About the Venue
Watkins Glen International hosted its first race in 1957, a NASCAR Grand National Stock Car event. But true international competition began in 1961 when Formula 1 came to “The Glen” for the Watkins Glen U.S. Grand Prix, which would be an annual tradition until 1980.
1992 saw a major reconfiguration of The Glen's back straightaway. The addition of the Inner Loop increased the length of the long course to 3.4 miles and the short course to 2.45 miles. The new turns enhanced competition while adding quality spectator viewing.
Watkins Glen International celebrated the 50th anniversary of road racing in Watkins Glen during the 1998 racing season. Throughout fifty years of change, The Glen has embodied more than giant crowds and great speeds. Watkins Glen has become a racing institution, the premier road racing facility in the US.
Venue Pictures
City Guide
Watkins Glen & the Finger Lakes Region
Schuyler County
Schuyler consists of 329 square miles, thousands of acres of forests open to the public, brooks and steams and the many waterfalls charging over cliffs formed in the Ice Age.
The Watkins Glen State Park gorge is in the Nation's top 100 Family Campgrounds in ReserveAmerica system, and Watkins Glen State Park is included in a NYS special map guide in National Geographic.
Schuyler County encompasses the southern part of Seneca Lake, the largest and deepest of all the Finger Lakes with rolling vineyards that rise above rock ledges and cliffs.
There is an abundance of outdoor activities in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Fish, swim, motor boat, jet ski, water ski, scuba, sail or cruise on several of the region’s lakes. For land lovers; horseback riding, hiking / biking, shopping, miniature (and 18-hole) golf, farm visits, racetrack tours, museums and more are right down your alley. There is something for everyone.
Getting to Waktins Glen
The Finger Lakes region is enclosed by a system of highways, providing excellent interstate access to Watkins Glen and Schuyler County. Schuyler County is only 45 miles south of State Route 90 (New York State Thruway), 16 miles north of State Route 17 (Interstate 86). Watkins Glen is located in Eastern New York and is relatively close to several major eastern cities:
Buffalo, 150 miles
Denver, CO, 1,620 miles
New York, 250 miles
Rochester, 80 miles
Syracuse, 90 miles
Scranton, PA, 140 miles
The visitor center is located at 100 North Franklin Street (near the Seneca Lake waterfront), where knowledgeable people can assist you, a phone for local calls, internet access and plenty brochures and maps. Mon-Fri 9-5pm.
Airports
Air transportation can be obtained via the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport, 20 miles South of Watkkins Glen outside of Elmira; the Ithaca-Tompkins Regional Airport (www.flyithaca.com), 30 miles East of Watkins Glen outside of Ithaca; and the Rochester International Airport, 1 hour drive and the Syracuse Hancock International Airport (www.syrairport.org), 1.5 hour drive from Watkins Glen.
Major Airlines that service Ithaca-Tompkins Regional Airport:
Northwest Airlines
America West
USAirways
United Airlines
Major Airlines that service Syracuse Hancock Int’l Airport
American Eagle
Continental
Delta
JetBlue
Northwest
United Express
USAirways
What to Do
Watkins Glen State park in downtown Watkins Glen (www.llbean.com/parksearch/parks/html/292lln.html)
The Watkins Glen State Park and gorge is a great walking experience of cliffs and waterfalls; open to the public.
The Windmill Farm & Craft Market (www.thewindmill.com)
The Windmill is the first and friendliest farm and craft market in upstate New York, located right in the heart of the Finger Lakes Wine Region. With roughly 100 vendors, The Windmill serves as an outlet for local producers and craftsmen. The Windmill now plays host to nearly 200 shops and craftsmen, boasting everything from farm fresh produce to an on-site Chiropractor, you're sure to find something for everyone.
National Soaring Museum (www.soaringmuseum.org)
The National Soaring Museum is an aviation museum working to preserve the history of motorless flight. See a multitude of gliders on display, try out computerized flight simulators, and participate in fun educational programs. The National Soaring Museum is the only comprehensive U.S. museum (and one of only two worldwide) focused on soaring and motorless flight.
Open 7 days a week, 10-5pm. Adult, $6.50; Senior (60+), $5.50; Youth (5-17), $4; 4 and under, Free. Family (2 adults, 2 youth), $18. AAA discount available. Located at 51 Soaring Hill Drive, Elmira, NY 14903; 607-734-3128.
Corning Museum of Glass (www.cmog.org)
At The Corning Museum of Glass, visitors can explore, research, touch, work with, and interact with glass. A truly unique experience, The Corning Museum of Glass offers the world's best collection of art and historical glass and live, narrated glassblowing demonstrations all day, every day.
9-5pm daily; Adult Day Pass, $12.50; 55 Plus (10% off), $11.25; Students, $11.25; Kids & Youth (17 & under), Free; Audio Guide, $3. The Corning Museum of Glass is located just off exit 46 on I-86; 1 Museum Way, Corning NY, 14830.
