Herkimer, New York travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Herkimer is a city in Central New York. This article also covers the nearby villages of Mohawk, Ilion, Frankfort, and Middleville.

1 sights · 1 things to do · 5 places to eat · 1 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Herkimer

F.E. Spinner Mansion

F.E. Spinner was the Secretary of the Treasury under Abraham Lincoln and lived in a large mansion on Main Street in Mohawk, which still stands.

Ace of Diamonds Mine

The mine allows visitors to collect Herkimer diamonds from their site. Mining tools such as rock hammers and sledge hammers are available for rental.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 16°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Albany)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
SYR Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Syracuse — 57 mi away (major hub). Directions
ALB Albany International Airport, Albany — 63 mi away (major hub). Directions

The easiest way to access Herkimer is by car. Herkimer is off of Exit 30 of the New York State Thruway (I-90). Take a right to go to Herkimer, and a left to go to Mohawk.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

Places to stay listed here: about $10–$10 a night (typical $12), from 2 listed prices.
Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$50, mid-range ~$90, comfortable ~$180.

See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning F.E. Spinner Mansion
Lunch Yetty's Pizza and Pasta
Afternoon Ace of Diamonds Mine
Dinner Crystal Chandelier Restaurant

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Understand

Herkimer is the county seat of Herkimer County. The Herkimer area is known for "Herkimer diamonds", double-sided quartz crystals of high clarity that resemble diamonds.

Get in

By car

The easiest way to access Herkimer is by car. Herkimer is off of Exit 30 of the New York State Thruway (I-90). Take a right to go to Herkimer, and a left to go to Mohawk.

By train

The nearest Amtrak station is about 15 miles away in Utica, NY. There are no public transportation offerings from the station to Herkimer, so if traveling by train make sure to either arrange for a ride prior to departure, or call ahead for a taxi. From Utica there are daily arrivals and departures to New York City, Boston, Toronto, Albany, and other Northeastern locales.

By bike

Herkimer and Mohawk are on the New York State Canal Trail, making it easy for bikers who are traveling along the canal to stop there. From the trail take a left upon reaching the MOVAC Ambulance Service garage onto NYS Route 5-S and take a left onto Main Street.

By plane

The nearest airports are Hancock International Airport in Syracuse and Albany International Airport in Albany. Both airports offer flights to destinations throughout the country including New York City, Chicago, Charlotte, Cleveland, and Las Vegas.

Get around

Herkimer and the surrounding area is best traversed by car. Herkimer and Mohawk are connected directly to the NYS Canal Trail, making it easy to go for a ride along the canal and to other communities beyond, such as Utica and Little Falls. The trail has not been completed and only goes in an eastern direction, meaning that in order to bike further west, especially to Utica, will require riding on the roads.