Mark Twain and Soaring Eagles Golf Course

Mark Twain and Soaring Eagles Golf Course State Park is a unique facility located in Chemung County, New York, combining traditional state park recreation with public golf courses. The park is named after Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), who spent many summers in Elmira and wrote some of his most famous works in a study overlooking the Chemung River valley. The park preserves land with connections to this literary heritage while providing diverse recreational opportunities including two public golf courses, trails, and natural areas.

The park represents an innovative approach to state park management, using revenue from the golf courses to support broader park operations and conservation efforts. Beyond golf, the park offers hiking trails, wildlife observation opportunities, and connections to the region's rich cultural history. The combination of recreational facilities and natural preservation makes this park distinctive within New York's state park system, serving both golfers seeking quality public courses and visitors interested in the area's natural and literary heritage.

Mark Twain and Soaring Eagles Golf Course State Park's diverse habitats, including maintained golf course areas, wooded sections, and wetlands, support a variety of wildlife species. The park's open fairways and roughs provide habitat for grassland birds including meadowlarks, bobolinks, and various sparrow species. Eastern bluebirds utilize nest boxes placed throughout the property. Red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures are frequently observed soaring over the open areas, hunting for small mammals.

The wooded areas support white-tailed deer, eastern gray squirrels, eastern chipmunks, and various woodland birds. Wild turkeys have become increasingly common and are often seen foraging on the golf courses. Red foxes and coyotes inhabit the park, particularly in the less-developed areas. Waterfowl including Canada geese and various duck species utilize ponds and wetland areas on the golf courses. Amphibians and reptiles including painted turtles, garter snakes, and various frog species inhabit wetland edges. The park's combination of maintained and natural areas creates diverse habitats that support wildlife while accommodating recreational use.

The vegetation at Mark Twain and Soaring Eagles Golf Course State Park includes both maintained turf areas associated with the golf courses and natural plant communities in wooded and wetland areas. The golf course fairways and roughs feature managed grass species selected for durability and playability. Between fairways and in natural areas, the park retains mixed hardwood forests typical of the Finger Lakes region, including oak, maple, hickory, and cherry species.

Natural areas feature understory shrubs and wildflowers that provide habitat for wildlife and pollinators. Wetland areas support cattails, sedges, and other emergent vegetation that filter water and provide wildlife habitat. The park implements integrated pest management and sustainable turf management practices to minimize chemical inputs while maintaining course playability. Native plantings around ponds and in rough areas enhance wildlife habitat while reducing maintenance requirements. Invasive species including Japanese knotweed and multiflora rose require ongoing management. The park's vegetation management seeks to balance the needs of golf course operations with environmental stewardship and wildlife habitat protection.

Mark Twain and Soaring Eagles Golf Course State Park occupies terrain shaped by glacial and fluvial processes in the Chemung River valley. The underlying bedrock consists of sedimentary rocks from the Devonian period, including shales and sandstones deposited approximately 350-400 million years ago in ancient marine and river delta environments. These rocks are part of the Catskill Delta sequence that forms much of the bedrock in the southern tier of New York.

The landscape was significantly modified by glacial activity during the Wisconsin glaciation, which ended approximately 12,000-15,000 years ago. Glacial ice carved and deepened valleys, depositing till, outwash, and stratified drift as it retreated. The park's rolling topography reflects the deposition of these glacial materials and subsequent erosion. The Chemung River valley was carved by glacial meltwater and continues to be shaped by the river's flow. The park's varied topography, including hills, valleys, and relatively flat areas, provided suitable terrain for golf course development while retaining natural features. Wetland areas occupy low-lying zones where water tables are high.

Mark Twain and Soaring Eagles Golf Course State Park experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons typical of the Finger Lakes region. Summer temperatures generally range from 70-80°F (21-27°C), providing excellent conditions for golf and outdoor recreation from May through October. The golf season typically extends from April through November, weather permitting, with peak play occurring during summer months.

Winter brings cold temperatures and significant snowfall, with annual accumulations typically ranging from 40-60 inches. The golf courses close during winter, though the park remains accessible for winter recreation including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring can be wet with variable conditions as the golf courses emerge from winter dormancy and prepare for the season. Fall offers excellent playing conditions with cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage displays. The park's inland location experiences typical continental temperature variations without significant moderating influences from large water bodies. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather, particularly during spring and fall.

