Lakeside charm and small-town living in Springport
Springport, 10 miles southwest of Auburn, is a rural town that encompasses the charming lakeside village of Union Springs. “It’s very country here,” says Lisa Snyder, deputy village clerk. “It’s beautiful — that’s for sure.” Union Springs covers shopping and dining basics, while Cayuga Lake offers ample fishing, boating and swimming opportunities. A handful of wineries and parks dot the area, too, like Frontenac Park. “They’re always doing stuff here,” Snyder says. “They have bands and food trucks come in.” In the summer, Springport is busier with Finger Lakes tourism, but the town retains its quiet character year-round.
Historic farmhouses with village charm or rural acreage
Housing in Springport spans almost two centuries. Historic, 19th-century farmhouses often have Craftsman-inspired features, like exposed wood beams, covered porches and louvered shutters. Late 20th-century ranch-style homes with attached garages and low-pitched gable roofs are also typical, but there are a handful of new traditional and custom-built homes, too. On the outskirts, single-family homes with acreage are along rural roads; some have additions like barns or workshops. In Union Springs, homes are set closer together along narrow, sidewalk-lined streets with cars parked in detached garages or on uncovered driveways. Lakeside properties are especially desirable for their tranquil views and features like private docks and decks. Depending on size and features, prices range from about $100,000 to $600,000, with prime lakeside homes reaching up to $1.1 million.
Boating, beaching and camping on Cayuga Lake
Frontenac Park is a gathering place for community events, picnics and sports like basketball, baseball and soccer. “We have a gazebo and a playground area,” Snyder says. The 27-acre green space also includes a modest beach with access to Cayuga Lake — a popular fishing spot for largemouth bass and yellow perch. “I can tell you we have a great boat launch here,” Snyder says. “You can kayak.” Twin Oaks Campgrounds and Marina is also in the village, providing a seasonal, dog-friendly campsite with boat storage and recreational vehicle parking. Fifteen miles away, the 140-acre Cayuga Lake State Park features tree-shaded hiking trails, playgrounds and a lifeguarded swimming area. Nearby, Seneca Falls Country Club’s 18-hole course provides well-maintained greens with countryside views.
Union Springs High offers academic and athletic opportunities
Springport is part of the Union Springs Central School District, rated B-plus overall by Niche. Kids may start at Andrew J. Smith Elementary before moving to Union Springs Middle and Union Springs High — all are rated B-plus. The latter is part of the Cayuga Advantage Program, which allows students to take concurrent enrollment courses for credit at Cayuga Community College without additional cost. Home of the Wolves, Union Springs High also has a successful athletics department. In 2025, its softball and baseball teams won the IAC Small School championships.
Wine and dine in Union Springs
A handful of locally owned shops and restaurants line Cayuga Street. Union Springs Supermarket stocks locally sourced produce, meats and dairy, while Dollar General covers pantry and household basics. Other small businesses include a car dealership, a tackle shop and a beauty salon. For a bite to eat, The Bearded Bear BBQ & Catering slow-cooks its pulled pork for barbecue sandwiches topped with smoked Gouda and pickled onions. The Wheelhouse Restaurant serves elevated comfort fare by the waterfront, like broiled haddock with lemon crumb and poke bowls with ahi tuna. Pete’s Treats scoops strawberry cheesecake and maple walnut ice cream cones for dessert. Several wineries are nearby, like Quarry Ridge Winery and Apple Station Winery. Auburn offers more shopping and dining options, including national chains like Wegmans and Walmart.
Concerts, competitions and community
Community events are generally held in Union Springs. Music in the Park and the Union Springs Artisan Market are recurring summer events at Frontenac Park. In September, festivalgoers attend the Fall Festival Block Party to compete in the annual chili cook-off and scarecrow competition. Fishing tournaments also come to town, with prizes for the largest catch.
Walkable village, car-dependent town
Union Springs is generally walkable and bike-friendly, but Springport is otherwise car-dependent. State Route 326 runs through town, providing a direct route to Auburn. Auburn Community Hospital is 11 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 32-mile drive.
