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The Farmers' Museum, Cooperstown

4.7
#3 of 30 in Things to do in Cooperstown
Specialty Museum · Farm
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Take a trip back in time at The Farmers' Museum, a living history museum providing insight into the lifestyle of 19th-century farmers. Take time to explore the outdoor exhibits of about 50 restored buildings, including a tavern, pharmacy, blacksmith's shop, doctor's office, general store, and printer's shop. The museum also contains a full-sized carousel, noted for its handcrafted panels and large-scale mural representing the history, culture, and natural resources of the state of New York. Situated on land once owned by celebrated author James Fenimore Cooper, the open-air museum contains several Colonial Revival-style buildings designed by architect Frank Whiting and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You'll have a chance to visit three gift shops and two cafes on the museum grounds. To visit The Farmers' Museum on your holiday in Cooperstown, and find out what else Cooperstown has to offer, use our Cooperstown.
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The Farmers' Museum reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
603 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • Very good history lesson. Haven't been here in over 40 years and not much has changed really enjoyed everything, especially the carouselj 
    Very good history lesson. Haven't been here in over 40 years and not much has changed really enjoyed everything, especially the carouselj  more »
  • Accurate without being silly. I loved Colonial Williamsburg when I visited years ago, but the docent staff were a little too into their characters. What was great about Farmers was the expertise of....  more
    Accurate without being silly. I loved Colonial Williamsburg when I visited years ago, but the docent staff were a little too into their characters. What was great about Farmers was the expertise of....  more »
Google
  • Quaint history museum focused on mid-1800's farming implements, tools, life style, and specialty trades of the time. Set as a small town with several well restored buildings each highlighting a specific trade. The blacksmith, printing, barns, farmhouse, and tavern were very well presented each with a staff person in period authentic costume answering questions and demonstrating their craft. The second floor of the main building has an extensive display of trade-specific old tools and farming equipment. This is a very worthwhile exhibit to see if you're a tool aficionado. There are some farm animals such as pigs, goats, sheep, cows, horses, chickens, and turkeys. Most are in fenced areas and some can be petted though the fence. There's a restored carousel with a $1 per person charge to ride. A very nice nostalgic exhibit. Light food, soft drinks and snacks are available in a cafe building. There's an admission to enter the main museum property. Kids will like the visit and it can be enjoyed in a few relaxed hours. When in the Cooperstown area this is a good place to visit with the family.
  • Fun for all ages! Great tourist location for kids to see, learn, and interact with farm animals and farm workers. We thoroughly enjoyed this museum and would definitely return when in the area again. I believe this museum can apparently be rented as a venue for weddings and held in the old church on site after operating hours as there was a wedding that was just beginning around their closing time of 5p on a Saturday.

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