On the Tour
Every stop tells a story. Here's a look at the historic and memorable places we bring to life on our tours. Scroll down to explore our site options!
Photo coming soon
The octagonal study where Samuel Clemens wrote some of his most celebrated works — including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Perched on the grounds of Elmira College, this beloved landmark is a must-see for any Twain enthusiast.
Where Huckleberry Finn was written!
Elmira College, Elmira, NY
Nestled within the peaceful grounds of Woodlawn Cemetery lies one of Elmira's most moving tributes — the Clemens family plot. Here you will find the grave of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known to the world as Mark Twain, alongside his beloved wife Olivia and their children. Also within the same cemetery plot rests Jervis Langdon, Olivia's father and one of the most influential figures in Twain's life — a man who welcomed Samuel into his family and helped launch his literary career. Standing at this site, you feel the full weight of the life Twain built in Elmira: the love, the loss, and the legacy he left behind.
Mark Twain, his family & father-in-law all rest here together.
Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, NY
Elmira's Near Westside is one of the most remarkable historic districts in the entire Finger Lakes Region — and arguably one of the most significant in the nation. Recognized as a National Historic District, it boasts the largest concentration of Victorian architectural home styles found anywhere in the country. On our tour, we venture inside High Victorian homes that have stood for well over a century, uncovering the stories of the prominent families who built them, the architects who designed them, and the community that shaped them. From ornate Italianate facades to towering Gothic Revival churches, every block tells a story of ambition, artistry, and a city at the height of its golden age. This is Victorian America — not behind glass, but alive and walkable.
Largest concentration of Victorian architectural styles in the nation!
Near Westside Historic District, Elmira, NY
Photo coming soon
Few chapters in American history are as harrowing as the story of the Elmira Prison Camp — known to its Confederate prisoners simply as "Hellmira." Opened in the summer of 1864, the camp was designed to hold 5,000 prisoners of war, but within months it was packed with nearly 10,000 men. What followed was a catastrophe of suffering. Elmira's brutal winters and sweltering summers, combined with severe overcrowding, contaminated water, inadequate food, and rampant disease, made the camp one of the deadliest prison facilities of the entire Civil War. Smallpox, scurvy, and pneumonia swept through the barracks with devastating regularity. By the time the war ended, nearly 3,000 Confederate soldiers — almost one in four — had died within its fences and were buried in mass graves at Woodlawn National Cemetery just miles away. What makes Elmira's story even more striking is its contrast: while Samuel Clemens was spending his summers here writing some of the most beloved stories in American literature, thousands of men were dying just across town. On our tour, we bring both stories to life — the genius and the grief, the glory and the horror — because Elmira holds them all.
Nearly 3,000 Confederate soldiers died here — one of the Civil War's deadliest prison camps.
Elmira, NY Civil War Prison Camp & separate location site- Woodlawn National Cemetery with Confederate and Union soldier buryed their!
Photo coming soon
This is the first stop on a half- or full-day tour — and for good reason. The Chemung County Historical Society & Museum delivers an excellent presentation of the rich history of the City of Elmira, NY, and Chemung County that sets the stage for everything you'll see on the tour. A popular and beloved tour bus stop, the museum brings the region's past to life through fascinating rotating exhibits that keep every visit fresh and engaging. From the Civil War era to the Gilded Age, from Mark Twain's summers in Elmira to the industrial heritage & prominet citezens (we tour inside some of their High Victorian HOMEs!) that shaped the city, this museum gives visitors the context and the stories that make every other stop on the tour that much more meaningful.
The perfect first stop — sets the stage for the entire tour!
415 E Water St, Elmira, NY 14901
Few stories in American history are as extraordinary — or as deeply human — as the life of John W. Jones. Born into slavery in Virginia, Jones made a daring escape north, following the Underground Railroad to freedom and eventually settling in Elmira, New York. But his story did not end with his own liberation. It grew into something far greater. In Elmira, Jones became a conductor on the Underground Railroad himself, guiding more than 800 freedom seekers to safety to Canada. He was a man of profound courage, quiet determination, and remarkable compassion — and his community recognized it. By 1865, John W. Jones had become the wealthiest Black man in the entire state of New York. When the Civil War came to Elmira and the notorious prison camp filled with Confederate soldiers, Jones was appointed sexton of Woodlawn National Cemetery. What he did next speaks to the depth of his character: he gave every single soldier who died at the Elmira Prison Camp — nearly 3,000 Confederate men, enemies of the Union — a careful, dignified, individually recorded burial. NOTE: he supervised the burials, he didn't personally dig every grave. He kept meticulous records of each grave, ensuring that no man, regardless of which side he fought on, was not forgotten. In an era defined by hatred and division, John W. Jones chose compassion. His home has been lovingly preserved and transformed into a museum that tells this remarkable story in full. A place where the history of slavery, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the enduring power of human dignity all come together under one roof. Your tour bus is welcome, and the story waiting inside will stay with you long after you leave.
By 1865, the wealthiest Black man in New York State — and one of history's most compassionate figures.
