Fort Stanwix was built in 1758 by British forces and rebuilt by the Americans in 1776 to protect the Oneida Carrying Place--a three-mile-long trail between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek that was used to carry goods and news. In 1935, Fort Stanwix became a national monument to commemorate the role it played in the French and Indian War, the American Revolution and numerous treaty signings with the American Indians. Fort Stanwix offers guided tours and visual displays. Kids can build their own fort at the Willett Center. There is no entrance or admission fee.
Fort Stanwix National Monument
112 E Park Street
Rome, NY 13440
(315) 338-7730
http://www.nps.gov/fost/
Erie Canal Village is built on the site where, on July 4, 1817, the first shovel of earth was turned to create the Erie Canal. The Village houses three museums: the Erie Canal Museum, which shows how the Canal was erected; the Harden Museum, which exhibits an array of historic horse-drawn vehicles; and the New York State Museum of Cheese Building, which explores the Erie Canal's connection to the history of cheese production during the 19th century. Enjoy a 40-minute cruise on a replica boat or a train ride on a 1956 Plymouth DDT Diesel, watch the blacksmiths at work or visit the Wood Creek School built in 1856 that was used as a one-room school until 1953. General admission is $5 for children and $10 for adults.
Erie Canal Village
5789 Rome New London Road (Routes 46 & 49)
Rome, New York 13440
315-337-3999
http://www.eriecanalvillage.net/
Peterpaul Recreation Park offers recreational excitement for people of all ages, including go-karts, batting cages, bumper boats and an arcade. This Central New York hot spot has been family owned and operated for 30 years. Weather permitting, the park is open daily from mid-April through September. Rides are $3 and $4, and the park offers a family fun pack for $35.
Peterpaul Recreation Park
5615 Rome-New London Rd.
Rome, NY 13440
315-339-2666
http://www.peterpaulrecreation.com/index.html
Located less than 10 miles from Rome, the Woods Valley Ski Area offers a cozy, picturesque skiing and snowboarding experience through the winter, with 13 trails served by three lifts on 25 acres. This area gets an average of 15 feet of snow each year, making it a desirable stop for winter action. Adult and children ski lesson programs are available. In spring and summer, visitors can enjoy golf and biking.
Woods Valley Ski Area
PO Box 225
Westernville, NY 13486
(315) 827-4721
http://www.woodsvalleyskiarea.com/
Located just 20 minutes from central Rome, the Utica Rome Speedway is an ultra-fast 1/2-mile red clay auto racing oval that provides action-packed entertainment. Featured weekly are 358-modifieds, sportsman, pro stocks, IMCAs, pure stocks and 4-cylinder super stocks.
Utica-Rome Speedway
5591 SR 5
Vernon, NY 13476
Track Phone/Raceday Phone (315) 829-4557
(315) 725-5709
http://www.uticaromespeedway.com/
