime.com

In the village of the same name, Watkins Glen State Park lies south of Seneca Lake and features trails, 19 waterfalls, stone bridges, gorges and more. Each trail varies in distance and difficulty. The park also offers campsites, pavilions, food, a gift shop, recreation programs, fishing, showers and hiking routes. Trails are open mid-May to early November. © Mihai Andritoiu | Dreamstime.com

You’ll find majestic Taughannock Falls in Taughannock Falls State Park in Ulysses. The 215-foot plunge waterfall is just one of three waterfalls in the park, accompanied by a stretch of Cayuga Lake’s shoreline (great for swimming and fishing) and trails. In winter, the park offers facilities for sledding, ice-skating and cross-country skiing. © Demerzel21 | Dreamstime.com

An acclaimed winery and one of Global Traveler art director Tracey Cullen’s favorite wineries in the Finger Lakes, Heron Hill Winery has produced award-winning wines since 1977 and today makes seven different cool-climate Rieslings on top of a vast array of whites and reds. Visit yourself to taste the brand’s different wines. The winery has two tasting rooms: Canandaigua Tasting Room and Winery on Keuka Lake. © Tracey Cullen