Ithaca Live Cam

A view overlooking West Campus and Cayuga Lake from Barnes Hall. Willard Straight Hall and McGraw Tower frame a view of West Campus and Cayuga Lake. Please note this camera is located outside and is thus subject to current weather conditions. We do our best to clean the lens as promptly as possible.

Introduction to Ithaca, New York

Named after a Greek island, the city of Ithaca, New York is situated on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake in the center of the state. Ithaca is home to Cornell University, an Ivy-League college with about 20,000 students. Right outside of the city limits lays Ithaca University, another prestigious institution, which adds to the college feel of this town.

Ithaca’s population is just under 30,000, not counting the colleges and it is also the county seat of Tompkins County. Most of the city’s economy surrounds education and manufacturing but high tech research and tourism play a substantial role, as well.

The climate is moderate, with cold and wet winters and a few weeks of hot and humid days in the summer. In terms of politics, Ithaca is known as “New York’s most liberal town.” The city is located about 225 miles from New York City and was recently voted as one of the “top 10 cities to live in.”

Culture

The culture of Ithaca, New York is quite varied. This city is known for the Ithaca Farmers Market, a wide range of professional theaters and a science museum that provides a hands-on experience for kids and adults alike.

Ithaca also hosts the country’s third largest used book sale each year, as well as multitude of festivals. These include the Apple Festival in the fall and the Chili Fest each February. In 2008, 6,000 people came together in Ithaca to create the world’s largest peace sign – a record that it holds till date.

Ithaca is home to a number of different styles of music, including traditional, modern and experimental. This all combines to form the “Ithaca Sound,” which can be heard at any number of different performances, virtually any night of the week. With the predominant college population, Ithaca also provides a wide range of night life entertainment and dining options for its younger populace.

Demographics

The population of Ithaca in the 2000 Census was 29,287, not counting those attending Cornell University. The racial makeup of the city was 73.97% Caucasian, 6.71% African American, 13.65% Asian and under 3% other. This predominately White population is consistent with the demographics of Tompkins County.

For every 100 females, there are 102 males. These demographics will probably be a little different when the 2010 census results are released.

Persons 18-24 years of age made up the largest percentage of the population, coming in at 53%. Ages 25-44 had the next largest percentage at 20%, while those under 18 and those between the ages of 45 and 64 were almost even at 9% and 10% respectively.

The medium average income for a family was a little over $42,000. However, for single males and females, the males earned about $2,000 more a year compared to a female at $27,828. About 4.2% of the population lived below poverty level.

Transportation

Ithaca’s transportation options include the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. United Airways Express, Delta, and Continental Airlines all offer limited service out of this airport.

The city is about a half hours drive from an interstate and driving to and from Ithaca requires the use of a two-lane road. Greyhound Bus service is available and makes frequent stops within the city.

Ithaca has an extensive metropolitan bus service, servicing many of the surrounding communities. There are frequent stops downtown, at the colleges and at many of the major industrial areas of the city. Several buses run 24 hours a day and there is also a carpool program for those that would like to participate.

There was passenger train service, but the last train ran in 1961. Now there are only freight trains that run through the city. Ithaca also had streetcars from 1887 until 1935. For those that choose alternative forms of transportation, Ithaca has extensive bicycle routes available and many parks for rest stops.

Things to Do in Ithaca

If shopping is your passion, then you’ll love Ithaca Commons. In an effort to keep their historic downtown as a tourist attraction, you will find a number of lovely shops, craft stores, galleries, and quaint restaurants that are a perfect place to spend your day.

If you prefer something a little more athletic, Allen H. Tremain State Marine Park offers a number of hiking trails, boating waterways, and other aquatic activities. Finger Lakes is also one of the most popular state parks in the area.

For wine connoisseurs, consider a wine tour at one of the many surrounding wineries. If you are a little more adventurous, there is skydiving right outside of the city.

Those who favor pampering will enjoy the Turkish Baths and for history buffs, the Museum of the Earth offers one of the most extensive collections of fossils in the United States. The Science Centre is a fantastic choice for families, but adults will enjoy it as well.

Things to See in Ithaca

Ithaca has many attractions to see and some of them are simply breathtaking. Ithaca Falls near downtown offers a 150 foot waterfall, with hiking trails and a picnic area. Taughannock Falls State Park showcases a 215 foot waterfall, as well as dozens of smaller ones. You will also find smaller parks with their own visual appeal throughout the region.

The natural beauty of the area is present throughout the city, including at Cornwell University. Cornwell University offers a beautiful campus, with an impressive 25 acre botanical garden and Neman Arboretum.

Ithaca University, while much newer than Cornwell, is still worth your time to look around. Sage Chapel is often overlooked, but is stunning inside.

For those who love art, check out the Herbert Johnson Museum of Art. There are also a number of tours offered that will show you some of the more spectacular natural beautiful sites in the area. Most of these tours originate out of the downtown area.