Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake
5
About
One of the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Keuka Lake and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
5 within 3 miles
Attractions
27 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
54 reviews
Excellent
46
Very good
7
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
oussies
Middleton, MA271 contributions
Jun 2023
One of the most beautiful lakes in upsate New York, Keuka offers good swimming (pebble beaches, bring watershoes), great water sporting opportunities. Surrounded by lovely cottages on the edge, and vineyards on the mountains, this "Y" shaped lake is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the Finger Lakes Region. Near Keuka, there are interesting and the towns that surround it (Hammondsport, Penn Yan, and Branchport) there are aviation, boating, and automobile museums, wine tasting opportunities, great eateries, and small hotels and homes for lodging. A hidden gem!
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
katrinangel2
New York City, NY583 contributions
Jul 2011
I used to live in Ithaca. I have been to a lot of the lakes. But I think Keuka is one of the best, here's why:
Keuka is small enough to travel around it, enjoy the wineries and not be gone all day long. The community is more local so it is more quiet and family oriented than the other lakes.
The wind is not as strong so you can kayak, peddle-boat or canoe without fighting winds the entire time.
I like Seneca and Cayuga but it's a different culture. These lakes get a lot more visitors and the winds are pretty strong. Great for windsurfing.
If you stay on Keuka, take the time to eat an early meal at the Switz Inn. They have music outdoors and some kind of "deal" every night. I would make a reservation if you can, otherwise they will put you in the "AC Room" and that is not fun.
Keuka is small enough to travel around it, enjoy the wineries and not be gone all day long. The community is more local so it is more quiet and family oriented than the other lakes.
The wind is not as strong so you can kayak, peddle-boat or canoe without fighting winds the entire time.
I like Seneca and Cayuga but it's a different culture. These lakes get a lot more visitors and the winds are pretty strong. Great for windsurfing.
If you stay on Keuka, take the time to eat an early meal at the Switz Inn. They have music outdoors and some kind of "deal" every night. I would make a reservation if you can, otherwise they will put you in the "AC Room" and that is not fun.
Written July 22, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt J
Charlotte, NC45 contributions
Jul 2011
Keuka Lake is a wonderful vacation spot for those near and far. Boating, kayaking/canoeing, jet skiing, water skiing, and tubing are great summer activities. For those less adventurous, the Esparanza Rose cruise ship launches for Lunch and Dinner cruises along the lake. Hiking at Keuka Lake State Park is also excellent; during the winter the trails are used for snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Ice skating is possible on the lake and only minutes away is multiple ski resorts. The charming towns on the lakeshore also have many attractions, such as Keuka Karts in Penn Yan and the Curtiss museum in Hammondsport. In nearby Canandaigua is the Roseland water park, small but not crowded. Rochester is only an hour and a half away for those who need big-city amenities, but the restaurants here are just fine, including the famed Seneca Farms and Penn Yan Diner in Penn Yan. Many restaurants have boat slips for customers coming by water, the lake's unusual shape often results in the fact that it is less time to ride by boat rather than car. Overall- a great place!
Written November 16, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick M
Newtown, CT117 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
Just returned from a great few days of lake trout fishing on Keuka Lake which has incredibly clean, clear water. The lake is narrow and Y shaped running North/South, depths range to 125'+ dropping off rather quickly on most shores. It is lined with private homes and offer fuel/snacks/basic supplies in 2 locations.
We entered using the public launches in Penn Yan, there are 4 docks offering 6 individual launches with varying depths. The docks are very nice with adequate bumpers and tie down capabilities, parking in the lot is substantial for easy access. Two out of three days I noted the presence of police in or near the ramps despite being mid-week and 10% capacity. The cost to launch and park is $5 for the day with an honor payment box. I notice that the porta-potty was quite clean each day.
We were picking up fish at many many depths with regularity despite having spotty luck on this trip, Mid-August is not a particularly prime season for laker's but we brought in several each day trolling at approx 2 mph at depths of 30 to 80' 150 to 250' behind the boat. Copper perch broken back deep diving Rapala was our most productive bait. Weeds were not a problem even in the channel from the launch, beautiful bass territory for another time!
All in all a wonderful body of water, beautiful town and fresh clean air......awesome!
We entered using the public launches in Penn Yan, there are 4 docks offering 6 individual launches with varying depths. The docks are very nice with adequate bumpers and tie down capabilities, parking in the lot is substantial for easy access. Two out of three days I noted the presence of police in or near the ramps despite being mid-week and 10% capacity. The cost to launch and park is $5 for the day with an honor payment box. I notice that the porta-potty was quite clean each day.
We were picking up fish at many many depths with regularity despite having spotty luck on this trip, Mid-August is not a particularly prime season for laker's but we brought in several each day trolling at approx 2 mph at depths of 30 to 80' 150 to 250' behind the boat. Copper perch broken back deep diving Rapala was our most productive bait. Weeds were not a problem even in the channel from the launch, beautiful bass territory for another time!
