A local scenic byway is getting national recognition.
The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway has received the National Scenic Byway Association Award for Outstanding Interpretation for its Kids Cayuga Lake program.
Since 2001, the program has invited families and groups to take part in a scavenger hunt-style trek to 14 sites around the 87-mile byway encompassing the lake. At these sites, children participate in puzzles and activities to learn about each site’s historic, cultural, or natural significance. An activity book accompanies the program.
In 2025, the program reached a new milestone with 5,000 copies of the Kids Cayuga Lake puzzle book printed. The National Scenic Byway Association said the book has become a trusted resource for families visiting the Fingerlakes and “ reflects the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway’s ongoing commitment to broadening its audience beyond adult-focused offerings, encouraging families to engage more deeply with the natural, historical, and cultural fabric of the area.”
“The KIDS CAYUGA LAKE program was born from a simple idea: give families something meaningful to do together while they explore our byway,” said Sue Poelvoorde, Executive Director of Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway Inc. “Seeing kids hunt for clues, discover something new about the lake’s history, and get excited about nature — that’s the reward.”
“What the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway has built with KIDS CAYUGA LAKE is a masterclass in interpretation,” said Sharon Strouse, Executive Director of the National Scenic Byway Association. “By meeting families where they are and making education genuinely fun, they’ve created an experience that keeps visitors coming back and builds lifelong connections to place.”
More information on the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway can be found at www.cayugalake.com
