Auburn: Discover Culture and History

Auburn, in New York State, offers a range of cultural attractions: historic spaces, museums, stage performances, and educational programs, as well as a seasonal farmers market. If you’re looking for a hotel in Auburn, specific visits or events can shape your stay. Offerings vary in their visiting hours and access requirements. So check the information for the places you want to visit and plan your stay around their respective schedules.

Cultural History and Getting Your Bearings

The NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center is the City of Auburn’s official welcome center and visitor information center. Its focus is the legacy of the equal rights movement in New York State. This puts one particular theme in the state’s history center stage, while other places in the city have their own historical focuses.

The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park includes the historic Thompson Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church at 49 Parker Street. Following extensive restoration and repair work, the church opened to the public on June 22, 2024. Check current access information before visiting. The Harriet Tubman Home is also designated a National Historic Landmark and is part of the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park.

A Closer Look at Willard Memorial Chapel

Willard Memorial Chapel welcomes visitors for guided or self-guided tours Wednesday through Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The last admission for self-guided tours is at 3:30 p.m.; opening hours may change. The interior features 14 opalescent windows, a rose window, and a large figure window. Other details include nine lanterns in the so-called Mooresque style, memorial plaques made of glass mosaic and gilt bronze, oak furnishings with metal and glass mosaics, ceiling ornaments in gold leaf, and a mosaic floor. A visit brings together several distinct elements of the interior, from windows and mosaics to woodwork and ceiling ornaments.

Performances, Museums, and Tours

Located in downtown Auburn, Auburn Public Theater brings nationally touring acts, live music, musical theater, plays, spoken-word performances, and comedians to its 199-seat Mainstage year-round. Its offerings also include cinema, arts education, and community events. Year-round educational programs in filmmaking, theater, music, and other creative arts are available for children and adults. The program ranges from performances to creative learning opportunities for different age groups.

The Cayuga Museum presents changing exhibitions and public programs and serves researchers on three floors of the historic Willard-Case Mansion. Tours of the Case Research Lab are listed at 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, and 15:30; times may change. The Schweinfurth Art Center welcomes school groups and other groups. A tour can be arranged there by calling ahead and making a reservation. The Seward House Museum offers tours of the historic home of William Henry Seward and his family; these tours may also change. Check the respective visitor requirements before your trip.

Market and Getting There

For the seasonal City Market farmers market, the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department works with local growers and artisans. Check market dates before your trip. To drive from Syracuse, National Park Service directions take you via I-690 W and, after the exit, along NY-5 W toward Auburn. The distance on NY-5 W is listed as 17 miles. Check road conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Weedsport

Go to the main travel overview: Cayuga County.