Sports and Fitness

For all university-offered sports programs, please visit Cornell Recreational Services

  • Fitness

    • Cornell Fitness Centers (CFC) are located at Teagle Hall, Helen Newman Hall, Noyes, and Appel Commons. Membership costs $159 per year. Group classes like spin, yoga, and Zumba are cheaper. Spouses must show a Spouse ID Card to register.
    • Off-campus options include Planet Fitness (Ithaca Mall) and Finger Lakes Fitness Center (Commons).

  • Swimming

    • On-campus pools are free for students with ID. Teagle Hall has two pools (large/small), and Helen Newman Hall has a six-lane pool. All are 25 yards long. Lanes are divided by swimming speed. Pools are open for about four hours daily. Float boards are provided. Check the university website for updated schedules before going.
    • Off-campus options: YMCA, Island Health and Fitness, and Ithaca Swimming Club Inc.
    • In summer, state parks like Robert H. Treman and Buttermilk Falls have lifeguarded swimming areas (parking fee required).

  • Ball Sports

    • Tennis: Appel Court
    • Basketball: Barton Hall, Bartels Hall, Noyes Hall, Helen Newman
    • Badminton: Helen Newman
    • Soccer: Near Appel Court
    • Table Tennis: Noyes Hall
    • Hockey: Lynah Rink
    • Bowling: Helen Newman Basement

  • Other Activities

    • Track: Barton Hall
    • Climbing: Bartels Hall (Lindseth Climbing Center), Noyes Hall
    • Ice Skating: Lynah Rink
    • Aerobics: Noyes Hall
    • Skiing/Snowboarding: Greek Peak Mountain Resort
    • Hiking and Trail Running: Cornell Botanic Gardens (formerly Cornell Plantations) is great for short and easy hikes.

  • Physical Education Courses (Cornell PE)

    • Located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region, Cornell is known for its wide variety of PE courses, many in partnership with Cornell Outdoor Education (COE). Unique classes include skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, rock climbing, ice climbing, tree climbing, caving, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, Latin dance, Barre, gymnastics, circus arts, massage, archery, fencing, fishing, pistol shooting, rifle shooting, wilderness survival, first aid, geocaching, backpacking, and more.

Winter Clothing

  • Indoor areas and buses are usually heated, so lightweight clothing paired with a heavy coat is best. (Layering is recommended.)
  • Suggested attire:
    • Upper body: moisture-wicking thermal underwear + warm sweater + windproof and waterproof jacket. Thick gloves and a warm hat are essential. Also carry lotion and lip balm.
    • Lower body: thermal leggings + outer pants. Snow pants are an option for very cold weather but may be uncomfortable indoors. Footwear options include waterproof, non-slip snow boots or high-top hiking shoes. Winter road salt may damage boots, so regular maintenance is recommended.
  • You can buy winter gear at local malls. For discounts, consider visiting outlet centers further away.

Movies

  • Ticket prices range from $10–$15, with student discounts around $8–$12.
  • Tickets are available at Regal or via the Atom app.
  • Movie types:
    • Blockbusters: IMAX, 3D, 4DX, Standard
    • Indie Films: Art films, documentaries
  • Movie venues:
    • Regal Cinemas (in Ithaca Mall; shows blockbusters in 3D but no IMAX; may close soon, so Syracuse may be the next best option)
    • Cinemapolis (Downtown; screens indie and art films, often features award-winning selections)
    • Cornell Cinema (Located in Willard Straight Hall, opposite Cornell Store. CU Grad Students: $5.50. Occasionally offers free screenings.)

Fun Classes (Listed in 161 Things Every Cornellian Should Do)

Life & Festivals

Other Experiences

Outdoor Attractions

  • Ithaca is ideal for hiking, with many trails and waterfalls:
    • Ithaca Trails: Variety of trails for all skill levels.
    • Finger Lakes Trail: A roughly 580-mile route across southern New York. Most people hike a single section rather than the whole thing.
    • Ithaca College Natural Lands: Great for walks and bird watching.
    • Ithaca Falls: A wide, powerful gorge waterfall just west of campus near downtown — noticeably broader than the other local falls. A trail leads to the base, and there are more scenic paths along Fall Creek above it.
    • State Parks (fewer open trails in winter, parking fees in peak season):
      • Buttermilk Falls: Closest park, bus accessible, features a dam and Lake Treman.
      • Robert Treman: Features outdoor pool and Lucifer Falls.
      • Taughannock Falls: At 215 feet (66 m) it is taller than Niagara and the highest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. An easy flat trail leads to the base, and there is an overlook with a full view.
      • Watkins Glen: About 1 hour away, features long gorge trail and stone bridges.

More One-Day Hiking Options

Stargazing

Nearby Attractions

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Last updated 27 Jul 2026, 22:55 -0400 . history