Bath is the seventh biggest town in Steuben County, New York state, constituting nearly 96 square miles.
It’s the county seat and rests in the southern part of Finger Lakes Wine Country, with charming lakes, panoramic views, and the production of excellent wines and grapes.
Established in 1793, Bath used to be a part of a land investment by William Pulteney.
He was a wealthy Briton who named the town “Bath” after Bath, Somerset in England, where he maintained considerable estates.
Bath’s current population is 11,773, according to the projections of the US Census’ latest estimates.
This wonderful small town offers historic buildings, magnificent architecture, beautiful sceneries, and a lively ground town square.
Don’t be left behind and start packing your stuff to find countless exciting ways to enjoy the things to do in Bath, New York.
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The New York State Fish Hatchery in Bath produces nearly 1,000,000 fish yearly, focusing on producing rainbow trout, lake trout, and brown trout.
The fish used for breeding are usually accumulated from Cayuga Lake by the Department of Conservation to boost recreational fishing.
At the same time, it restores resident species to the waters they previously inhabited.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) notes that hatcheries supply fish for stocking into over 1,200 public waters throughout the state.
It’s fun and exciting to visit New York State Fish Hatchery.
Nestled at the junction of State Route 415 and Lake Salubria Drive is Lake Salubria, a spring-fed natural glacial kettle.
It’s estimated that the deepest part of the lake has a depth of 40 feet but could be deeper, with the bottom filled with sediment for several centuries.
With its spherical shape that spans 54 acres, the peaceful Lake Salubria offers various activities for the young and old.
Take a boat ride, swim in the lake, catch fish, or picnic on the grass-carpeted soil.
Ready your binoculars and camera for remarkable wildlife sightings such as bald eagles, Trumpeter swans, ospreys, wood ducks, Canada geese, and many more.
During the hunting season, there’s no great place to go than Birdseye Hollow State Forest.
This majestic national forest spans 3,446 acres and features excellent hiking and multi-use trails.
It comprises the Birdseye Hollow Park and Birdseye Hollow Pond, which the Steuben County Department of Public Works owns and manages.
Birdseye Hollow Pond features a floating fishing pier, allowing you to catch sunfish, bullheads, bass, and pickerel.
When you’re in the mood for hunting, visit Birdseye Hollow State Forest to hunt or trap beaver, muskrat, and fox, to name a few.
The oldest church in Bath is the St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Liberty Street.
Constructed in 1869, this architectural wonder opened its door on January 28, 1871.
Judge Constant Cook was the project’s facilitator and benefactor.
The New Yorker, Henry C. Dudley, was the brain behind the designing and designing structuring.
The church’s windows honor the lives of the worshippers of the early 19th century.
Meanwhile, the clerestory level cinquefoils symbolize the risen Christ’s five wounds, replacing the damaged original glass.
You’ll also find a large painting of “Madonna and Child” in the nave, a work of Vincenzo Camuccini, given by Katherine Sharpe Davenport to the parish in 1932.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church replaced a wooden building in Pulteney Square’s southeast corner erected in 1836.
Sanford Lake lies halfway within Birdseye Hollow State Forest or Sanford Lake Recreation Area.
You can have a nice picnic at Sanford Lake Day Use Area beside the lake, which also features a floating dock, gravel boat ramp, and canoe/kayak launch.
Camp on either one of its seven primitive delineated camping sites, which include tables and fire rings.
The lake has a paved walkway from the parking lot, allowing convenient access, and portable toilets are provided during the summer recreation season.
Catch different fish species abundant in Sanford Lake, including bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullheads, golden shiner, and more.
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For over a century, the Bath National Cemetery has served the veterans’ needs, housed a museum of Military Artifacts, and still accepts burials.
Located on San Juan Avenue, Bath National Cemetery dates back to 1877.
It was recognized as a burial ground for veterans who perished while living at the Grand Army of the Republic Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Bath.
This historic cemetery also became the burying place of U.S. Army Private Robert Knox Sneden and for the recipients of the Medal of Honor.
This honorable resting place encompasses 28.9 acres and inspires a sense of pride and admiration at the heroism of American soldiers from the Civil War to the present.
The peacefulness of the Bath National Cemetery, including its structure over the years, will take you back in time.
Located along West Morris Street, Dormann Library has served the town of Bath and its neighboring areas since 1869.
Formerly known as the Book Barn, it’s now called Indoor Book Nook and is open to the public when the library is operating.
Fun activities include “Grow a Reader,” an inspiring and free program that instills a love of reading in kids.
