Six Ways to Enjoy Your Visit to Watkins Glen

Looking to complete your visit to Watkins Glen International for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen? Here are a few must-see places to make your trip more memorable.

The International Motor Racing Research Center: Learn about the history of racing in Watkins Glen – and the United States – by visiting the center located on 610 S. Decatur Street, one block east of Franklin Street near the south end of the village. The center is a 5,000-square foot facility built expressly to preserve the heritage of motor racing. It serves as both a research library and archive. The current centerpiece in the center’s foyer is David Loring’s Denali that raced in the IMSA Camel Lights class.

The original 6.6-mile circuit through and around Watkins Glen: Using the free map and self-guided tour brochure that’s available at the Research Center, drive the original 6.6 mile circuit. This course was designed by Attorney Cameron Argetsinger, and hosted the original Watkins Glen Grands Prix from 1948 through 1952. The starting point is near the main entrance to Watkins Glen State Park, heading south on Franklin Street before taking a right-hand turn up Old Corning Hill. There are a number of markers located throughout the course, pointing out the Collier Marker, School House Corner, Stone Bridge, Milliken’s Corner and other locations as the circuit winds back downtown.

Watkins Glen State Park: The Park is located at the finish line of the original circuit on Franklin Street (marked by a monument). Take a leisurely walk on a part of a two-mile trail that winds over and under the 19 waterfalls between 200-foot cliffs. Then, walk up and down on either side of Franklin Street. There are a number of markers set in the sidewalk that commemorate many of the legendary drivers who have competed at The Glen, ranging from Argetsinger and Phil Walters, to Mario Andretti and Al Holbert, to Dale Earnhardt and Rusty Wallace.

Seneca Lodge: The unofficial headquarters for post-race gatherings since the original 1948 Grand Prix. The walls of the bar are loaded with memorabilia, including the winner’s laurel wreathes presented to James Hunt, Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi and other legends following their Formula One victories in the United States Grand Prix, which ran from 1961 through 1980. The Lodge is located up Old Corning Hill near the upper entrance to the State Park.

The Corning Museum of Glass: Learn all about the history of glass at the museum located in nearby Corning, dedicated to the art, history and science of glass. The museum includes hands-on demonstrations on the art of blowing glass. Then, visit Market Street in downtown Corning, which showcases a number of independent shops and restaurants located along the scenic Chemung River.

Visit a Winery: There are dozens of quality wineries located a short drive from Watkins Glen. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is the largest and most active wine trail in New York, with a community of 34 wineries, a distillery, two breweries and a meadery. An additional 16 wineries and four distilleries are also located along the nearby Cayuga Wine Trail.