Accessible Guide to Steuben County, NY

Steuben County sits in the Southern Finger Lakes, surrounded by open hills and clear lakes that make it one of the most scenic spots in New York. Corning anchors the area with its walkable downtown, great food, and world-class glass museums. Hammondsport, just down the road, brings a lakeside feel with wineries, small shops, and a slower pace that makes it easy to unwind.

This region has a long history of innovation, from early aviation and motorcycle design to glassmaking that shaped modern technology. That creative streak still runs through the county today in its art studios, restaurants, and family-owned wineries.

And many hotels, attractions, and wineries now have verified accessibility details, so you can check what works for you before you go.

Getting Around Steuben County

Steuben County covers a wide stretch of the Southern Finger Lakes, so it helps to plan how you’ll get from place to place. The towns — Corning, Bath, and Hammondsport — are all within about 30 minutes of each other, but public transportation is limited, so driving gives you the most flexibility.

If you’re flying in, the Elmira Corning Regional Airport (ELM) is your best bet. It’s about 15 minutes from Corning and offers nonstop flights from major East Coast hubs like New York City, Detroit, and Orlando. You’ll find rental car companies on-site, but wheelchair-accessible vans usually aren’t available locally. If you need one, it’s best to call ahead or arrange through a larger location before you arrive.

For more flight options, the Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is about 90 minutes north. It has more rental car choices and may be easier if you’re coming from farther away.

Once you’re here, driving is straightforward. Roads are well-maintained, and parking is easy to find even in downtown Corning or near Keuka Lake. Most attractions and hotels include accessible parking right by the entrances.

For public transport, the C Tran is based in nearby Chemung County, but it runs a few routes into Corning and Painted Post. Buses are wheelchair accessible with lifts, ramps, and securement areas. However, routes and schedules are limited, so it’s best for short local rides rather than exploring the full county.

If you’re visiting the Corning Museum of Glass, take advantage of their free shuttle. It runs between the museum, downtown Corning, and nearby parking areas every 15–20 minutes. The shuttle is step-free and fully accessible, making it an easy way to get around without moving your car.

The bottom line: you’ll want a car if you plan to visit wineries, waterfalls, or small towns around the county. But if you’re staying in Corning, you can comfortably see most of the highlights without one.

Where to Stay in Steuben County

If you want to be close to restaurants, museums, and shops, Corning is the best base. If you’d rather wake up by the water, Hammondsport gives you that lakeside charm. For a quieter stay, Hornell works well for travelers passing through or looking for something simple and affordable.

In downtown Corning, the Radisson Hotel Corning puts you within walking distance of many things to do like the Corning Museum of Glass, Rockwell Museum and the Gaffer District, a stretch of shops and restaurants. The hotel has roll-in showers and grab bars, a restaurant and bar on-site, and a pool with a lift. It’s the most central spot if you want to park once and explore on foot.

If you’re planning a longer stay, Staybridge Suites Corning by IHG is another great downtown option. The suites come with kitchenettes and is also accessible with roll-in showers and space under the bed, to name a couple.

A few minutes away, the Hilton Garden Inn is another solid choice. It’s newer and a bit more modern, with an indoor pool and easy access to the highway if you plan to visit wineries or nearby towns.

If your trip revolves around Keuka Lake, the Keuka Lakeside Inn in Hammondsport is hard to beat. It sits right on the water, just a short stroll from the village square. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and you can enjoy lake views without leaving the property. It’s ideal if you’re spending time at Depot Park, visiting wineries, or just relaxing by the water.

In Hornell, the Best Western Maple City Inn is a dependable option and one of the more affordable. Breakfast is included and it has an indoor pool with a lift. It’s a good fit for travelers driving through the region or anyone who prefers quieter evenings and easier parking.

