Keuka Lake, known as The Crooked Lake for its distinctive wishbone or Y shape, is the central lake among New York’s 11 Finger Lakes. It is an hour’s drive from Rochester to Penn Yan and Branchport at the lake’s north end.
Penn Yan stands out due to the significant presence of Old Order Amish and Mennonite communities. These communities are known for their traditional horse-drawn buggies, which can be seen navigating the hilly roads in and around Penn Yan at a leisurely pace.
Whenever I visit Penn Yan and Seneca Falls, I bring a cooler with ice packs to bring home delicious local products from the markets.
Plan Your Day Trip to Penn Yan
Safety first! When passing a buggy, particularly in areas like Penn Yan, where Amish and Mennonite communities are common, it’s essential to follow specific rules to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Please note that this information is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult local traffic laws or a legal authority to ensure compliance with specific regulations.
- Slow down and maintain a safe distance behind the horse to avoid startling it. Be patient and only attempt to pass when it is safe to do so. Ensure there is no oncoming traffic and that the left side of the road is clear for a sufficient distance.
- While passing, you may cross a double-yellow line to safely overtake a slow-moving vehicle or obstruction, provided the roadway is clear and no-passing restrictions are not in place. Always ensure that the left lane is free from oncoming traffic and that you can complete the maneuver without causing any interference. However, it’s important to note that passing in marked no-passing zones is prohibited unless special circumstances apply.
- Signal your intentions clearly, move into the opposite lane, and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the buggy as you pass. Drive at a reasonable speed to avoid frightening the horse.
- After passing, return to your lane only when there is ample distance between your vehicle and the buggy.
- Always respect the right of buggies to share the road and drive with care to ensure the safety of all road users.
Breakfast
Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee from Amity Coffee Company. Pair it with a pastry from Blue Heron Bakery. If you’re visiting during the apple harvest season, make sure to visit Wager’s Cider Mill and pick up a jug of fresh cider, a four-pack of hard cider, or a dozen cider donuts. Or sit down to a hearty breakfast at The Wagner Restaurant.
Morning
Spend the morning exploring the east branch of Keuka Lake and the village of Penn Yan. Take time to appreciate the architectural details in Penn Yan’s quintessential Main Street façades.
This is a perfect opportunity to walk along the paved portion of the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail that courses through the village.
The Yates County History Center is one of New York State’s oldest historical societies, actively collecting, preserving, and interpreting history since 1860. It comprises three buildings: the Oliver House Museum, a Victorian mansion; the L. Caroline Underwood Museum, which houses extensive artifacts and digital archives; and the Scherer Carriage House, focusing on the Public Universal Friend, an 18th-century religious leader. Be sure to visit the nearby Penn Yan Public Library, a classic 1905 Carnegie Library.
Along Main Street, check out the Arts Center of Yates County, Longs’ Cards & Books, Staving Artist Woodwork, and the Keuka Candy Emporium, the largest retro candy store in New York state.
If you’re visiting Penn Yan on a Saturday, spend time eating and shopping at The Windmill Farm and Craft Market, a 44-acre market with nearly 200 local producers and artisans. There’s a map of the market to help you explore. While in the area, check out Oak Hill Bulk Foods for goods to take home or for breakfast or lunch in the Oak Leaf Cafe.
The Keuka Outlet Trail is a seven-mile multiuse route connecting Keuka and Seneca Lakes. The trail has little elevation change and offers a mix of surfaces, including paved (1.3 miles in the village,) dirt, gravel, and crushed stone. Along the trail, you’ll see waterfalls and remnants of mills, locks, and bridges from the mid-1800s. Notable highlights include Seneca Mills Falls and Cascade Mills Falls, which have nearby parking areas.
For a unique rail-trail experience, Finger Lakes Rail Riders offers a two-hour, five-mile round-trip journey. Each trip is narrated by a trained guide, who also points out picture-perfect photo opportunities. Participants must stay on their bikes, except at the turnaround point, where they can stretch and use the restroom while the guide turns the bikes around to return to the welcome center.
