Herkimer, New York, sits at 43.0247° N, 74.9992° W—35 miles west of Utica and 50 miles east of Syracuse.
Quick Fact
This tiny Upstate spot sits at 43.0247° N, 74.9992° W. The 2020 census counted just 7,372 people in its 1,458 sq mi (3,780 km²) footprint—46 sq mi (120 km²) of that is water. Honestly, it’s one of those places you drive right through without realizing how much history you’re missing.
Where exactly is Herkimer, New York located?
Nestled in the Adirondack foothills, Herkimer sits in Central New York. You’ll find it about 35 miles west of Utica and roughly 50 miles east of Syracuse. The village clings to the south bank of the Mohawk River—a historic waterway that once carried 18th-century trade and military traffic between the Hudson River and the Great Lakes.
Neighboring Communities
- Little Falls – 8 miles north
- Frankfort – 5 miles north
- Mohawk – 2 miles west
- Ilion – 3 miles east
What county is Herkimer in, and what are its basic details?
| Feature | Data |
|---|---|
| County | Herkimer County |
| County Seat | Herkimer |
| Area (total) | 1,458 sq mi (3,780 km²) |
| Land area | 1,411 sq mi (3,650 km²) |
| Water area | 46 sq mi (120 km²) – 3.2% |
| Population (2020) | 7,372 |
| Elevation | 371 ft (113 m) |
| Climate Zone | Humid continental (Dfb) |
Why is Herkimer named after a Revolutionary War general?
The village honors Nicholas Herkimer (c. 1728–1777), a militia brigadier general who died from wounds suffered at the Battle of Oriskany. His name pops up on local schools, streets, and public spaces all over town.
Herkimer County also hosts one of the two Remington Arms Company plants in Ilion. Firearms production started there in 1816, and those rifles helped outfit troops in both World Wars. The county’s mix of rural charm and historic industry still defines its character today.
Herkimer Diamonds
Later, the area’s geology made it world-famous for Herkimer diamonds—those gorgeous double-terminated quartz crystals that look like real gemstones. These crystals formed over 500 million years ago in dolomite rock. The Mohawk people knew about them first, using the crystals in trade and spiritual practices long before European settlers caught on to their value.
How do you get to Herkimer, and what services does it offer?
As of 2026, Herkimer is easy to reach. The village sits along New York Routes 5 and 28, which connect to the New York State Thruway (I-90) just 10 miles south. If you don’t drive, the Utica Transit System runs weekday buses to Utica and Rome. A one-way fare is $2.50 as of 2026.
Education and Recreation
Education here includes Herkimer County Community College, a SUNY school ranked among the top 150 community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute. The college competes in Division III athletics in Region III of the NJCAA—those teams keep a surprisingly busy schedule.
Visitors can try their luck at the Herkimer Diamond Mines, where guided tours let you dig for real crystals. Tours run daily from 9 AM to 4 PM and cost $22 per adult as of 2026. History buffs shouldn’t miss the Herkimer Home State Historic Site, a restored 18th-century farm once owned by the Herkimer family.
Where to Stay and Local Economy
Places to stay range from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to chain hotels, all within a 15-minute drive. Average hotel rates run about $110–$140 per night as of early 2026. The local economy runs on advanced manufacturing, education, and tourism. Combined state and county sales tax sits at 8.25% as of 2026.
Weather and Activities
Residents get to enjoy four distinct seasons—July highs average around 80°F (27°C), while January lows dip to about 14°F (-10°C). That makes it perfect for outdoor fun all year round. Winter visitors can explore nearby snowmobile trails, while summer hikers can tackle the Adirondack foothills just 20 minutes north.
What is Herkimer NY known for?
Main Industries: Herkimer County is best known for producing unusual clear, doubly terminated quartz crystals, marketed as Herkimer diamonds . Ilion in Herkimer County has one of two production sites of the Remington Arms Company, where many of the company’s firearms are produced.
What towns are near Herkimer New York?
- Cold Brook
- Dolgeville
- Frankfort
- Herkimer
- Ilion
- Little Falls
- Middleville
- Mohawk
What county is Herkimer NY in?
Herkimer County
Is Herkimer Community College a SUNY school?
Herkimer County Community College— SUNY .
What are Herkimer diamonds worth?
A Herkimer diamond is worth about $1,600 for water-clear, 4mm round faceted diamond . Value depends on the usual 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat). Prices can vary widely depending on craftsmanship and gemstone quality.
Who is Herkimer NY named after?
The town, village, and county are all named after Nicholas Herkimer (Herchheimer; c. 1728 – August 16, 1777), an American patriot militia brigadier general during the American Revolutionary War. He died from wounds after the Battle of Oriskany.
How large is Herkimer County?
| Herkimer County | • Total 1,458 sq mi (3,780 km²) | • Land 1,411 sq mi (3,650 km²) | • Water 46 sq mi (120 km²) 3.2% | Population (2020) |
|---|
Is Oneida County in Oneida?
Oneida (/oʊˈnaɪdə/, Oneida: kanaˀalóhaleˀ) is a city in Madison County located west of Oneida Castle (in Oneida County) and east of Wampsville, New York, United States. The population was 11,390 at the 2010 census.
What is the sales tax in Herkimer County?
The minimum combined 2022 sales tax rate for Herkimer County, New York is 8.25%. That breaks down to a 4% state rate and a 4.25% county rate.
Where can you find Herkimer Diamonds?
These 500-million-year-old crystals are found only along the Mohawk River in Herkimer County, Upstate New York . The Mohawk people discovered them centuries ago—long before anyone realized these “diamonds” are actually quartz.
What county is Utica NY in?
Oneida County
Is Hamilton NY in Hamilton County?
| Hamilton County | Website www.hamiltoncounty.com |
|---|
What county is Syracuse NY in?
Onondaga County
Is Herkimer NY a good place to live?
Great town to live in with wonderful neighborhoods, easy access to services, and nearby towns . I’m a proud resident, and I’d love to continue my college education locally and find a job here to help improve the community.
Is Herkimer College a good school?
Roughly 89% of full-time first-year students receive financial aid. The Aspen Institute ranks Herkimer College among the top 150 community colleges in the country .
What division is Herkimer College?
Herkimer College competes in Division III and Region III of the NJCAA. Many consider Region III the toughest in the association, so student-athletes get a highly competitive experience in a nationally respected program.
Do Herkimer Diamonds sparkle?
These unique quartz crystals have a diamond-like appearance, high brilliance and sparkle , plus excellent durability. They’re a delightful addition to any collection.
What is a raw Herkimer diamond?
Herkimer Diamonds are beautiful double-terminated quartz crystals found in Herkimer, New York . Incredibly, these phenomenal gemstones are close to 500 million years old. The crystals form in rock with a diamond-like geometrical shape—nature’s own masterpiece.
How can you tell if a Herkimer diamond is real?
Is Rome in New York?
Rome is a city in Oneida County, east-central New York , about 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Utica.
What river runs through Herkimer New York?
The village of Herkimer sits on the southern town line, right along NY-5 by the Mohawk River .
What county is Inlet NY in?
Hamilton County
What is the zip code for Herkimer New York?
13350
