New York's Super Clean 'Glimmerglass' Lake Is Tucked Next To 'America's Most Perfect Village'

While the bright lights of New York City are certainly magical, the rest of the state boasts hidden gems worthy of just as much praise. Head to the sweeping valleys of the Catskill Mountains and you'll find a picturesque lake so refreshingly clean it supplies drinking water to the town tucked along the lakeshore. Home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, the historic community of Cooperstown — sometimes referred to as "America's most perfect village" encompasses a maze of delightfully walkable streets opening up to enchanting countryside vistas, not to mention the abundance of museums and local eateries. Situated at the southern edge of Otsego Lake, one of upstate New York's most beautiful lakes, Cooperstown is just about as delightful as weekend getaways come.

Formed by ancient glaciers, Otsego Lake's shimmery surface was referred to as glimmerglass by the iconic American author, James Fenimore Cooper, in his renowned novel series "The Leatherstocking Tales," which includes the now-classic historical romance, "The Last of the Mohicans." The settlement that eventually developed into Cooperstown was established by the author's father, William Cooper during the 18th century, and this old-world charm can still be felt all around.

Buses designed in the style of vintage trolley cars zoom through town, shuttling passengers from one historic landmark to another. Stroll along Main Street to soak up the idyllic architecture, or spend the day amidst the exhibits of folk art and Native American crafts at the Fenimore Art Museum. On the northeast shore of Otsego Lake is Glimmerglass State Park, a swimming and picnicking paradise. Paddle the crystalline waters and hike the mountainous trails before heading back to Cooperstown for a tasty meal. Roughly a four-hour drive from Manhattan, an extended vacation in this lakeside gem will be the perfect escape from the busy city.

On a lake with a nickname as whimsical as Glimmerglass, spending as much time as possible near or on the water is ideal. Glimmerglass State Park is just 15 minutes by car north of Cooperstown, where thrilling adventures await in all seasons of the year. Summertime invites visitors for kayaking, canoeing, and cooling off in the lake's pristine depths. A wide arc of sandy beach is fringed by forested slopes curving against the horizon, creating a picturesque backdrop for sunbathing.

Hikers can explore the park's different trails for an exhilarating day amidst the woodland scenery. Take the Sleeping Lion Trail through the enchanting wooded slopes to be rewarded with fantastic overlooks of Otsego Lake down below. As winter descends upon the landscape, the trails become a haven for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and the park also offers ice skating facilities, although skates aren't provided. Anglers will have a blast casting a line for the lake's well-stocked populations of various trout species, Atlantic salmon, and yellow perch, while ice fishing in the winter is also popular.

Meanwhile, even closer to Cooperstown is Council Rock Park, named for the monumental boulder on the lakeshore that Native American people purportedly used as a gathering place. Park benches shaded by trees here offer a contemplative spot to sit and admire the serene lake vistas. For a change of scenery, head out on a breezy lake cruise with the Glimmerglass Queen Boat Tours, which offers "great views of the surrounding area," according to a Google review. Listen to the captain's commentary on Otsego Lake's history while admiring the dreamy panoramas of the sweeping slopes.

For those who prefer sightseeing to outdoorsy adventures, don't miss the Fenimore Art Museum, situated just north of Cooperstown on the lake's west shore. Filled with galleries displaying fine paintings and incredible Native American artifacts, the museum building itself is also a work of art, boasting an impressive stone façade and colonnaded entrance portico. After wandering the exhibits, head out onto the sprawling grounds, where tree-shaded footpaths offer a breath of fresh air with fantastic views of Otsego Lake.

Continue your sightseeing with a journey back to the 19th century at Fenimore Farm and Country Village, just down the road from the art museum. This immersive, open-air living history exhibit has preserved the daily life of domestic workers in a rural farming community. Grab a map and explore the recreated village, where cows are milked in the wooden barn and colonial-style buildings line the country lanes. You'll find a blacksmith's workshop, a schoolhouse, a general store with historic products, and even a church. Families with children shouldn't miss a whirl on the farm's Empire State Carousel, boasting fantastically detailed carved wooden animals lit by twinkling lightbulbs. The farm is closed between November and March, so plan accordingly.

Head to Glimmerglass State Park to snap memorable photos with the Historic Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, considered the oldest covered bridge still standing in the entire United States. Dating back to the 1820s, the covered bridge fords a small stream flowing into Otsego Lake, creating a picturesque backdrop. Nearby picnic tables are perfect for relaxing amidst the shady trees and historic atmosphere. Find a charming bed and breakfast to spend the night in Cooperstown, or prolong your upstate New York adventures with a visit to Coxsackie, where Dutch history, riverfront parks, and coffee cakes make a lasting impression.