Stewart Park, Ithaca

Stewart Park, a scenic municipal park in Ithaca, sits on the southern end of Cayuga Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes. Originally part of the James Renwick estate, the land was a military lot granted to Andrew Moody of the Revolutionary Army in 1790. It was soon after sold to James Renwick and remained undeveloped in the family for over a century. In the early 1890s, the park added a zoo, a merry-go-round, and Ithaca’s first vaudeville theater in a renovated dance pavilion.

The park once housed the Wharton Brothers' silent movie studios, adding historical significance. Trolley service, provided by the Cayuga Lake Electric Railway Company, ended in 1915 after the company's 1908 dissolution. Around the same time, 55 acres south of the park became a bird sanctuary, later named Fuertes Bird Sanctuary in 1927 after the Cayuga Bird Club president's passing.

Today, Stewart Park is a vibrant recreational space offering a variety of outdoor activities and facilities. Visitors can enjoy pavilions available for rent, tennis courts, athletic fields, and a large playground equipped with multiple play structures, including an inclusive, state-of-the-art play area for children of all abilities. In summer, the park features a historic carousel and a spray pool for families. It also has a duck pond, public fishing areas, and the ADA-compliant Cayuga Waterfront Trail, linking Stewart Park to key spots like the Ithaca Farmers Market, Cass Park, and Treman Marina.

The park’s natural beauty is accentuated by its grand willow trees and a variety of other tree species. While swimming is not permitted, paddling is encouraged, and the Cascadilla Boathouse, home to the Cascadilla Boat Club, offers opportunities for rowing enthusiasts. The Newman Golf Course is also technically part of Stewart Park’s expansive 177 acres.

Open year-round from dawn to dusk, Stewart Park is free for all visitors and accessible by foot, bike, car, public bus, and paddle craft. With its rich history, inclusive facilities, and breathtaking lakeside setting, Stewart Park remains a treasured destination for recreation, relaxation, and community gatherings.