Children up to five who haven’t started Kindergarten can participate in this brilliant challenge.
Students, professionals, locals, or visitors can use the resources at the Dormann Library.
Do you have a penchant for fruits, especially apples, regardless of their color, size, and variety?
You can have delicious apples at your fingertips when visiting Crooked Line Farm and Orchard on Cold Springs Road.
A majority of the trees in the orchard are dwarf, allowing you to pick the fruits of your choice without much effort.
You can choose from its 25 varieties of apples and other fruits, including persimmon, pear, plum, peach, and apricot.
At Crooked Line Farm and Orchard, you’ll see not just apples or other fruits but also a herd of highland cattle that love apples as much as you do.
Locals consider Bath Country Club a hidden gem against the spectacular hills surrounding the town.
The club features 18 holes of stimulating games shared between members and nearby communities, including guests and visitors to the Finger Lakes area.
It offers ideal playing conditions very early in the spring and prolongs the season late into the fall and usually early winter.
Its in-house Restaurant/Bar & Grille opens during the golf season and particular days and hours during the off-season, providing a full-service menu and bar.
Located on May Street, the Bath Country Club delivers exceptional quality and service for you, your friends, and your family will have a great experience.
Registered by the New York State in 1964, the Steuben County Historical Society is inside the Magee House.
It restores the record of human endeavor in New York‘s southern region for the pleasure and education of its people and succeeding generations.
This small but incredible museum displays memorabilia of area history, including daily life, period artwork, girls’ orphanage, toys and childhood items, and the county fair.
You can use research materials, relics, and genealogical records of Steuben County and its neighboring areas.
The Steuben County Historical Society offers locals and visitors appropriate collections through lectures, special educational events, school class visitations, publications, and exhibits.
Don’t limit your visit to Bath!
Explore other things you can do near the town.
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Corning Museum of Glass, located in Corning, New York, lets you make your glass masterpiece with the help of their skilled and expert glassmakers.
Watch a live demo from their experienced glassblowers and flameworkers.
See how they create quality and unique glass items in various shapes, sizes, forms, and colors.
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Since opening to the public in 1951, the museum has comprised many glass and glass-related books and documents.
You can learn, share, and make a glass with the artists and students through residencies, rentals, classes, and scholarships.
You can reach Corning Museum of Glass in 24 minutes via I-86 E from Bath.
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In Hammondsport, New York, Urbana State Forest covers 2,690 acres of land, sharing a border with Pigtail Hollow State Forest.
There’s a wide diversity of landscapes and an environment of wetlands, hills, forests, and grasslands.
You’ll see different wildlife, such as black bears, wild turkeys, black-throated blue warblers, and brook trout.
You might stumble on white-tailed deer, kingfisher on forested hills, and mink and beaver in the wetlands.
Try primitive camping in the Urbana State Forest, only 21 minutes away from Bath via NY-53 N.
If you love to fish while sailing, don’t forget to drop by Loon Lake in Wayland.
You can catch different fish species, including bluegills, largemouth bass, calico bass, pickerel, and many more.
Get an NYS small game hunting license and carry an authorized Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp or duck stamp when hunting geese.
However, use only non-toxic shots, such as iron-tungsten and steel, when hunting for any migratory game bird.
Loon Lake is only 22 minutes away from Bath via I-390 North.
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Discover gorgeous waterfalls and gorges at Watkins Glen State Park on North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen, New York.
An almost two-mile hike will lead you past 19 stunning waterfalls and up more than 800 stone steps.
Several small trails start at Gorge Trail, providing opportunities for other recreational activities near the main course.
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You can stay in the tent and campsites, swim in the pools, and have a delicious picnic with family and friends.
You can reach Watkins Glen State Park after a 36-minute drive from Bath via NY-54 N and Co Route 23.
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Celebrate your milestones at Kanakadea Park on County Road 66 in Hornell, New York.
Just 26 minutes from Bath via I-86 West, this admirable park offers pavilions with tables and grills.
Kids can spend their time on the playground, while older children, teens, and adults can play on the baseball field, basketball court, or volleyball area.
There’s a boat launch where you can go fishing, canoeing, or kayaking.
You can also hike with friends, loved ones, or your dog on a leash on the trails and enjoy access to the Finger Lakes Trail.
Reward yourself with a short vacation to the quaint town of Bath.
Relax and free yourself from the everyday stress at work or home.
Book your visit and explore the best things to do in Bath, New York.
Discover the world.
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