Utica and the Mohawk Valley pack a lot of family fun into a summer Saturday, from county fairs to a hilltop zoo to a real Revolutionary War fort. Here are three ways to spend the day.
1. Spend the day at a county fair
Fair season is the heartbeat of a Mohawk Valley summer. The Boonville-Oneida County Fair (July 28 to August 2), just north of Utica, is the standout this year, with Grammy-nominated country star John Morgan headlining, a brand-new pro wrestling night, and Clydesdale wagon rides for the kids. Later in the month, the Herkimer County Fair in Frankfort (August 18 to 23) keeps the fun going, and the Fonda Fair (September 2 to 7) closes out summer over Labor Day weekend.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
2. Visit the Utica Zoo
The Utica Zoo is a charming, hilly, very walkable zoo that's just the right size for a morning with young kids. You'll meet everything from red pandas to sea lions to farm animals, and the daily keeper chats and feedings are a hit. Bring good shoes for the hills and plan a picnic after.
3. Step back in time at Fort Stanwix
A short drive west in Rome, Fort Stanwix National Monument is a full-size reconstruction of a Revolutionary War fort, and it's free to visit. Kids can explore the grounds while costumed rangers bring the 1770s to life, which pairs perfectly with this year's America 250 celebrations. It's history that doesn't feel like homework.
One great Mohawk Valley weekend
Three stops, one memorable Saturday. Start with a fair while the season's on, then add a zoo and a little history. Find the fair nearest you at FindYourFair.com.