Herkimer blends its history with quiet living and access to recreation
Situated 15 miles southwest of Utica, Herkimer unfolds along the rolling terrain of Mohawk Valley. The town’s history is tied to its rare namesake diamond quartz, which were sacred to the area’s indigenous peoples and brought an economic boom to the town by the late 18th century. For generations, the Herkimer Diamond Mines continues to welcome guests, but the laid-back village is also characterized for its access to the outdoors and proximity to nearby cities. “It’s a nice rural area that you would want to live in for the quiet atmosphere,” says Krystal More, town clerk and longtime resident. “It’s very community oriented, where everyone is involved in the schools and whatnot.”
Most recreation centers around the outdoors
There are abundant ways to spend time outdoors in and around Herkimer. The Herkimer Diamond Mine sits on the town’s northern edge. “The mines are a huge attraction to the area,” Moore says. Visitors can book a campsite or mine for the famous diamond quartz and other gemstones. Ark Herkimer Business Park has a playground with accessible equipment, athletic courts and a public pool. Herkimer Fishing Derby offers a small area for local anglers to cast a line, and the Erie Canalway Trail is accessible from the river’s southern shores in Mohawk. The trail stretches for miles, running from Mohawk out to Little Falls. Cottonwood Golf Course and Driving Range is a public course with nine-holes. Residents can also take swings at Valley Country Club, an 18-hole public course.
From vintage National Folk styles to wooded cabins
Herkimer’s oldest homes sit along grid-like streets at the heart of the community. While some of its National Folk styles date back to the late 19th century, houses built through the 20th century fill the remainder of the stock. Architecture ranges from Victorians and cottages to ranch-style homes. Several homes built over the last 25 years also dot the area. The town’s outskirts are more rural, with expansive crop fields and pockets framing properties, where acreage can reach up to 50 acres. Most homes sell between $100,000 and $400,000. However, investment properties can start around $20,000.
Residents dine locally and shop big-box stores in nearby cities
A selection of specialty shops, boutiques and restaurants fills the longstanding storefronts along Main Street. Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner is a longstanding favorite for breakfast and is known for its old-school feel, with vintage license plates and retro décor lining its walls and ceiling. “There are also a lot of Good Italian restaurants in the area,” Moore says. “The Godfather’s hideout has good chicken riggies, which is big in our area.” Hannaford for groceries is available in town, alongside Walmart Supercenter. Sangertown Square is 20 miles northwest in New Hartford and offers more retail options, with dozens of well-known stores. “Most people go there or Utica to shop big-box stores,” Moore says.
Herkimer High School students can get a head start on college credits
Several schools serve children across the community. The most common pipeline begins with Herkimer Elementary School, which earns a C-plus grade from Niche. Herkimer High School teaches sixth through 12th-grade students and earns a C. High school students can enroll in courses at Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Career Tech Center, allowing them to earn high school and college credits simultaneously.
Post-graduates can continue their education at Herkimer College, which is located in town on Reservoir Road.
Annual traditions include the county fair and a juried art show
Herkimer hosts several seasonal events to bring neighbors together. Herkimer County Fair spans over six days in mid-August. “It’s a very popular event and great for the kids,” Moore says. The annual tradition features carnival rides and activities for all ages, from a demo derby to tractor pulls. The Herkimer County Arts and Crafts Fair is held in early November. The juried event welcomes over 100 artists to show off their creations, including pottery, jewelry and more.
Interstate 90 and state routes connect Herkimer to surrounding cities
New York state Route 5 connects the area to neighboring communities, including Utica, 15 miles west, and Little Falls, 7 miles east. Interstate 90 and state Route 28 also pass through the area, supporting travel across the region. Syracuse is a 67-mile trip west, where the nearest commercial flights take off from the Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Albany is a 76-mile trip east.
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Written By
Matthew Simmons
