Route 20 road trip in Upstate New York: 14 stops to make from Albany to Buffalo (2024)

Before it was a vital artery for New York State's agricultural community and commerce, US Route 20 was a primitive Native American path that helped develop westward enterprise in the state. Today, Route 20 is America's longest federal highway and stretches from the New York-Massachusetts border to the town of Ripley, on the western fringes of the state near Pennsylvania.

Route 20 is a glimpse into New York's past, dotted with small towns and generations-old farms. The development of the interstate highway system has detracted from traffic on this roadway, but the charm remains. Try taking the low-way, the old way, on your next excursion across the state, and check out some of these stops along the Scenic Byway.

1.Albany, NY

The only major city that Route 20 passes through in the state is Albany, the Capitol and hub of political activity. Take a tour of the storied and stunning Capitol building, experience a bit of culture at the State Museum, Albany Institute of History and Art, or one of the many historically relevant concert halls and theaters, or spend the day exploring the Hudson River.

2.Sharon Springs, NY

This former resort town is undergoing a renaissance, thanks to intrepid entrepreneurs and national attention brought on by theFabulous Beekman Boys. New farms and cideries are popping up on the regular, and the town features many restaurants, festivals, and even a spathat harkens to the sort resort town days.

3.The TePee

Come for the kitsch, stay for the hot dogs. The TePee can't be missed -- it is a giant tepee in the middle of nowhere, right on Route 20, with a bison statue standing guard. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mohawk River valley and Adirondacks while dining on classic road food at The Chuckwagon. This attraction is a relic from the heyday of road trips.

4.Glimmerglass

Just north of Cooperstownlies one of the state's most beloved opera houses, situated on the shores of Otsego Lake. Glimmerglass celebrated its 40th season in 2015.

5.Petrified Creature Museum of Natural History

Note: This attraction has closed. Ever want your picture taken next to a dinosaur? Here, you can do that. One of the many quirks along Route 20, visitors can dig for their own fossils and explore the life-sized dinosaur statue park.

6.Jewett's Cheese House

If you love cheese (or really, even if you only like cheese a little bit) you have no excuse: you must go here. With over 400 items to choose from -- including a 20 year aged cheddar -- there is no doubt you will find a dairy treat to your liking.

7.Cazenovia, NY

Experience is all in this picturesque town in the center of New York State. Cazenovia College brings in scholars from around the globe, while the town's many National Register of Historic Placeshomes and buildings attract architecture buffs. Lorenzo State Historic Siteis the home of John Lincklaen, who founded the town in 1793, and hosts events throughout the year, like annual horse shows. A large park and public swimming beach are available at Cazenovia Lake, and the the Cazenovia Beverage Traillinks together some of the state's best agricultural products.

8.LaFayette, NY

Where Route 20 and Route 11 -- two of the longest highways in America -- meet, you will find the town of LaFayette, known as the "crossroads of New York." It is also one of the leading apple growing areas in the state, and the annual Apple Festivalgives visitors the chance to experience and sample one of New York's leading crops and the by-products it creates, like cider and doughnuts.

9.The Finger Lakes

Route 20 connects the Finger Lakes -- from Skaneatelesin the east to Canandaiguain the west -- along their northern points. Stop in Skaneateles' historic downtownfor a bite to eat with lake views, or come for the antique boat show.

In Auburn, visit the Willard Memorial Chapel, which is adorned with Tiffany stained glass windows, more notably, the last surviving complete installation by Tiffany in an original location. The Harriet Tubman houseand William Seward houseboth are found in Auburn, linking the town to important American history. Take in a minor league baseball game with the Auburn Doubledays.

The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, whose entrance is in Seneca Falls, is home to several bald eagles and other wildlife -- the giant metal gooseis man-made, however. Also in Seneca Falls: the bridgethat inspired, "It's a Wonderful Life," and the historic hub of the American women's suffrage movement.

Visit the Scythe Tree in Waterloo, the rumored birthplace of Memorial Day.

Genevais home to Hobart and William Smith Collegesand touts itself as the lake trout capital of the world. Belhurst Castleand Geneva on the Lake are two shining examples of the exquisite architecture that the Finger Lakes is known for. (Plus, you can eat and sleep at both places.)

Perhaps the Finger Lakes region is best known for its wine trail, which also includes beer and cider.

10.Sonnenberg Gardens

Sonnenberg Gardens is one of the rare public examples of Gilded Age country homes, akin to the grand "cottages" of Newport, Rhode Island. It was the Victorian country home of Frederick Ferris and Mary Clark Thompson and became a state historic park in the 1970s. The lake views, gardens, and greenhouses make this a prime picnic spot.

11.Tree House Complex

Tree houses aren't just kid stuff. This series of tree houses (and cars, boats, and the like) in trees is for the kid in all of us. Find it in Geneseo.

12.The Jell-O Museum

LeRoy, NY, is home to the Jell-O Museum, where it was invented in 1897. Veer a few miles north from Route 20, in the town of Pavilion, to get your Jigglers fix. Fair warning: Bill Cosby is not known to reside here.

13.Buffalo, NY

Route 20 runs on the eastern edge of the City of Buffalo, making a detour through the western city an easy possibility. Peer in on exotic animals at the Buffalo Zoological Gardens, or enjoy the flora of Buffalo Botanical Gardens. During football season, root for the Buffalo Bills atRalph Wilson Stadium. Explore the museum and showcasesat Albright-Knox Art Galleries, or basque in the beauty of the Martin House Complex, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's best-known masterpieces.

In the very least, try a hallmark of Buffalo (and American) cuisine: the Buffalo wing.

14.The Original American Kazoo Company and Museum

Bound to endlessly entertain and annoy, authentic metal kazoos can be purchased from the Original American Kazoo Company, in Eden. (The only metal kazoo manufacturer in North America.) Bonus points for recreating the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," album with your new instruments.