About Gems

Welcome to the premier visitor center of upstate New York!

Historically, some of the earliest settlements in New York State occurred along the Mohawk River. The engineering marvel known as the Erie Canal opened easy travel to the Western frontier. Gems Along the Mohawk encapsulates the history of the Mohawk Valley with its location along the canal and its information on all the contiguous counties surrounding the Mohawk Valley. We are excited about the progression of the Gems Along the Mohawk and look forward to sharing a piece of history with you. As a tourist and retail center, Gems Along the Mohawk educates visitors and encourages them to experience the many recreational, historic, commercial, and natural resources of the region. It also promotes products manufactured in the Central New York area. Of key importance is the strategic location of the project located on the canal, at NYS Thruway exit 30, on the route of the Canalway trail and at the beginining of the southern Adirondack Scenic Byway. This confluence is one of the most unique in the state, and offers many inter-modal transportation opportunities. It is a perfect stop if you are traveling eastbound or westbound on the NYS Thruway.

Our restaurant, The Waterfront Grille, is a gem of a local culinary experience. Being smoke free, with a waterfront view and open year round with indoor and outdoor dining options, the restaurant has been a tremendous success since its opening.

The Lil' Diamond II, a new 60-passenger vessel, docks here at the Herkimer Marina at Gems Along the Mohawk, and offers tours of the Erie Canal. The cruises travel through Lock 18 and return to the Marina. Each cruise is fully narrated by our Captains, and gives a historic overview of the Erie Canal as well as information about the operation of the Canal locking system.

Come and experience a little history!
View our Group Information. We have special events so don't forget our event information section for details.