Ithaca is a small city of about 45,000 situated amidst great natural beauty at the head of Cayuga Lake in New York State's Finger Lakes region. The surrounding area, riven with scenic gorges and waterfalls, is one of the state's premier wine-making regions. Education is the principal industry: Ithaca is home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College, and the student population roughly equals the resident populace. Despite its modest size, Ithaca enjoys an international and cosmopolitan flavor.

Recreation
Opportunities abound for sports and recreation at Cornell and in the local region. The university and the city of Ithaca maintain excellent golf courses. Hikers explore trails and view the imposing waterfalls in Taughannock, Robert Treman, and Buttermilk Falls State Parks, all within a few miles of Cornell. Boating enthusiasts enjoy Cayuga Lake, and Beebe Lake is located on the campus. Cornell maintains an NCAA cycling team, and there is an active local club. Cross-country skiers find numerous trails in nearby parks and forests and at local ski centers; excellent downhill facilities are within a short drive. Cornell's new field house boasts an indoor climbing wall. There are two campus indoor pools, fitness facilities, an exemplary wellness program, squash and racquetball courts, and indoor tennis and equestrian centers on East Hill.

The Arts
The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell, designed by architect I. M. Pei, is one of the finest university art museums in the nation. It offers about fifteen exhibitions each year and is noted for its collections of Asian, American, and graphic arts.

Two major concert series are presented yearly at Cornell, and the renowned music program at Ithaca College fosters community-wide enjoyment of music. The Cornell Center for Theatre Arts presents outstanding programs of traditional and experimental theater, film, and dance throughout the year. In the larger Ithaca community, the Hangar Theatre company offers a wide selection of summer stock plays and musicals, and Ithaca College presents excellent musical and theatrical programs.

Getting Here

Airline Service. Tompkins County Airport, located about 4 miles from campus, is connected by nonstop flights with New York/Newark, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse. Connections from the rest of the country are made through these cities. A limousine/cab service is available at the airport.

Bus. Greyhound (607) 272-7930, and Shortline (607) 277-8800, both located in downtown Ithaca, provide bus service to major cities. Tompkins County Area Transit (TCAT) (607) 277-7433, makes frequent trips from the bus station to the campus (about 2 miles).

Train. The closest rail connection point, Syracuse (60 miles from Ithaca), is served by Amtrak.