This reconstructed 18th-century settlement makes for an enjoyable half-day outing for the family. Built on the site where the first shovelful of earth was turned for the Erie Canal on July 4, 1817, there's now an entire village full of Colonial buildings staffed by costumed players. Sound like the Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown? They're very similar, though here you can also take a 40-minute boat ride on the Erie Canal. Walk around at your own pace: You'll see a tavern, ice house, church, blacksmith shop, train station, school, print shop, and three homes. There's also a nice collection of horse-drawn carriages, sleighs, and farm equipment.