Lunch
If you find yourself on Keuka Lake’s eastern shore around lunchtime, head to The Olney Place for a delicious meal with a beautiful view. In the village, sit down to eat at Parker’s Grille, Tavern Restaurant, Casa Mezcal Reserva, or Keuka Restaurant.
If your morning adventures have taken you northeast toward Seneca Lake (and even if they haven’t!), be sure not to miss Sans Dumplings and Spotted Duck Creamery, recognized as the number one award-winning Best Ice Cream in America!
If you’re closer to Branchport, stop into Crooked Lake Mercantile for a light lunch. For an elegant meal, enjoy The Mansion at Keuka Lake.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the west branch of Keuka Lake.
Perched on a scenic bluff overlooking Keuka Lake, Garrett Memorial Chapel is an exquisite example of Gothic Revival architecture. Built in 1931 by Paul and Evelyn Garrett in memory of their son Charles, this Little Chapel on the Mount offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty. The chapel’s stone structure, intricate stained glass windows, and serene gardens make it a popular destination for ceremonies and contemplative visits. Enjoy a scenic drive from Bluff Point along Skyline Drive, or explore the area via West or East Bluff Roads. There is a small parking area at the end of Skyline Drive near the chapel, but many visitors choose to park along the shoulder and walk along the trails to reach the chapel. The grounds are open daily from April to November when the seasonal roads are accessible. During the summer (May through October), visitors can explore the chapel’s interior every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. or after 9 a.m. Sunday services in July and August.
Enjoy an early afternoon walk or swim at Keuka Lake State Park, then head to the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum, where you can rent kayaks to put in and explore the lake. Alternatively, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles from Shoreline Rentals on Keuka Outlet.
Alternatively, you may wish to spend the afternoon enjoying the lake’s exceptional wineries and craft beverages. Stop by Keuka Spring Vineyards, Vineyard View Winery, and Rooster Hill Vineyards for delicious wines paired with a scenic Keuka Lake view. Enjoy local beer at Abandon Brewing Company, Upstate Brewing Company’s QKA Taproom, and Laurentide Beer Company, housed in The Laurentide Inn’s carriage house.
Dinner
Enjoy an upscale experience at 18th Amendment, Union Block Italian at the Landing, Burnt Rose Wine Bar & Restaurant, or the Main Deck, which overlooks Keuka Lake. Or, keep it casual at Seneca Farms with tasty fried chicken and handcrafted ice cream.
Evening
Enjoy the sunset over Keuka Lake from Red Jacket Park or Indian Pines Park before driving home.
Signature Events
Keuka Arts Festival
early June
The Keuka Arts Festival is a free, family-friendly annual event along the Keuka Outlet Trail. Nearly 100 vendors are generally expected to participate, showcasing diverse creative works, including paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, and metal sculptures. The festival features live music, local food, and a relaxed community vibe.
Yates County Fair
early July
Established in 1839, the Yates County Agricultural Society hosts an annual fair to promote regional agricultural interests. The fair offers a variety of fun activities, including 4-H animal shows, amusement rides, live music, ATV rodeos, tractor pulls, and a demolition derby. Admission includes access to all the rides, shows, and entertainment, making it a budget-friendly and enjoyable outing for families.
Paddle Keuka 5K
first Saturday in August
Experience the beauty of Keuka Lake at the annual Paddle Keuka 5K, hosted by the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum. This family-friendly event invites participants of all skill levels to kayak or canoe a 5-kilometer course on one of the Finger Lakes’ most scenic waterways. Enjoy a day of outdoor recreation, immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty, and support local conservation efforts. Proceeds from the event benefit the museum’s educational programs, making your adventure both fun and impactful.
Google Map of Locations
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Where are your favorite places to visit in Penn Yan?
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People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
