Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York, Cornell University and the surrounding city of Ithaca, New York offer a unique college town experience. If you’re a prospective student, parent, or just someone looking to experience the best of higher education in a beautiful natural setting, visiting Cornell and Ithaca in the summer is an opportunity you won’t want to miss! Here are four reasons why. 

1. Cornell’s Campus is Breathtaking in Summer

Cornell’s expansive campus is often ranked among the most beautiful in the country—and for good reason. From the iconic McGraw clock tower chiming across the Arts Quad to the lush gardens of the Cornell Botanic Gardens, the entire campus is alive with greenery, flowers, and scenic views. Cascadilla and Fall Creek Gorge run right through and alongside our campus, offering hiking trails and spectacular waterfalls that are particularly vibrant in the summer months. Walking the campus in summer gives you a chance to appreciate Cornell’s architecture, visit open buildings like Uris Library or Sage Chapel, and truly get a feel for what it’s like to study and live here.

2. Explore the Finger Lakes Region

Our campus location in Ithaca puts you at the center of the Finger Lakes, one of New York’s top summer destinations. The area is known for its natural beauty—Cayuga Lake, hiking trails, and more. In the summer, the Ithaca Farmers Market comes alive with local produce, handmade crafts, and international food stands—right on the edge of the lake. You can kayak, paddleboard, or simply relax on the shore. Nearby Taughannock Falls State Park features one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies and offers great hiking, picnicking, and photo opportunities. Ithaca Commons, the city’s pedestrian shopping and dining district, is lively in the summer with outdoor seating, live music, and local events. It’s a great way to experience the community, just steps away from the university.

3. Personalized Campus Visit Experience

Cornell is quieter during the summer—but that actually makes it an ideal time to visit. You can explore campus at your own pace and enjoy a more relaxed experience. We offer general campus tours as well as information sessions hosted by our individual colleges and schools—perfect for prospective students planning to apply this fall. You can tailor your visit by choosing the sessions and activities that match your interests, creating a schedule that’s as full or as flexible as you like. All of our summer visit opportunities are listed on our visit website, making it easy to find the date and options that work best for you. If there’s no formal programming on the day you come, you’re still welcome to explore using our self-guided campus tour. Be sure to stop by the Martin Y. Tang Welcome Center during your visit. Our friendly student staff can help with directions, suggestions, or simply offer a quiet spot to relax and take in the beautiful view of Beebe Lake from the balcony.

4. A True Taste of Cornell

Another great reason to visit Cornell in the summer is the chance to enjoy a meal at one of the many campus dining halls. Visitors can experience for themselves why Cornell consistently ranks among the top colleges in the country for campus food. With 31 dining locations across campus, there’s truly something for everyone. You can easily check what’s open and view menus on the Cornell Dining Now website. And no visit to Cornell is complete without a stop at the Cornell Dairy Bar in Stocking Hall, where you can sample our famous, house-made dairy products—including Cornell's beloved premium ice cream, made daily right on campus.    

Final Thoughts

Visiting Cornell and Ithaca during the summer is more than just a college tour—you’ll see one of the country’s most stunning campuses, discover a vibrant and artistic small town, and gain valuable insight into what life as a Cornell student is like. Whether you're a prospective student or an academic traveler, summer in Ithaca is time well spent, and we hope to see you soon!