McGraw Tower Cornell (Cornell Chimes)
McGraw Tower, home to the Cornell Chimes, offers stunning campus views and a legendary unsolved pumpkin prank. A must-visit Cornell landmark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Great views with morning sun
McGraw Tower Cornell (Cornell Chimes)
Best Time
Great views with morning sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
McGraw Tower, home to the Cornell Chimes, offers stunning campus views and a legendary unsolved pumpkin prank. A must-visit Cornell landmark.
"The panoramic scenery is simply unforgettable, and the peaceful atmosphere adds to the charm."
🎯 Check Chimes Schedule
Concerts are free, but check the schedule online for times.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
161 steps to the top! Be ready for a climb. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cornell Chimes Concerts
McGraw Tower
Experience the iconic melodies played live by the chimes master. A truly unique Cornell tradition.
Panoramic Campus Views
Top of McGraw Tower
Breathtaking vistas of Cornell's campus, Ithaca, and the surrounding natural beauty. Unforgettable scenery.
The Great Pumpkin Mystery
McGraw Tower exterior
The legendary 1997 prank of a pumpkin impaled atop the tower. A quirky piece of Cornell lore.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Catch the Chimes Concerts
Conquer the Steps
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Chimes Schedule
Concerts are free, but check the schedule online for times.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
161 steps to the top! Be ready for a climb. :athletic_shoe:
👻 The Pumpkin Legend
Ask about the 1997 pumpkin prank – a fun campus mystery! :ghost:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Perfect spot for graduation photos and campus memories. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Chimes Schedule
Concerts are free, but check the schedule online for times.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
161 steps to the top! Be ready for a climb. :athletic_shoe:
👻 The Pumpkin Legend
Ask about the 1997 pumpkin prank – a fun campus mystery! :ghost:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Perfect spot for graduation photos and campus memories. :camerawithflash:
🚪 Tower Access
Door opens ~10 mins before concerts. Be punctual! :door:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise McGraw Tower for its iconic chimes concerts and breathtaking panoramic views of Cornell's campus and the surrounding natural beauty. The tower's rich history, including the legendary unsolved pumpkin prank, adds a unique charm. While the climb is a workout, most find the experience well worth the effort.
"The McGraw Tower at Cornell University is a truly iconic landmark that offers breathtaking views of the campus and the surrounding natural beauty. From the top, you can marvel at the stunning waterfalls and lush greenery that make this area so special. The panoramic scenery is simply unforgettable, and the peaceful atmosphere adds to the charm. Whether you're visiting for the first time or a regular, the view from McGraw Tower never fails to impress. It's a must-see for anyone at Cornell, combining history, beauty, and tranquility all in one place."
mokhtar altaj
"The McGraw Tower at Cornell University holds a special place in my heart, evoking fond memories of listening to the legendary physicist Richard Feynman while its chimes resonated in the background. Its iconic presence graced my experiences with a touch of magic. While my aversion to heights kept me grounded, the tower's panoramic view from terra firma was captivating. Its timeless architecture and melodic chimes were a backdrop to intellectual exploration and cherished moments. McGraw Tower stands not just as a physical landmark, but as a cherished vessel of learning and memory, etching a unique impression in the tapestry of my time at Cornell."
Krishna Sudarshan
"If you're visiting Cornell, definitely try to get to the tower for a chimes concert. I recommend one early in the morning for great views with the morning sun but the views are great before and after the evening concert as well. It's very fun to watch the chimes master play and to ask questions after the concert. The only way to the top is to climb the 161 steps."
Stephen Harte
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McGraw Tower is centrally located on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York. It's easily accessible on foot from most campus buildings. If arriving by car, look for campus parking options near the Arts Quad or Olin Library.
Limited visitor parking is available in garages and lots around the Cornell campus. It's best to check the Cornell University Parking Services website for the most up-to-date information on availability and rates.
While the tower itself is an iconic landmark visible from many parts of campus, access to the interior for chimes concerts is limited to scheduled times. The exterior is always accessible.
The most popular way to experience McGraw Tower is by attending a chimes concert. You can also climb the stairs to the top for incredible views.
