Canastota Area

Catch a glimpse of boxing's greats during Hall of Fame weekend in June.

From early motion pictures to barley malting, industry sprang up all over Canastota thanks to the Erie Canal. And today the historic Erie Canal is still a site to be seen. Take a walk or bike ride on the trail that runs alongside the Canal, then get a glimpse of what life on this vital waterway looked like in centuries past by visiting the Canastota Canal Town Museum.

Canastota’s proud history extends beyond the Canal to the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum. Originally built to honor native son and two-time world champion Carmen Basilio and his nephew Billy Backus, also a world champion, the Hall now enshrines Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano, Mike Tyson, Smokin’ Joe Frazier, Sylvester Stallone, and many more boxing legends. The Hall showcases the lives and careers of boxing’s best and even features world championship belts plus trunks, shoes, and robes donated to the Hall by the fighters.

Though open year-round, the Hall’s induction weekend—the 2nd weekend of June—is your chance to meet the athletes, hear their stories, land autographs, and see the new induction class enshrined.

Think Canastota is “for the birds?” Well, you’re right! The Great Swamp Conservancy, a nature center on North Main Street, is recognized as an Important Birding Area by the Audubon Society. And with good reason—more than 180 different species of birds have been seen or heard here, including heron rookery, falcons, orioles, purple finches, waterfowl, and many, many more. There’s no doubt that the Conservancy is the perfect place to hike amongst wildlife in their natural habitat. Be sure to bring your camera!

While you're in town, enjoy a craft beverage at Erie Canal Brewing Company. 

For overnight accomodations, choose from the county's historic downtown hotels, quaint B&B’s, polished country inns and campgrounds & cottages. Wherever you stay you’ll find yourself inspired, refreshed, and recharged.