Wells Falls, Ithaca

Wells Falls, also known as Businessman Lunch Falls or First Dam Falls, is located only a short drive from the downtown area. What makes this waterfall so unique is that, directly adjacent to it, there is an abandoned Van Nattas Pumping Station which was built in 1893. This station both pumped water for the city and harnassed electricity in the first half of the 20th century. Today, this abandoned building next to a waterfall creates one of the most unique waterfalls in the region.

Wells Fall is a set of four cascading falls - 30ft, 5ft, 15ft. Also referred to as Businessman's Lunch Falls, this waterfall had been a popular lunch spot for downtown office workers. No fee. Swimming prohibited. Dogs are allowed on leash. Today, Six Mile Creek is Ithaca’s source for drinking water but a century ago its falls were harnessed for power. Beauty and history are highlights at Businessman’s Lunch, a.k.a. Wells Falls, where the creek tumbles 65ft in four drops against the backdrop of an old millwork.

Wells Falls, which is also known by the interesting name of Businessman’s Lunch Falls or First Dam, is 65 feet tall and drops in a series of four drops. Of these, the largest is a 30-foot man-made dam. However, from the base of the falls, this dam can’t be seen well, so you’ll be able to enjoy the 35-foot natural portion of this waterfall.

Wells Falls (also known as Businessman’s Lunch Falls or Van Natta’s Falls) is one of my favorite waterfalls near Ithaca. This one is off in a different area of Ithaca, but is still relatively easy to view. Well, once you get to it. Traffic and driving in Ithaca can be difficult. To get to Wells Falls, you’re either going up an incline or driving down it. Either way, you’ve got make some pretty quick turns, otherwise you’ll miss the roads leading to the waterfall. Once you’ve gotten to the waterfall, enjoy the old dam/power plant/whatever it is that is right next to the falls. It’s windows are shuddered up, but that just makes this waterfall all the more interesting. Getting to the base of the falls is also a cool thing to do, though this does involve trying to figure out how to get down to the base in the first place. Once you’re down at the base, pay attention for two other smaller waterfalls that may be falling down the cliffs. These waterfalls will probably be more apparent in spring.

Wells Falls (Van Nattas Falls) is a 65-foot multi-tiered cascade adjacent to an abandoned pumping station in Ithaca, New York. The waterfall is one of the more unique natural landmarks in the Finger Lakes region of New York. It is adjacent to a circa 1893 pumping station that was used to deliver water to the burgeoning city from a far-flung reservoir. It was built on the site of the former Van Natta & Jones Mill that at one point, produced seven grades of flour. The pumping station was abandoned decades ago and today, Wells Falls serves as a popular swimming hole and recreation area only minutes from downtown. ***PH***