Accessible Things to Do in Steuben County

In Steuben County you’ll find glassmaking, art, history, and outdoor views that feel straight out of a postcard. Here are a few top stops to put on your list:

Corning Museum of Glass

This is the area’s signature attraction, and it lives up to the hype. The Corning Museum of Glass combines art, science, and hands-on fun. You can watch live glassblowing demos, see historic glass from around the world, and even make your own glass piece to take home. The building itself is modern, with wide pathways and step-free access throughout, making it easy to spend a few hours here.

For a smaller, hands-on experience, try Hands-On Glass Studio. It’s just a few minutes away and lets you make your own glass ornament or paperweight with guidance from local artists.

The Rockwell Museum

Just down the street, the Rockwell Museum focuses on American art and storytelling. Exhibits range from Western landscapes to contemporary Native American works, and the smaller scale makes it approachable even if you’re not an art expert. The museum is fully accessible, and the staff are known for being especially welcoming.

Visit Local Wineries

You will find amazing wineries in the area, and they are definitely worth checking out. Here are some top options to consider:

• Domaine LeSeurre Winery – A French-owned winery offering European-style wines with a Finger Lakes twist.
• Heron Hill Winery – Known for its hilltop tasting room and sweeping views of Keuka Lake.
• Weis Vineyards – Family-run and consistently ranked one of New York’s top wineries, with crisp Rieslings and panoramic lake views.
• Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery – A Finger Lakes icon, this hilltop winery is where East Coast winemaking really found its footing. The family-run estate pours award-winning Rieslings and Chardonnays with sweeping views of Keuka Lake.

Glenn H. Curtiss Museum

In Hammondsport, the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum celebrates one of America’s aviation pioneers. Curtiss built early airplanes and motorcycles that helped shape modern transportation, and the museum brings that history to life with restored aircraft, engines, and exhibits that connect innovation to the Finger Lakes region. It’s a must for history or aviation fans, and the layout makes it easy to navigate.

Outdoor Adventures

Stony Brook State Park is one of the most scenic spots in the area, known for its waterfalls and forested gorge. The upper picnic area is accessible, and there’s a paved overlook where you can take in the view without tackling the steep trails below. Most of the gorge paths are dirt and uneven stone, so powered wheelchairs or all-terrain chairs handle them best. Manual wheelchair users may find parts of the terrain challenging without some help.

Depot Park in Hammondsport sits right on Keuka Lake. The park has level paved walkways, accessible parking, and shaded picnic spots, making it an easy place to relax by the water. It’s also one of the simplest ways to get those lake views without leaving town.

Spencer Crest Nature Center in Corning offers more than seven miles of forest trails and a peaceful education center. The main building is fully accessible by a long wooden ramp, and just outside is the Sensitivity Trail — a short looping boardwalk through native woods that leads to the Rockwell Pavilion and picnic area. The rest of the trail network is mostly dirt and gravel, so it’s better suited for powered or all-terrain chairs, but the accessible boardwalk lets everyone enjoy a bit of the scenery.

Finger Lakes Boating Museum

The Finger Lakes Boating Museum tells the story of how these lakes shaped life here with restored wooden boats, history exhibits, and a welcoming, easy-to-navigate layout.

Local Flavor and Small Stops

If you like local experiences, check out Mud Creek Bison Ranch to see bison up close and learn about sustainable farming. Art lovers should stop by 171 Cedar Arts or the West End Gallery in Corning, both filled with regional artists’ work.

Accessible Places to Eat and Drink in Steuben County

Steuben County has plenty of great spots to eat and drink, from casual ice cream stands to wineries overlooking Keuka Lake. The region’s food scene leans local — think farm ingredients, lake views, and small businesses that care about what they serve. Here are a few that stand out (and are verified for accessibility):

The Cellar

In downtown Corning, The Cellar is the kind of place that feels upscale without being stuffy. The menu changes with the seasons, but expect dishes like seared scallops, short ribs, and creative small plates. The wine list is long, the lighting is cozy, and the atmosphere works for both date nights and relaxed dinners with friends. Accessibility has been verified, so you can plan with confidence.

