Cortland County, New York is located in the central part of the state, just west of Syracuse and south of Utica. It covers an area of 697 square miles and has a population of nearly 49,000 people. The county seat is the city of Cortland, which is also the largest city in the county with a population of over 19,000 people.
According to psyknowhow.com, the first settlers to Cortland County were mostly farmers from other parts of New York who began arriving in the late 1700s. The county was officially established in 1808 and named after Pierre Van Cortlandt, a former governor of New York. Over time, it became an important agricultural center as well as a hub for manufacturing and industry.
Today, Cortland County is known for its outdoor attractions such as lakes, rivers and hiking trails. There are several state parks in the area including Greek Peak Mountain Resort which offers skiing and snowboarding in winter months and scenic hiking trails in summer months. The Finger Lakes National Forest also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation including camping, fishing, hunting and biking.
Cortland County is also home to several historical sites including Homer Historical Society’s museum complex which features exhibits on local history as well as artifacts from early settlers such as furniture, tools and clothing. Other attractions include Greek Peak Mountain Resort’s Adventure Center which offers zip lining, rock climbing walls and more; Wilcox Park which features a nature center with live animals; and Tompkins Cortland Community College’s Science Center which offers interactive exhibits on science-related topics such as astronomy and geology.
The county has also produced several famous people over the years including author James Fenimore Cooper (The Last of The Mohicans), actor John Cleese (Monty Python), artist Thomas Cole (The Oxbow)and musician David Bromberg (Guitar Town).
Cortland County has something for everyone whether you are looking for outdoor activities or historical attractions or simply want to experience small-town life at its best.
Climate and weather in Cortland County, New York
According to andyeducation.com, Cortland County, New York is a great place to visit all year round due to its diverse climate and weather. Located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Cortland County has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The county typically experiences four distinct seasons with temperatures ranging from below zero in the winter months to highs of up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 Celsius) in July and August.
Springtime in Cortland County is usually mild with temperatures ranging from the high 30s (2-4 Celsius) during the day to lows of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 Celsius) at night. Rainfall is common during this time of year as well as occasional snowstorms throughout March and April.
Summertime in Cortland County is usually hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 Celsius). Rainfall is common, however, thunderstorms can occur during this time of year as well. The humidity can be oppressive at times so it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the summer months.
Fall is a beautiful time in Cortland County with temperatures ranging from highs of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 Celsius) during the day to lows of around 35 degrees Fahrenheit (2 Celsius) at night. The leaves on the trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow during this time making it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking or camping.
Wintertime in Cortland County can be cold with temperatures dropping down to below zero on some days. Snowfall is common although not always heavy enough for skiing or snowboarding activities at nearby resorts such as Greek Peak Mountain Resort. Ice fishing and snowshoeing are popular activities throughout this season so make sure you bring your winter gear if you plan on visiting.
Transportation in Cortland County, New York
Cortland County, New York offers a variety of transportation options for residents and visitors alike. The county is served by the Cortland Transit System, which provides bus service throughout the area. The buses operate Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 6:00pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks, making it easy for those with special needs or those who wish to bring a bicycle along for their journey.
The Cortland County Airport is located just outside of the city and offers both commercial and private flights. Airlines such as United Express, American Eagle, Delta Connection and US Airways Express provide service to destinations throughout the country. Private planes can also utilize the airport’s runways for their own flights.
The county is also served by Amtrak’s Empire Service line which stops at various stations throughout upstate New York including Binghamton, Syracuse and Utica-Rome. The train provides service to Albany-Rensselaer station in the capital region as well as Penn Station in New York City.
For those looking to explore further out into Central New York State or beyond, Greyhound Bus Lines provides daily trips to destinations all over the country including Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse in upstate New York; Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania; Cleveland in Ohio; Washington DC; Chicago in Illinois; Toronto in Canada; and many more.
If you prefer to drive your own vehicle around Cortland County there are several highways that go through or near the area including Interstate 81 which connects Syracuse with Binghamton or Interstate 90 which connects Albany with Buffalo via Rochester. Other highways that go through Cortland County include US 11 and NY 13 as well as state routes 41, 281 and 392 among others.
Cortland County provides a wide variety of transportation options for residents and visitors alike giving them easy access to places both near by and far away.
Cities and towns in Cortland County, New York
Cortland County, New York is home to a variety of cities and towns, each offering its own unique culture and attractions. The county seat is the city of Cortland, located in the southern part of the county. This vibrant city is home to a number of historic sites and attractions such as the Cortland County Courthouse, built in 1871; Greek Revival style McGraw House; and the Homer Historical Society Museum. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities, restaurants, and entertainment venues like cinemas and bowling alleys.
According to Countryaah, other cities in Cortland County include Homer, Marathon, Cincinnatus, Truxton and Virgil. Homer is known for its unique downtown area with several antique shops as well as restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine. Marathon offers a range of outdoor activities including camping at Marathon Lake Park or fishing on Cayuga Lake. Cincinnatus has an interesting history with several historical buildings such as the First Presbyterian Church that was built in 1844 or the Cincinnatus Historical Society Museum which showcases local artifacts from around the area. Truxton features a variety of stores for shopping needs along with cozy cafes while Virgil offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking or kayaking on nearby Owasco Lake.
The town of Cuyler is known for its beautiful rolling hills while Taylor is home to several historic sites including Taylor Valley Church built in 1826 and Taylor Valley Cemetery which dates back to 1797. The town of Preble offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and snowmobiling while the town of Willet is home to a number of historic sites including the Willet Methodist Church built in 1845 and the Willet Presbyterian Church built in 1807. The town of Freetown is popular for its apple orchards and scenic views while the town of Solon offers plenty of outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing or kayaking on nearby Otisco Lake.
Cortland County, New York offers a wide variety of attractions, activities and entertainment for visitors from near and far. From its vibrant cities to its quaint towns, there is something for everyone to enjoy.