It’s a new year, and now is the perfect time to begin planning your getaway to Oneida County, NY in 2025. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or can’t-miss festivals, Oneida County has something for everyone. Here’s your ready-to-go bucket list highlighting some of the most iconic seasonal activities you have to experience for yourself in Oneida County this year:
Winter:
- Go Snowmobiling: Discover the thrill of snowmobiling through Oneida County’s nearly 600 miles of groomed trails, connecting to trail systems in the Tug Hill Plateau and Adirondack Park. The trails are perfect for seasoned riders, beginners and everyone in between looking to experience incredible sledding adventures.
- Utica Comets Game: Catch the excitement of a Utica Comets hockey game at the Adirondack Bank Center. Experience the energy of the crowd and cheer for the home team in an electrifying, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Celebrate Irish heritage at the annual Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the third largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York State! Thousands of attendees embrace the Irish spirit through the pre-parade Utica Mad Mile, the parade’s marchers, floats and lively music, and post-parade shenanigans.
- Snowshoe at the Utica Zoo: Bundle up and enjoy a unique way of exploring the Utica Zoo, where snowshoes are available for rent and you can trek through their marked trails— admiring the winter landscape as you go. Be sure to save time to say hi to the animals, too!
- Indoor golfing at the Sportsplex at Turning Stone: Who says that golf isn’t a four-season activity? Escape the cold and perfect your swing at the recently renovated Sportsplex at Turning Stone.
Spring:
- Visit Munson: Immerse yourself in art and history while exploring Munson’s temporary exhibit: Canvas to Culture: Thomas Cole’s Voyage of Life Lives On.
- Tulip picking at North Star Orchards: Welcome, spring! Enjoy a colorful outing to North Star Orchards, where you can pick beautiful tulips, enjoy picturesque views, and capture Instagram-worthy pictures all in one outing.
- Visit Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo: Bring the family to Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo to meet the animals, enjoy hands-on experiences, and learn about wildlife conservation.
- Explore the Erie Canal: Explore the historic Erie Canal on foot, bike, or by paddle and take in the scenic beauty and rich history of this waterway. Did you know the Erie Canal is celebrating its bicentennial in the fall of 2025? Mark your calendar and stay on the lookout for special events and activities happening in Oneida County to honor 200 years of this remarkable National Historic Landmark, which was first dug right here in Rome, NY.
- Grab brews along the Heart of NY Craft Beverage Trail: Taste your way through Oneida County by visiting local breweries and craft beverage producers on this flavorful trail. Make sure to download the mobile passport on your phone so that you can check in at the locations to earn points, too!
Summer:
- Lavender Picking at Spring Creek Lavender: Surround yourself with the soothing sights (and scents!) of blooming lavender fields at Spring Creek Lavender. Pick your own bouquet to take home with you to commemorate your outing.
- Utica Boilermaker: Be a part of one of the most celebrated events in Oneida County— the Utica Boilermaker. This iconic road race attracts thousands of runners and spectators from across the globe, turning the city into a hub of excitement on the second Sunday of July each year. Whether you’re running or cheering, this event is a must-see.
- Boonville-Oneida County Fair: Enjoy traditional fair fun with rides, games, food, and live entertainment at the Boonville-Oneida County Fair.
- NYS Woodsmen’s Field Days: Celebrate the forestry industry with demonstrations, displays, vendors and more at this unique weekend-long event.
- Attend a CanalFest: Experience a weekend of family-friendly fun at the Rome or Sylvan Beach CanalFest. Each offers their own unique activities, including a fishing derby, a water ski show, crafters and vendors, a midway, and more family-friendly fun along the historic Erie Canal.
Fall:
- Erie Canal Bicentennial: Celebrate 200 years of the Erie Canal’s legacy where the very first section of the Erie Canal was completed and opened— Rome and Utica! Learn more about this engineering marvel and celebrate it through special events and activities taking place throughout Rome, Sylvan Beach and Utica— including the Journey of the Seneca Chief voyaging through Oneida County in early October. Stay tuned as more exciting events and news are released, highlighting the Erie Canal’s historical and cultural significance.
- Remsen Barn Festival of the Arts: Browse handcrafted goods from over 250 exhibitors, savor delicious food, and enjoy live entertainment at the beloved Remsen Barn Festival during the fourth full weekend of September.
- Little Falls Cheese Festival: Satisfy your taste buds with over 120 artisanal cheeses to choose from and other local delicacies at the Little Falls Cheese Festival.
- Adirondack Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides: Take a scenic train ride through the stunning fall foliage starting at Utica’s Union Station and heading all the way to Old Forge, a relaxing experience that you won’t want to miss.
- Fall fun at Savicki’s: Celebrate autumn at Savicki’s with classic fall activities like navigating the corn maze, enjoying a tractor ride, and shopping for homegrown produce in their market.