Careys Brewhouse

Careys Brewhouse keeps things casual with hearty pub food, burgers, and its own house-brewed beers. The space is open and lively without feeling crowded, and it’s a popular spot for locals. Step-free entry and accessible restrooms make it an easy choice for a laid-back meal downtown.

Service Station FLX

In Hammondsport, Service Station FLX turns a former auto shop into a restaurant with style. Expect great burgers, craft cocktails, and friendly service in a space that’s both fun and comfortable. The restaurant has step-free access, accessible parking, and a relaxed local vibe.

Butcher’s Son

If you’re craving comfort food, Butcher’s Son in Corning is a local favorite — and for good reason. It was named New York’s #1 Burger in 2025, and the menu proves it’s not hype. Expect big, juicy burgers, house-cut fries, and plenty of personality. It’s the kind of spot where locals come back weekly, and visitors remember long after they’ve gone home.

Bully Hill Restaurant

Overlooking Keuka Lake, Bully Hill Restaurant offers one of the best meal views in the county. The winery is famous for its fun, quirky labels, and the restaurant keeps that same easygoing spirit. The menu is straightforward — sandwiches, salads, and local specials — and the patio is where you’ll want to be on a sunny day.

Park Inn Restaurant

In Hammondsport’s historic village square, the Park Inn Restaurant brings fine dining to a laid-back setting. It’s inside a restored 19th-century inn, and the menu leans seasonal with regional wines and local produce. It’s a good spot for a special occasion or a slow evening meal after a day on the lake.

Crooked Lake Ice Cream

You can’t spend a summer day by Keuka Lake without stopping at Crooked Lake Ice Cream. It’s classic and unfussy — homemade scoops, sundaes, and milkshakes served right in the center of Hammondsport. There’s step-free access and outdoor seating, making it an easy stop between exploring the lake and the shops nearby.

Iron Flamingo Brewery

Corning’s Iron Flamingo Brewery has become a go-to for locals. It’s family-owned, with a relaxed taproom and a rotating lineup of small-batch beers — from crisp IPAs to darker stouts. The space is open and social, and there’s often live music or food trucks on weekends.

Dippity Do Dahs Homemade Ice Cream

If you’re staying downtown, Dippity Do Dahs is a fun dessert stop with creative flavors like sea salt caramel and cookie explosion. It’s family-owned and friendly, the kind of place where you might end up sampling half the menu before choosing.

Events in Steuben County

Steuben County keeps its calendar full, especially from spring through fall. Whether you’re into art, aviation, or small-town festivals with great food, there’s something worth planning a trip around.

GlassFest (May)

Corning’s GlassFest is one of the biggest events of the year, celebrating the city’s long glassmaking history. You’ll see live glassblowing demos, outdoor art displays, food vendors, and live music that takes over the Gaffer District. The Corning Museum of Glass and local shops both join in, so it feels like the whole town comes alive for the weekend.

Wings & Wheels in Hammondsport (September)

If you like classic cars and planes, Wings & Wheels in Hammondsport is the event to catch. It’s held at the Seaplane Base and brings together vintage seaplanes, sports cars, and aviation enthusiasts from around the country. The setting by Keuka Lake makes it even better — part car show, part lakeside gathering.

The Days of Incandescence (October)

This fall festival in Corning celebrates the invention of the lightbulb and the town’s ties to glassmaking. The story goes that workers here made the first bulbs for Thomas Edison, and the event brings that history to life with lantern walks, art installations, and street performances. It’s a mix of history and creativity that feels very “Corning.”

Plan Your Accessible Visit

Steuben County is one of those places that makes slowing down easy. You can spend a morning watching glass artists work in Corning, grab lunch with a view of Keuka Lake, and end the day tasting wine at a family-owned vineyard. Everything’s close enough that you can fit a lot in without feeling rushed.

What makes it even better is how much of the area is already mapped for accessibility. From hotels and museums to wineries and nature trails, you can check verified details before you go.

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