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Celebrate Dear Old Dad Cortland County Style

Jun 15, 2026
Candace Rozansky
4 mins
Visitors enjoy a spirits tasting at a local distillery in Cortland County, New York, sampling craft whiskey in a medieval tasting room.

We assure you, Dad doesn't need another tie. This Father's Day, give him something even better: a day spent making memories in Cortland County. After all, father figures come in all shapes and sizes. Maybe it's Dad. Maybe it's Grandpa. Maybe it's the uncle who taught you to fish or the coach who never missed a game. Whoever earns the title, this one's for them.

Whether they're a craft beer connoisseur, a country music fan, or the kind of person who slows down for every tractor, train, and truck they see, there's an adventure waiting with their name on it.

Hole in One

Golf Digest named Cortland County one of the nation's Best Little Golf Towns, and it's easy to see why. Grab Dad and hit the links at one of five beautiful 18 hole golf courses, each offering scenic views, rolling fairways, and challenges for every skill level. Whether he's chasing a personal best or simply enjoying a day outdoors, Cortland County is a golfer's paradise.

Not every great golf day needs a scorecard. If Dad prefers friendly competition and plenty of laughs, mini golf is always a hole-in-one choice. Head to Shipwreck Amusements, home to the Guinness World Record for the longest mini golf hole. Between tricky obstacles, family bragging rights, and a little healthy competition, it's the perfect way to spend Father's Day together.

For dads who like their golf with a little extra adventure, Hope Lake Disc Golf Course at Greek Peak Mountain Resort delivers. Recently ranked #18 on UDisc's list of the 25 Best Disc Golf Courses at Downhill Ski Areas for 2026, the course is known for its wooded fairways, meadow views, and challenging layout. New this summer is Creekside 9, a beginner-friendly nine-hole course opening near the Adventure Center in late June. Designed with families and first-time players in mind, it's the perfect introduction to one of the fastest-growing sports around.

For a full list of Cortland County golf click here.

Channel His Inner Cowboy

Thanks to the popularity of Yellowstone, dads everywhere have been donning Carhart's and pulling on Ariat boots.Give him somewhere to finally wear them with a trip to the Cortland County Music Park.

Start with the newly redesigned New York State Country Music Hall of Fame, where exhibits celebrate the rich history of local and national country music greats, then saddle up for a live show in the Opry Barn. Throughout the season, the Cortland Country Music Park hosts an impressive lineup of country crooners, from honkytonk favorites to toe-tapping bluegrass and classic rock performances.

When hunger strikes, the Chuck Wagon serves up comfort food classics, including burgers, chicken wings, and all the fixings. Looking for a Father's Day gift that lasts beyond the weekend? The park's weekly line dancing classes make a fun and memorable gift certificate for dads looking to learn a few new moves.

Tell Dad to dust off those cowboy boots. It's time to two-step! No boots? No problem. Swing by Homer Men and Boys for the latest Rip-worthy outerwear.

For a full list of performance spaces in Cortland County click here.

two men in cowboy hats looking at a display of awards.
Brockway Fire Truck
20231005 willowbrook golf photo credit matt baldelli 01
A beer glass garnished with a slice of orange, accompanied by a plate of nachos.
© Matt Baldelli

Tractors, Trains & Trucks, Oh My!

The CNY Living History Center packs four museums into one unforgettable stop. Explore the Brockway Truck Museum and discover the trucks that helped put Cortland on the map. Step into Tractors of Yesteryear, where beautifully restored antique tractors celebrate Central New York's agricultural roots.

At Homeville Museum, visitors can see a full sized train engine, an elaborate model train display, and exhibits highlighting local history, including Cortland County native and heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio. Their newest addition, the Firehouse Museum honors the history of firefighting in Cortland County with artifacts, equipment, and stories from the brave men and women who answered the call.

With everything from trucks and tractors to trains and local history, it's the perfect Father's Day destination for dad to indulge their current hyper fixations. 

For a full list of museums in Cortland County click here.

Cheers to Dear Ol' Dad

Show Dad you love him beer-y much with a tour of Cortland County's craft beverage scene. Whether he's a dedicated hop head or simply enjoys kicking back with a cold one, there's a pint with his name on it.

Start at McGraw Box Brewing Company, where Dad can enjoy their award-winning Hefeweizen and a rotating lineup of craft favorites. At Homer Hops Brewing, pair a fresh pint with beer cheese, giant pretzels, quesadillas, or flatbread pizzas because good times deserve great bites.

In downtown Cortland, Cortland Beer Company serves up craft beer, live music, and a full lineup of house-made spirits, including vodka, whiskey, bourbon, and cream liqueurs. It's the perfect spot for dads who appreciate variety in their glass.

If beer isn't his thing, Dragonfyre Distillery offers tastings of handcrafted spirits ranging from whiskey and bourbon to brandy and specialty creations.

For a full list of Cortland County craft brewers click here

More Ways to Celebrate Pops

Still looking for the perfect Father's Day outing? Explore Cortland County's local shops, unique gifts, craft beverage destinations, restaurants, live music venues, museums, and outdoor adventures. Whether Dad enjoys golf, fishing, history, music, great food, or a cold craft beer, you'll find plenty of ways to celebrate.

Click here to discover more things to do, places to eat, and Father's Day activities in Cortland County. No matter what Dad loves, there's an adventure waiting for him.

three men and one woman sitting at a picnic table with pints and bright sun

Get your daily dose of Cortland cool. Tag @experiencecortland607 and use #experiencecortland to snag your shot at Insta-fame!

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