Bucket List Baseball Trip: Progressive Field Edition

Begin your adventure with a flight into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), conveniently located just a short drive from downtown.

Check-In & Settle In

Make yourself at home with a stay in Downtown Cleveland, perfectly positioned for quick access to Progressive Field, great dining options, and beautiful views of Lake Erie. Whether you prefer a stylish boutique hotel or a comfortable chain, Cleveland offers plenty of accommodations to suit your style.

Pre-Game Excitement

Arrive early at Progressive Field to soak in the pre-game hustle and bustle. Start with a visit to Heritage Park, a hidden oasis within the ballpark that pays homage to Cleveland’s storied baseball history, including its legends and championship milestones.

For a social atmosphere, head to the Corner Bar, a fan-favorite multilevel hangout with standing-room views of the field and plenty of space to mingle. Families will love the Family District, a fun and interactive zone perfect for keeping little fans entertained before the first pitch.

Game at Progressive Field

Dive into the excitement as the Guardians take the field! Grab a taste of Cleveland with the park’s locally inspired food options, including gourmet hot dogs, pierogies, and a variety of other mouthwatering bites. Between innings, snap a photo with your favorite team’s gear against the stunning views of Cleveland’s skyline from the outfield concourse. The energy of the crowd, the crack of the bat, and the unmistakable buzz of game-day excitement make this a night to remember.

Post-Game Options

After the final out, make your way to the nearby Gateway District, where lively restaurants and sports bars hum with post-game energy. If you’re looking for a quieter way to unwind, stroll over to North Coast Harbor and enjoy the peaceful waves of Lake Erie under the city lights.

Morning Baseball Adventures

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at a local favorite, then spend the morning exploring Cleveland’s unique cultural landmarks. Start at the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where music legends are celebrated just steps from Lake Erie. Next, head to the Cleveland History Center, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s past, including the history of sports in Cleveland and early Guardians lore.

For baseball history enthusiasts, visit the League Park Historic Site, once the home of Cleveland’s original ballpark. Explore the on-site Baseball Heritage Museum, packed with fascinating artifacts and stories that highlight Cleveland’s role in baseball history.

Travel to Cooperstown

After your Cleveland exploration, it’s time to hit the road to Cooperstown. Choose from two travel options:

• Scenic Drive (6 hours): Take a scenic drive across New York State, stopping along the way for hidden gems and roadside delights.
• Flight Option (CLE to ALB): Fly from Cleveland to Albany International Airport (ALB) and enjoy a quick 1.5-hour drive to Cooperstown.

Evening in Cooperstown

Arrive in Cooperstown with time to explore the village’s charming Main Street filled with baseball-themed shops and memorabilia. Relax by Otsego Lake and get ready for an unforgettable day ahead at the Hall of Fame.

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! Walk through the doors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and take a step into the game’s revered past. Start your visit in the Grandstand Theater to see the short film Generations of the Game, shown exclusively at the Museum.  Don’t miss The Souls of the Game, which opened in 2024, and the new Yakyu | Baseball exhibit opening in July. The new exhibit showcases the enduring connection between Japanese and American baseball and celebrates the iconic Japanese super stars including Hideo Nomo, Ichiro Suzuki and Shohei Ohtani. Be sure to allow plenty of time to see the iconic Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery, where the members of the Baseball Hall of Fame are honored, then complete your visit with a stop in the Museum Store. 

Becoming a Museum Member will get you unlimited FREE admission, a discount in the Museum Store and a subscription to Memories & Dreams, the official magazine of the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MEMBERSHIP

During our visit be sure to check out the Starting Nine, a scavenger hunt built for the ultimate baseball fan. The Museum challenges you to find your team’s Starting Nine, a lineup of must-sees from our vast collection containing tens of thousands of artifacts that preserve the magical moments and memorable stories of our National Pastime.

FIND YOUR TEAM'S STARTING NINE

More Baseball Attractions

Your visit wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Doubleday Field, where the spirit of one of baseball’s earliest games still lingers. The field is renowned the world over and has been hallowed ground to baseball fans for more than eight decades.  

Owned and operated by the village of Cooperstown, Doubleday Field will play host to more than 350 baseball games this year, ranging from youth baseball to high school and collegiate tournaments to senior leagues.

Explore Beyond Baseball

Cooperstown means baseball. And golf. And sightseeing, shopping and dining. History and culture. And much, much more.

Craft Beverages

Brewery Ommegang is just one of eight stops on the Cooperstown Beverage Trail. Hit the road and drop by all the breweries, wineries and even a hard cidery stretched out over 37 miles – with a designated driver, of course!

Golf

The picturesque Leatherstocking Golf Course sits on the shore of Otsego Lake, a legendary body of water dubbed "Glimmerglass" in the works of native son James Fenimore Cooper. For more than a century, this course has challenged and enchanted golfers who never tire of its incredible lake-view fairways.

History and Culture

The art collection at the Fenimore Art Museum inspires and educates each visitor on the rich history of American Art and how it has shaped American culture.

Immerse yourself in the experience of life in a 19th-century village. The Fenimore Farm & Country Village brings history to life in an experience to remember.

Dinner & Final Evening

Round out your day with dinner at one of Cooperstown’s many eateries. From cozy local taverns, to internationally influenced cuisine and authentic American classics, Cooperstown has it all. Share stories from your adventure over great food and drink before retreating for a peaceful night in this little slice of Americana.

All good things must come to an end, but your baseball adventure doesn’t have to stop here. Before heading home, consider extending your trip to explore the natural beauty of upstate New York, from the Adirondacks to the Finger Lakes. For those ready to conclude their journey, drive back to Albany International Airport (ALB) or head toward NYC to soak in more iconic attractions before flying out.

This is more than just a trip–it’s a celebration of baseball’s unique ability to unite fans across generations. From the energizing cheers at Progressive Field to the nostalgic reverence of Cooperstown, this bucket-list experience is a home run for any baseball lover.

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