1248 Davis St, Elmira, NY 14901
Founded in 1846, The Park Church is one of the most breathtaking and historically layered stops on our entire tour — and that is saying something in a city as rich as Elmira in history! The current church, built in 1871, stretches a full city block and commands attention from the moment you approach. Its soaring High Victorian architecture is adorned with large, impressive stained glass windows that fill the interior with color and light. This was no ordinary congregation. The church was built by some of Elmira's most prominent families — among them Olivia Langdon Clemens, Mark Twain's beloved wife, and her father Jervis Langdon, one of the most influential men in Twain's life and career. The Park Church's preacher was the Reverend Thomas K. Beecher — brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Reverend Beecher was not only a gifted minister but also a remarkable inventor, and his personality filled this church with life and curiosity. Among the most delightful stories the church holds is that of Samuel Clemens himself shooting billiards with Reverend Beecher on a billiard table that still sits inside the church today, just off the grand parlor. That grand parlor is itself a piece of history — it served as Elmira's very first public library, a gift to the community from this remarkable congregation. The best way to experience all of this is through Jenny Monroe, the current president of The Park Church, whose expertise, warmth, and guided walk-through of this stunning landmark is — without question — one of the finest stops on all of our tours. Remarkable to see. Impossible to forget.
Mark Twain shot billiards here — in Elmira's very first library!
208 W Gray St, Elmira, NY 14901
Standing kitty-corner to The Park Church, Trinity Church is a landmark that stops visitors in their tracks — and for good reason. Constructed circa 1850, this magnificent High Victorian church is home to one of only two brick church steeples in the entire United States. That alone makes it extraordinary. But Trinity's story goes far deeper than its architecture. Step inside and you will find the Arnot Family Chapel, a private chapel commissioned by the Arnot family's daughter as a lasting tribute to her family — a deeply personal gesture of faith and devotion built into the very walls of this grand structure. The Arnots were one of Elmira's most prominent and influential families, and their legacy is woven into the fabric of this city. Perhaps the most visually stunning feature of the entire church is the stained glass above the high altar. It is breathtaking — a soaring, luminous work of art that fills the sanctuary with color and reverence. Few sights on our tour draw as many gasps. Today, Trinity Church has found a remarkable second life as Empire Sports of the Southern Tier, a sports and entertainment complex that has given this beloved building a vibrant new purpose while honoring its past. It is a fantastic repurposing — one that preserves the grandeur of the original architecture while welcoming a whole new generation through its doors. Come see this extraordinary church in all her glory — past and present, sacred and spirited, all under one magnificent roof.
One of only two brick church steeples in the entire United States!
Elmira, NY
Photo coming soon
Just ten minutes from the heart of Elmira, Harris Hill is a world apart — and the drive up alone is worth the trip. Your tour bus climbs a stunning scenic hillside road, winding upward through the trees until the valley opens up below you in one of the most spectacular panoramic views in all of Chemung County. Take a breath. You have earned it. At the top sits the Harris Hill National Soaring Museum, a nationally renowned institution dedicated to the fascinating history of gliding, sailplanes, and the daring pioneers who first dared to ride the wind without an engine. From the earliest experiments in unpowered flight to the golden age of soaring competition, the museum tells a story of human ingenuity, courage, and an irresistible desire to fly. But Harris Hill is not just a museum — it is an active soaring site. On any given visit, sailplanes may be launching right over your heads, riding the thermals above the Chemung Valley in near-total silence. It is a sight that never gets old, and one that draws visitors from across the country. If you have ever wanted to experience a sailplane or hang gliding flight yourself, this is the place — rides are available for those who want to take the leap. This is one of those stops that surprises every group. Off the beaten path, unexpected, and utterly unforgettable — a one-of-a-kind tour bus excursion that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the region.
Elmira's most spectacular valley views — and sailplanes launching right over your heads!
51 Soaring Hill Dr, Elmira, NY 14903
Photo coming soon
If Tom Sawyer himself were planning a day out in Elmira, this is exactly where he would head — and your tour group is going to love every minute of it. Founded in 1973, Tanglewood Nature Center and Wildlife Preserve is one of the region's most beloved hidden gems, tucked away off the beaten trail and offering a genuine nature adventure for visitors of all ages. With over 10 miles of scenic trails winding through the preserve, there is always something new to discover around every bend. At the heart of the center is a remarkable live animal collection featuring more than 40 local species — birds of prey, reptiles, mammals, and more — giving your group an up-close encounter with the wildlife of the Chemung Valley that you simply cannot get anywhere else. Alongside the living animals, a fascinating diorama of local wildlife in a beautifully realistic natural setting brings the region's ecosystem to life in vivid detail. Viewing platforms with binoculars let you take in the landscape and spot wildlife at a distance — a peaceful, memorable experience that slows the tour down in the best possible way. Inspiring and educating over 35,000 visitors each year, Tanglewood is a place where curiosity is rewarded and nature does the storytelling. And the best is still to come. In 2027, Tanglewood will unveil a brand-new canopy viewing platform high above the tree line — fully handicap-accessible and offering breathtaking views over the forest canopy. These treetop platforms are already generating excitement among tourists and nature lovers across the region. Your 2027 groups will be among the first to experience it. A true nature adventure. Fantastic for every passenger on your bus.
Coming 2027: A new handicap-accessible canopy viewing platform high above the tree line!
508 W Hill Rd, Elmira, NY 14905
Book a tour and let Mark Twain himself guide you through the history of Elmira, NY.
Book a Tour