Otsego County

..Where culture meets with applause.
You'll not only find four seasons of spectacular natural beauty in Otsego County, you'll find four seasons of outstanding cultural opportunities. In summer, take advantage of the Glimmerglass Opera's nationally famous productions, sung in English at the new Alice Busch Opera Theater. The Cooperstown Theater Festival and the Oneonta State University dinner theater series are also very popular. Other summer choices include the New York State Music Camp's evening concerts at Hartwick College and the Catskill Conservatory as it charms its audiences with intimate chamber music in barns and churches throughout the county. Come fall, the Catskill Choral Society and a dance series sponsored by the Upper Catskill Community Council on the Arts come to life. From fall to spring, enjoy Oneonta's Catskill Symphony. And through all 4 seasons, art lovers will enjoy wandering through the Cooperstown National Art Exhibit. There are also changing exhibits at galleries county wide. But these aren't the only attractions in Otsego County worthy of applause. Visit the famous National Baseball Hall of Fame, The Farmers' Museum and Fenimore House. Enjoy our wealth of natural beauty as you participate in any number of sports. Take advantage of our unique antique shops, auctions, craft shows, and fairs. Discover the down-home hospitality of our "bed and breakfasts," modern hotels and motels, public and private campsites or interest dining sports.

Otsego County... where every attraction meets with applause and where we look forward to meeting you.

You'll find tourist information booths located around the county with real people available to help you seven days a week July and August, and weekends during the months of May, June, September and October. - An information booth is located at the I-88 Rest Stop at Unadilla, right off the interstate. - The Colliersville Booth is located at Exit 17 (Cooperstown Exit). Look for the signs. - There's a booth on Rte. 20 at Cherry Valley near the intersection of Rte. 166. Look for the signs.

Knowing About Otsego County

The territory of Otsego County has been inhabited for a long time. Archeological findings show presence of natives as early as 4500 B.C. The Iroquois Indians occupied area sites which date to 1450 A.D. The first white settlers arrived to settle in cherry Valley in 1740. Prior to the Revolutionary War, Otsego County had only about 900 settlers. During the War soldiers liked the countryside, its rolling hills, plentiful water, and available land; many vowed to return and did. With this influx, several communities, including Cooperstown, were established. In 1791, the County of Otsego was founded and Cooperstown became the county seat.

By 1830, the population reached 51,361 and it remained stable until about 1890. Population shifts began to occur in 1900, with the demise of certain agricultural crops and the arrival of the railroad. The City of Oneonta grew rapidly when it became the rail center for the area. Population in the year 2000 hovers about 60,000, attesting to the slow growth rate over the last 150 years. Otsego County, while its population increased slowly, has been able to retain its localized charm and rural flavor.

Today Otsego County retains its most precious resource - its people - they are optimistic, hard working, and make up an excellent work force. Truly, Otsego County from its hardy, historical beginnings to its present forward-looking outlook is able to help the business person meet the challenge of the new century.

Richfield Springs

...where once the "Great White Sulphur Springs" - the purest mineral water in the world - brought gentlemen and gentlewomen by the trainload, still offers ideal vacationing today. The quiet charm of the Victorian era remains in the gracious homes and buildings, and the curious may still taste the famous sulphur water from the fountain in Spring Park in this relaxed country village.

In the heart of Leatherstocking Country, we're close to many fine attractions which make Richfield Springs a perfect base of operations for vacationers. A convenient 12 miles from the New York State Thruway Exit 30, Richfield Springs is midway between Albany and Syracuse on Route 20. The active and productive farming area surrounding the village provides spectacular scenery; the people of our community provide a hospitable welcome.

Just south of the village lies the second largest lake in the Susquehanna watershed. More than 50 percent of Canadarago Lake has a depth of 30 feet or more. It is one of the cleanest lakes in New York State. Excellent fishing attracts anglers from far and wide. There is a public beach and picnic area, and a boat launching site. Always popular in the community are church suppers, bazaars, antique shops, firemen's field days, concerts (in the park and elsewhere), ice cream festivals, and numerous other events throughout the year. Fall offers large and small game hunting and breathtaking scenic views. Winter activities include ice fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, snow tubing, ice skating, snow-shoeing, winter carnivals and snowmobile races.

The business area offers excellent shopping and service facilities. There is fine dining and lodging throughout the area. We hope you will enjoy your stay, and come back to visit us again.