Unfortunately, access to the top of McGraw Tower requires climbing 161 steps, making it inaccessible for those with significant mobility challenges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required for chimes concerts. Students and community members are welcome to attend all concerts without a reservation, except where noted on the schedule.
Attending a chimes concert and climbing the tower to the observation level is free of charge.
Chimes concerts are held daily, but specific times vary. It's best to check the official Cornell Chimes concert schedule online for the most accurate daily listings.
The door to McGraw Tower typically opens approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled concert time.
Yes, it's often possible to ask questions of the chimes master after the concert, which can be a very insightful experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can attend a live chimes concert, climb 161 steps to the top for panoramic views of campus and Ithaca, and learn about the tower's history and the famous pumpkin prank.
The views from the top are spectacular, offering a sweeping panorama of Cornell's beautiful campus, the town of Ithaca, and the surrounding natural landscapes, including waterfalls.
Chimes concerts typically last around 15-20 minutes, providing a delightful interlude to your campus visit.
The climb involves many stairs, which can be tiring, but the tower itself is safe. Some may find the height at the top daunting if they have a fear of heights.
In 1997, a 60-pound pumpkin was mysteriously impaled on the spire of McGraw Tower, 173 feet up. How it got there remains an unsolved campus prank and a popular legend.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer beautiful lighting for photos. Sunset views from the top are particularly stunning. Graduation photos are also very popular here.
Yes, you can take photos during a chimes concert, but be respectful of the performers and other attendees.
The area around the Arts Quad offers great perspectives of the tower. The view from the top provides a sweeping photographic panorama of the campus and beyond.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the tower's architecture and the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on campus.
The original pumpkin prank was in 1997 and is no longer there. However, it's a popular topic of conversation and a fun story to capture in photos of the tower itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The story of the 1997 pumpkin prank is also a fun tale to share with children, adding an element of mystery and adventure to the visit. While the 161 steps to the top might be a hurdle, the panoramic views from the observation deck can be awe-inspiring for older children. It's a great opportunity to point out different campus landmarks and discuss the surrounding natural beauty. Remember to check the concert schedule in advance to plan your visit around a performance.
🎓 Students & Alumni
The pumpkin prank legend is a piece of lore that many alumni fondly recall. For current students, the tower offers a moment of respite and a chance to appreciate the beauty of their campus from above. It's a place that connects generations of Big Red, symbolizing the enduring spirit and traditions of Cornell University.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The panoramic views from the top are exceptional, offering sweeping vistas of the campus, Ithaca, and the Finger Lakes region, particularly beautiful during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Don't forget to capture the unique story of the 1997 pumpkin prank – while the pumpkin is long gone, the legend itself is a compelling narrative to explore through your lens. Consider visiting during a chimes concert to capture the atmosphere and the chimes master at work.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Cornell Chimes
Attending a concert provides a chance to witness the skill of the chimes master firsthand. You can often ask questions after the performance, gaining insight into the history and mechanics of this impressive instrument. The schedule for these concerts is available online and is a must-check for any visitor.
Beyond the concerts, the chimes themselves are a symbol of Cornell's rich history and enduring traditions. They have been a backdrop to countless student memories, from late-night study sessions to celebratory moments.
The Great Pumpkin Heist of 1997
The mystery of how the pranksters managed to hoist such a large object to such a precarious height without being seen or caught has never been solved. Theories abound, but no definitive explanation has ever emerged, cementing its status as a legendary campus prank. The pumpkin remained there for months, becoming a national curiosity before eventually decaying.
This unsolved mystery adds a quirky and memorable dimension to McGraw Tower, often sparking conversations and fueling the imagination of visitors and alumni alike. It’s a testament to the playful spirit and ingenuity that can be found within the Cornell community.
Climbing McGraw Tower for Views
From the top, you're treated to a stunning perspective of the entire Cornell campus, the picturesque town of Ithaca, and the surrounding natural beauty, including the famous gorges and waterfalls. The scenery is particularly captivating during sunrise or sunset, making morning and evening concerts prime times for a visit.
While the climb requires some physical effort, the payoff is immense. It's a fantastic opportunity for photography, a moment of quiet reflection, or simply to appreciate the grandeur of Cornell from a unique vantage point.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit