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All Aboard EXPERIENCE THE FINGER LAKES FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE B y Hannah Fit z patr ick
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he Finger Lakes Region is not only known for its beautiful scenery, but also for its rich and unique history. For example, some parts of Seneca Lake were previously used as testing sites for submarines, while Ithaca’s very own Cayuga Lake was once used for commercial transportation for people, using freights and horse-drawn ferries to go up and down the lake. For those wanting to learn something new about the history of upstate New York while having the opportunity to relax and enjoy some photoworthy views, many boat tours, like Discover Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, Captain Bill’s Seneca Lake Cruises in Watkins Glen, New York, and Mid-Lakes Navigation in Skaneateles, New York will do just that.
Jirka said. “We put trout aquariums with trout eggs in their classrooms in the fall, and they are responsible for raising the trout all school year. In the spring, we take the kids to local streams to learn how to determine if the stream is healthy to release the trout, and then they release the trout. So they kind of get this first experience into some of the ecology of the watershed.” If romance is on the radar, Discover Cayuga Lake offers two tours that provide a memorable
experience for couples. One of them is their public sunset cruise, where people can watch the sun go down on Cayuga Lake while learning about the lake’s history and ecology. Another one is a public nighttime sky cruise, during which passengers can look at the stars and learn about different constellations. The Teal can also be booked for private occasions, like weddings. Booking is available online at discovercayugalake.org. Prices can vary
DISCOVER CAYUGA LAKE
There is no shortage of boat tours in Ithaca, but once aboard the Teal, colorful paintings of animals native to Cayuga Lake and a warm welcome from the crew makes what seems like a normal boat tour into something memorable. Discover Cayuga Lake, formerly known as the Cayuga Lake Floating Classroom, was founded in 2003 as a non-profit educational program for kids in the Ithaca area, during which they can experience hands-on opportunities to learn more about Cayuga Lake and its aquatic environment. Though the program hosts other tours in addition to their floating classroom, Astrid Jirka, director of tourism initiatives for Discover Cayuga Lake, said that education is still an essential aspect. “We have another educational program called ‘The Trout in the Classroom’ that takes place in most elementary schools year round,”
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A resident and her dog receive their mail from a midlakes navigation boat. (Photo: Provided) The
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depending on the type of cruise, but it is typically between $30-$40 for adults.
CAPTAIN BILL’S SENECA LAKE CRUISES
Located in Watkins Glen, New York is Captain Bill’s Seneca Lake Cruises, another iconic boat tour in the Finger Lakes Region. Since 1963, this family-owned business has grown into a popular destination for dining and sightseeing on Seneca Lake. Normally, there are two boat options — the 270-passenger Seneca Legacy for sightseeing and prix fixe dinner services, and the smaller, 49-passenger Stroller IV for sightseeing cruises. This cruise teaches passengers about the history behind Seneca Lake, including the Native American paintings on cliffs of the east shore, and Seneca Lake’s involvement in the salt mining industry. However, because of capacity restrictions due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Stroller IV will be replaced this season by a larger boat. Acquired by owner Mark Simiele, Seneca Spirit is a 115-passenger boat with two levels — the top level completely open air — and a stateof-the-art acoustic system for narrated tours. Simiele said that his favorite aspect of the company is how people can experience the Finger Lakes region from a new perspective through boat tours like Captain Bill’s. “I don’t think you’ve really experienced the Finger Lakes truly until you get out on the water,” Simiele said. “Through our tours, we give people an opportunity to get out on the water and understand the history and the beauty behind it in a way that couldn’t be done any way else.”