All in all a wonderful body of water, beautiful town and fresh clean air......awesome!
Written August 18, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ElizabethGetz
Newport, Rhode Island44 contributions
Aug 2010
My extended family rented a cabin on Keuka Lake, brought our boat and we all had a grand time! The lake is absolutely exquisite. It's long enough to go for a nice boat ride and was still enough to allow for some awesome water skiing. Kids caught some fish, too. This is probably my favorite Finger Lake because it is crystal clear and not too cold. We're going back in late July this year with adults and kids from brand new to early teens. I'm anticipating another great week of family fun! Come to Keuka Lake!
Written June 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelly_John1
1 contribution
Jun 2013
Such a beautiful spot. This really is Americas Coolest small town. So much to see and do! Many wineries and restaurants. My wife and I especially enjoy driving around the lake and just admiring the beauty that surrounds it. We always stop at Dr.Franks winery and The Lakeside restaurant for dinner after wine tasting and shopping. A beautiful get away vacation spot. A few hotels and bed and breakfasts. Certainly a must see and must experience!
Written July 13, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrKatieRN
Bayside, NY1,802 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
I spent four years living on Keuka Lake as a college student and return every five years. It is among the cleanest of the Finger Lakes, and the most scenic. It is smaller than some of the lakes, so you can easily see across. It's unique "Y" shape gives it an interesting character. The middle of the "Y" and perimeter of the west lake are dotted with boutique wineries. In the summer they have special events which lends to the unique culture and provides something to do for vacationers. Like other glacial lakes, the water can be cold but it is swimable in July, August and early September. Boating abounds, ranging from dinner cruises about a paddle boat, to motor, party, and small row boats. There's an Amish market nearby which provides interesting shopping, incuding for scrumptious Amish pies and pastries. In the past 15 years, Amish from the Pennsylvania Dutch area have migrated to the Finger Lakes where land is cheaper. It is common to see horse drawn carriages, particularly toward Dundee on the east bank of Keuka Lake.
There are some nice motels, lake front cottages, and a lovely, upscale hotel at the middle of the "Y" (often the site of weddings) with beautiful views. It's about a 7 hour drive from the NYC metro area and 1.5 hours from Rochester, where the main airports are. There is a small private airport for corporate planes near Keuka. The little town, Penn Yan, provides basics with an "'old town" feel. It's a great place to visit for a weekend or week.
There are some nice motels, lake front cottages, and a lovely, upscale hotel at the middle of the "Y" (often the site of weddings) with beautiful views. It's about a 7 hour drive from the NYC metro area and 1.5 hours from Rochester, where the main airports are. There is a small private airport for corporate planes near Keuka. The little town, Penn Yan, provides basics with an "'old town" feel. It's a great place to visit for a weekend or week.
Written November 24, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mindy V
Sylvania, OH43 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
After renting a private cottage on Seneca Lake through VRBO, we ventured out to the one of the neighboring lakes, Keuka Lake, one day. The kids really wanted to go on wave runners so after calling many local marinas that rent boats and PWC, I found Morgan Marine. They were very helpful and reasonably priced for brand new PWC rentals. Renting the pair is first come/ first serve so beware if it is a hot and sunny day, get there early to ensure that they are available to you. Keuka Lake is very long and you can only use the PWC in a specified area of the lake but don't worry, there is plenty of water for everyone. Give yourself plenty of time to watch an informational video and fill out contracts etc. Morgan Marine also rents various boats as well. I highly recommend them.
Written August 31, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diaron
Burlington, Canada95 contributions
Jul 2013 • Couples
Stopped at Hammondsport on Keuka Lake on our way around the Finger Lakes area. Great small town to visit and stroll through. They had a Vintage Boat Regatta when we were there and it was fun to see all the amazing old boats racing. Lovely marina area. Small town but very picturesque. Worth a stop.
Written July 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SassySarah79
Rochester, NY17 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
This is by far my favorite of the finger lakes. The water is clear and no sea weed to be had. Hammondsport is on the south tip of the lake and is the "Coolest Small Town in America". It has some great restaurants and a cute ice cream parlor. Heron Hill, Bully Hill, and Dr. Frank wineries are all on the west side of the lake. Penn Yan is on the north tip and has a great craft market called "The Windmill". Wonderful place to rent a cottage.
Written July 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christiane H
Hialeah Gardens, FL6 contributions
I am looking for a shady spot with picnic table by the lake, but not in the full sun
Lauren Z
Bath, MI3 contributions
We are looking for a rental for 6 people on this lake can you share where you stayed?
Warrior_joe
United States950 contributions
There are many cottages for rent on Keuka Lake. I stay at a family members home, but contacting a realtor in the area or a local publication may give you some options.
sue44Sydney
sydney11 contributions
Hi There are 2 of us and one 9 year old what are your prices for 3 nights in September, dates unknown as yet. We are from Australia
Eric
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing