The National Baseball Hall of Fame is the main attraction in Cooperstown, and its exhibits have broad appeal to even the most casual fan of the game.
As the hallowed home of America’s pastime, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum highlights the Cooperstown experience, as every fan’s “Field of Dreams.” The Hall of Fame and Museum fosters a deeper appreciation of baseball and its place in history through interactive exhibits and special events. Visit year-round or during special events like the 2015 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend and discover the hall’s magic.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s crowning jewel is the Plaque Gallery, where visitors will discover all 310 Hall of Fame members’ bronze plaques honoring their achievements.
Featuring more than 60,000 square feet of exhibit space to display countless treasures from baseball’s glorious past, there’s plenty to explore, including:
• One for the Books, a comprehensive look at baseball’s records and the stories behind them
• Autumn Glory, baseball’s postseason and World Series celebration
• Viva Baseball, exploring the Latino contribution of Passion, Flair and Joy in the game
• Sacred Ground, providing ballpark memories to rekindle the love for our childhood experiences
The Hall of Fame in Cooperstown honors the players, managers, executives and umpires who have achieved excellence in the sport. Dive into baseball’s past and discover the struggles and defeats that made champions and crowned World Series winners.
Hall of Fame 2015 Inductions
The four newest members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame will take their permanent place in Cooperstown on Sunday, July 26, highlighting four days of celebratory events and programs for baseball fans of all ages, as part of Hall of Fame Weekend 2015, July 24-27.
The Induction Ceremony will feature four electees: Craig Biggio, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz.
Hall of Fame Weekend 2015 will also feature the Saturday, July 25 Awards Presentation, when Ford C. Frick Award winner Dick Enberg and J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner Tom Gage will each be honored. The weekend will include family programming for baseball fans of all ages, including the July 25 Parade of Legends and a July 27 Legends of the Game Roundtable discussion event with the four inductees.
More than 50 Hall of Famers are expected to return for Hall of Fame Weekend. There are now 310 Hall of Fame members, 70 of whom are living.
Throughout the Weekend, the Hall of Fame will host a series of educational programs and fan-friendly experiences designed to connect generations of all ages in activities and events featuring baseball luminaries in the timeless and pastoral village of Cooperstown.
Want More Cooperstown?
Cooperstown offers much more than baseball, however, and visitors will enjoy a wide range of leisurely pursuits.
The natural beauty of the area cannot be denied, and no trip to Cooperstown would be complete without a visit to Otsego Lake and the surrounding forests and foothills. Outdoor pursuits such as golfing, fishing, hiking, canoeing and horseback riding are some of the best in the region. The Leatherstocking Golf Course is a championship course of the highest caliber.
Glimmerglass State Park, just outside of Cooperstown, overlooks Otsego Lake and offers opportunities for tubing, cross-country skiing, fishing (and ice fishing, in season) and hiking.
Shops and galleries dot the downtown area, offering unique and interesting souvenirs of your visit. Several wineries and brewers have set up shop in Cooperstown, and a tour (and tasting) can make for a fun afternoon.
The Fenimore Art Museum, the Glimmerglass Opera and the Leatherstocking Theatre Company are among the cultural attractions in Cooperstown.
In addition to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, sports fans will enjoy the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum and the games taking place at Cooperstown Dreams Park and All-Star Village.
Boat tours, aerial tours and batting cages are among the activities to enjoy. Cooperstown Fun Park offers bumper boats, mini golf and arcade games for kids of all ages.
Parking Information
Parking is scarce in Cooperstown. On many streets, parking is limited to two hours and the time limit is enforced. Parking for vehicles over 20 feet in length is not available on the street or in most lots and persons with vehicles of this size are asked to utilize the trolley services.
The Village of Cooperstown encourages all visitors to park for free in three perimeter parking lots during the summer season:
• Blue Lot: just south of the Village on State Route 28
• Yellow Lot: just northwest of the Village on State Route 80
• Red Lot: accessed from Glen Avenue (Routes 28/80) near Maple Street
All three lots are serviced by the Village of Cooperstown Trolley System. Trolley tickets cost $2 per person and can be used for unlimited rides on a given day. Season trolley passes are also available for individuals and families.
What’s Nearby?
About halfway between Cooperstown and Albany is one of America’s natural treasures, Howe Caverns. These limestone caves run more than 150 feet below ground, and the guided tour is both educational and awe-inspiring.
Check out Anton Media’s June Travel section, in print or online for our feature about Howe Caverns.