The Chemung River valley, including the area of Mark Twain and Soaring Eagles Golf Course State Park, has been inhabited for thousands of years, with Native American peoples including the Cayuga and other Iroquois nations utilizing the region's resources. The valley served as a travel corridor and provided rich hunting and fishing grounds. European settlement began in earnest following the American Revolution, with agriculture becoming the dominant land use through the 19th century.

The park's namesake, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), spent numerous summers in Elmira with his wife's family from 1870 through 1903. Clemens wrote portions of several major works including "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" while staying at Quarry Farm overlooking the Chemung Valley. The area's connection to this renowned American author provides cultural significance beyond its natural and recreational values. The land that became the park was likely farmland before being developed for recreation. The golf courses and park facilities represent a modern approach to multi-use recreation that honors the region's heritage while providing contemporary amenities.

Mark Twain and Soaring Eagles Golf Course State Park represents a relatively recent addition to New York's state park system, though the specific year of establishment and development timeline depend on when the facilities were acquired or developed by the state. The park's dual identity as both a natural preserve and golf course facility reflects evolving approaches to park management and revenue generation. The golf courses provide income that supports park operations while making the facility accessible to public golfers at rates lower than private courses.

The development philosophy sought to integrate golf facilities with natural area preservation, maintaining wooded sections, wetlands, and wildlife habitats alongside the maintained turf areas. The park's management has emphasized environmental stewardship including water conservation, integrated pest management for turf, and habitat protection for wildlife. Recent years have seen improvements to both golf facilities and natural trails, enhanced accessibility features, and continued efforts to balance recreational use with environmental protection. The park serves as a model for multi-use facilities that generate revenue while providing public access and environmental benefits.

The park's primary attractions are its two public golf courses: the Mark Twain Course and the Soaring Eagles Course, which offer quality golf at public rates. Both courses feature varied terrain, well-maintained conditions, and scenic views of the Chemung Valley. The courses serve golfers of all skill levels and host tournaments and league play throughout the season. Pro shop facilities, practice areas, and food service support golf operations.

Beyond golf, the park offers hiking trails that wind through wooded areas and provide opportunities for nature observation and wildlife viewing. These trails are accessible year-round and offer peaceful retreats from the golf course activity. The park's natural areas attract birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts seeking to observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits the property. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when snow conditions permit. The park's connection to Mark Twain's literary legacy provides cultural interest, though the actual Quarry Farm study is located nearby rather than within the park itself. The park serves both as a destination for golfers and as a green space for local communities.

Mark Twain and Soaring Eagles Golf Course State Park is located in Chemung County near the city of Elmira in New York's Southern Tier region. The park is accessible from major routes serving the Elmira area. The golf courses operate seasonally from approximately April through November, weather permitting, with tee times available through reservation systems. Green fees are charged for golf, with various rates for different times and player categories. New York State Empire Passes may provide benefits for park access to non-golf areas.

The facility includes pro shop operations offering equipment rentals, merchandise, and course information. Practice facilities include driving ranges and putting greens. Food service is available during the golf season. Restroom facilities serve both golfers and general park visitors. The park provides accessible facilities including accessible parking, restrooms, and some accessible trails. Specific accessibility features for golf may be available; visitors should inquire about adaptive equipment or accommodations. Pets may be permitted in designated areas but are typically not allowed on golf courses. The city of Elmira offers full services including lodging, dining, and shopping. The park's location makes it convenient for residents of the Southern Tier and northern Pennsylvania.

Mark Twain and Soaring Eagles Golf Course State Park implements environmental stewardship practices that balance golf course maintenance with ecological protection. Integrated pest management (IPM) reduces chemical inputs by using targeted applications, beneficial organisms, and cultural practices to maintain turf health while minimizing environmental impact. Water conservation measures include efficient irrigation systems that reduce water use while maintaining course conditions. Wetland areas are protected and enhanced to provide water filtration, wildlife habitat, and flood control benefits.

The park maintains forest buffers and natural areas that provide habitat for wildlife, connect to broader landscape corridors, and offer ecosystem services. Mowing schedules and techniques in rough areas are adjusted to support ground-nesting birds and pollinators. The park participates in Audubon International's Cooperative Sanctuary Program or similar initiatives that certify environmental management practices. Recycling programs and efforts to reduce waste are implemented throughout park operations. Educational signage and programs teach visitors about the park's environmental initiatives and the compatibility of recreation with conservation. The park demonstrates that well-managed golf facilities can coexist with and even enhance natural ecosystems through thoughtful design and adaptive management.