Located in central New York State, Cooperstown is a village of slightly more than 2000 citizens. Cooperstown was founded by Judge William Cooper, the father of James Fenimore Cooper, American novelist renown for his tails of the early American frontier.
The village of Cooperstown sits at the southern edge of Lake Otsego which is the source of the Susquehanna River. The Susquehanna winds its way through New York Pennsylvania and forms the Chesapeake Bay before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.
Best known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown lays claim to be the place where baseball was invented by Abner Doubleday in 1839 on a cow pasture within the village. The development of baseball appears to be more complex than the folklore would lead us to believe.
Aside of the mandatory visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, visitors can enjoy a number of other attractions. The Fenimore Art Museum, the Glimmerglass Opera, The New York State Historical Association and the Clark Sports Center are found in and around the village. Canoe and kayak rentals are available in the area for use on Lake Otsego or the Susquehanna.
Shopping on Main Street is a sports fan dream. The shops that line the streets are filled with baseball memorabilia and other items autographed by Hall of Famers. Of course there are many other items that will appeal to other interests, but baseball rules in Cooperstown.
Alongside the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, is Doubleday Field. This ball park is the location of the annual Hall of Fame game that precedes the Induction weekend events. During this game you can watch major league teams play in a ball park that brings you right into the game. Throughout the rest of the season, there are games that take place between minor league and amateur teams from the area. It is great fun to watch a game here and buy hot dogs and soft drinks from teen age vendors who sell directly from wicker baskets.