Top 10 Iconic Movie Locations to Explore in New York State

Lights, Camera, Upstate! Your Guide to NYS Movie Magic

Get ready to hit the road and immerse yourself in the cinematic history scattered throughout New York State. Here are ten must-see locations that have graced the silver screen:

Letchworth State Park (Castile): Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth's dramatic gorges and waterfalls provided the breathtaking scenery for the football comedy Leatherheads starring George Clooney. Hike the trails and imagine the roaring 1920s football scenes unfolding against this stunning natural backdrop.

Lake Placid (Essex County): This picturesque Adirondack town is famous for hosting the Winter Olympics, but it's also known for a different kind of excitement: giant, man-eating crocodiles! The horror-comedy film Lake Placid and its sequels were primarily filmed around various lakes in British Columbia, Canada, but the allure of the name and the region's natural beauty make it a noteworthy stop for fans of creature features and scenic landscapes.

Saratoga Springs (Saratoga County): This historic city, famous for its horse racing and mineral springs, has appeared in several films. Perhaps most notably, parts of the Oscar-nominated film Seabiscuit, which tells the inspiring story of a Depression-era racehorse, were filmed in and around Saratoga.  

Niagara Falls (Niagara County): One of the world's most iconic natural wonders, Niagara Falls has captivated filmmakers for decades. Its majestic power and beauty have been showcased in numerous movies, including Superman II, where the Man of Steel saves a child from plummeting over the falls.  

Sleepy Hollow (Westchester County): Step into the eerie world of Washington Irving's classic tale at the actual Sleepy Hollow. This charming village and its surrounding Sleepy Hollow Cemetery provided the atmospheric setting for Tim Burton's gothic horror film Sleepy Hollow, starring Johnny Depp.

West Point (Orange County): The prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point has served as a backdrop for several films. In Scent of a Woman, Al Pacino's character, a retired Army Ranger, takes a trip to New York City that includes a poignant visit to West Point.  

Albany (Albany County): New York State's capital city has its own share of cinematic moments. The gritty drama Ironweed, starring Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep as homeless individuals during the Great Depression, was filmed in various locations throughout Albany.  

Woodstock (Ulster County): Famous for the legendary 1969 music festival, Woodstock has a rich history and counter-cultural vibe. Ang Lee's Taking Woodstock tells the story of how this small town became the epicenter of a generation-defining event, with filming taking place in the surrounding areas.  

Long Island (Various Counties): From the opulent mansions of the Gold Coast to the sandy beaches, Long Island offers a diverse range of settings. While some scenes were shot elsewhere, Long Island is often associated with The Godfather Part II, particularly the portrayal of Michael Corleone's family life and his move to a sprawling estate.  

Buffalo (Erie County): This vibrant city in Western New York has seen an increase in film productions in recent years. The biographical legal drama Marshall, which tells the story of a young Thurgood Marshall, filmed several key scenes in Buffalo, showcasing its historic architecture.  

So, the next time you're planning a getaway, consider venturing beyond the usual tourist hotspots and embarking on a cinematic adventure across New York State. You might just find yourself standing in the very spot where movie magic was made!