Rockwell Museum of Western Art (www.stny.com/RockwellMuseum)
The best of American Western and Native American art are preserved and interpreted at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art, in Corning, New York. Mon-Sun 9-5pm. Adults (18-54), $6.50; Seniors (55+), $5.50; Student, with ID, $5.50; Youth (0-17), Free. Located in the historic Market Street district of Corning, New York at 111 Cedar Street; 607-937-5386.
Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests (www.fs.fed.us/r9/gmfl)
The Green Mountain National Forest is located in the southwestern and west-central Vermont, and the Finger Lakes National Forest is located in central New York. Providing abundant recreation and a wealth of natural resources, the Green Mountains and Finger Lakes are perfect places to relax; 802-747-6700.
Wings of Eagles Museum (www.warplane.org)
Located at the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport, 17 Aviation Drive, Horseheads, NY 14845; 607-739-8200. Mon-Fri 10-4pm; Sat 9-5pm; Sun 11-5pm. Adults, $7; Seniors (62+), $5.50; Kids (6-17), $4; Kid under 6, Free; Family, $18.
International Motor Racing Research Center (www.racingarchives.org)
The Int’l Motor Racing Research Center has a collection of materials representing the documentary heritage of amateur and professional motor racing, highlighting Sports Car, Formula 1, NASCAR, and vintage and Historic racing. The Research Center maintains archives for the personal papers of drivers, journalists and authors; rare books, serial publications, and reference books pertaining to drivers, cars, races and the history of motor racing; the historical records and newsletters of clubs and motor racing teams and corporations; and historical photographs, movie films, videos, oral histories, and memorabilia.
Open Mon-Sat 9-5pm. Also open 9-5 on some race Sundays. Located at 610 S. Decatur Street in Watkins Glen; 607-535-9044.
Seneca Lake
Seneca Lake is 38 miles long and up to three miles wide. Schuyler County has six area boat ramps and four marinas for the lake enthusiast.
National Forest lands, the only National Forest in NYS, and only one of three in the Northeast, with 16,032 acres. The National Forest is open to the public for hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, snow mobiling, and cross country skiing.
Wineries
Wineries in Schuyler County (www.senecalakewine.com/jc/)
Schuyler County's wineries along Seneca Lake offer reds and whites blended from the grapes from the beautiful vineyards that are prolific on the hillsides high above the shores of Seneca Lake. Taste the wines, enjoy the views.
Cayuga Wine Trail (www.cayugawinetrail.com)
Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes is the Cayuga Wine Trail, a 16 winery member organization surrounding Cayuga Lake and offering a unique blend of fine wines.
Keuka Lake Wine Trail (www.keukawinetrail.com)
Visit the eight wineries of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, enjoying the unique tasteful experience each has to offer.
Shopping
Famous Brands Outlet Mall (www.famousbrandsoutlet.com)
Outlet shopping at its best. Mens, ladies, and outdoor departments. Woolrich, Columbia Sportswear Co., Red Wing shoes, Carhartt, Levis, Timberland, Dansko, Keen, Merrell, New Balance, Teva Sandals, Vasque hikers, Filson, The North Face, Rocky boots, much more. 412 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891; 607-535-4952.
The Christmas House (www.christmas-house.com)
The Spirit of an Old-Fashioned Christmas...6 rooms of holiday and everyday delights in this Queen Anne Victorian Mansion. Open daily, 10-5:30pm, Sun 12-5pm, Tuesday by chance. 361 Maple Ave., Elmira, NY 14904; 607-734-9547.
Wal-Mart Supercenter
Open 24 hours. Bakery, Pharmacy, Vision, Tire & Lube, Deli, Produce.
515 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891; 607-535-3108.
Falls Woodcraft Gift Shop
The area's largest selection of yard art and homemade country crafts, fine gifts and novelties. Small town relaxed atmosphere of a family-owned shop. The Christmas room is always open and stuffed with indoor and outdoor decorations of every variety and style. Route 14, Montour Falls, NY 14865; 607-535-7644.
Gold Mine Jewelry Junction
The Gold Mine is the area’s premier source of custom made jewelry, estate pieces, repairs of all kinds, gifts & custom engraving. On-site jewelers and gemologist ensure that visitors get what they want. 414 North Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891; 800-970-GOLD.
Storylines Bookstore & Café (www.storylinesbooks.com)
Books, gifts and coffee in an inviting old-world café. Unique games and puzzles for the wine, chocolate, and coffee enthusiast. Enjoy locally roasted coffees and tempting pastries. Espresso bar features cappuccino, caffé latté, smoothies and frappuccinos. Free wireless internet. 211 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891; 607-535-7077.
Sunset View Creamery (www.sunsetviewcreamery.com)
Cheese made fresh on a 5th generation farm located near Odessa. Also available in season: sweet corn, pumpkins, apples. Open April 1st to Labor Day, 10-6pm daily (closed Wednesdays); September –March, 10-6pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 4790 County Road 14, Odessa, NY 14869; 607-594-2905.
