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Western New York is the westernmost region of the U.S. state of New York, with various definitions and subregions. It includes cities such as Buffalo, Rochester, and Niagara Falls, as well as natural features like Niagara Falls, Lake Chautauqua, and Letchworth State Park.
- 14 Niagara Falls
- 13 Roycroft Campus
- 12 Whirlpool State Park
- 11 Devil's Hole State Park
- 10 Old Fort Niagara
- 9 Niagara Gorge
- 8 Buffalo
- 7 Lake Ontario
- 6 Rochester
- 5 Letchworth State Park
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Witness the most famous waterfalls in the US in America's oldest state park
There is no better way to start a Western New York Road trip than at a waterfall so massive it spans two countries. Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the US, hosts the state-side portion of Niagara Falls. There are a number of ways to view Niagara Falls within the park, including the Maid of the Mist boats and multiple viewing points set up to allow guests to see, hear, and feel the majesty of the Falls. Even better, entrance to the park is always free, so road trippers tryin...
This scenic campus in East Aurora is a National Historic Landmark
Another beautiful place to visit in Western New York is the Roycroft Campusin East Aurora, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. This complex is well known for having the best-preserved late-nineteenth-century architecture still surviving in the United States. The Inn, Print Shop, Chapel, Copper Shop, and Furniture Shop are among the nine original fourteen structures that still survive on the campus. Although there is no admission fee, guided tours are available at an ext...
See spectacular whirlpools and rapids on the Niagara River
Whirlpool State Parkis certainly one of the best places to visit in New York and its western region for its scenic beauty, refreshing ambiance, and nature trails. This park is situated immediately above a hairpin bend in the Niagara River that forms a massive vortex. Its street level has many scenic viewpoints offering panoramas of the whirlpool and the rapids, while steps descend 300 feet from river level to the gorge below. Hikers can access the rapids beyond the whirlpool via the Whirlpool...
Discover scenic hikes and the iconic Devil’s Hole Gorge
Devil’s Hole State Parkis yet another one of the best places to visit in western New York New York because it gives visitors the chance to discover a variety of habitats and take in breathtaking geological formations. The park is home to a secret cave, the well-known Devil’s Hole Gorge, and scenic trails along the gorge rim. There are many recreational activities in the park, such as fishing, birding, and picnicking, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in western NY for nature...
Explore this beautiful historic castle built by the French in 1726
Visiting Old Fort Niagarais certainly one of the best things to do in Western New York for anyone interested in history and architecture. This stunning castle was originally built by the French in 1726 and renovated in the 1930s, and now it features interesting exhibits of clothes, furniture, small arms, and Native American items. There are beautiful hiking routes in the neighboring Fort Niagara State Park, and the views from its ramparts are breathtaking. During the summer, guided excursions...
Continue the Niagara Falls adventure on the scenic Niagara Gorge Trail
After taking in the roaring Niagara Falls, the road trip continues within the state park at Niagara Gorge. Given that the park is free to walk through any day of the year, it only makes sense to take as much time as possible to enjoy all the natural beauty. The Niagara Gorge Trailis a fairly level 6.2-mile hike that offers overlook views of the Niagara River Gorge’s most famous and beautiful features. Natural wonders like the Devil’s Hole Rapids and Niagara Gorge Whirlpool are both visible fr...
Explore one of the most beautiful cities in Western New York
There is no doubt that Western New York is full of natural beauty, but the displays within the city limits of the region are equally worthy of a stop. East of Lake Erie and settled along the Niagara River, Buffalo’s scenery is matched only by its unique museums, galleries, and gardens. Buffalo offers plenty to do and see, but it is particularly famous for attractions like Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House Complex, Niagara Square, and the Buffalo Botanical Garden. 1. Entrance Fee: 1.1. Frank L...
Enjoy wildlife and sandy beaches in Hamlin Beach State Park and Ontario Beach Park
One of two Great Lakes that touch down in New York, Lake Ontario brings with it beautiful views and perfect beaches. Hamlin Beach State Parkand Ontario Beach Park both have sandy beaches for lounging, beautiful clear waters for swimming and fishing, and numerous hiking trails and camping sites. The lake is also a great place for wildlife viewing, with Bald Eagles, Osprey, sturgeon, moose, otter, and more calling the lake and surrounding area home. For those driving through the sites of Wester...
The most neighborly city in America!
The other large city in Western New York, Rochester, is well-known for its beautiful art galleries and world-class museums, as well as its scenic nature parks. While Rochester is near Lake Ontario, the city has the least amount of water of the stops on this road trip. Thankfully, that has left more space in the city for attractions highlighting both the history and beauty of the city. The George Eastman Museum, which highlights the history of photography, and the National Susan B. Anthony Mus...
Soak in the beauty of the "Grand Canyon of the East"
A successful road trip through Western New York has to make the most of the wide variety of natural beauties in the region. After the sheer size of Niagara Falls, Letchworth State Parkoffers a different kind of extreme natural wonder and is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Western New York (or New York State as a whole, for that matter). Known as “The Grand Canyon of the East,” the Genesee River has cut a gorge through the park with cliffs nearly 600 feet deep in some areas...
Discover the natural and cultural attractions of Western New York on a road trip. See Niagara Falls, Roycroft Campus, Whirlpool State Park, Devil's Hole State Park, Old Fort Niagara, and more.
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- East Aurora, NY. One of the more famous small towns in Western NY is East Aurora, a quick 20-minute drive from Buffalo, NY. Famous because of its history in the arts and crafts movement and being the filming location for several movies including “A Prince for Christmas”, “A Christmas in Vermont”, and “Cold Brook”.
- Chautauqua, NY. Whether you want to enjoy Chautauqua Wine Country or the famous Chautauqua Institute a leisurely hour-and-a-half drive can bring you to the quiet solitude and soft rolling hills of this wonderful region full of engrossing experiences.
- Ellicottville, NY. Known as Western NY’s playground for outdoor adventures, Ellicottville is nestled deep in ski country. An hour away from Buffalo, NY you’ll find a stunning village that prides itself on an eclectic and old town feel surrounded by the perfect mountains for your skiing or hiking adventures, and don’t forget the kayaks.
- Lewiston, NY. The first place I think of when quaint, small towns in Western NY are mentioned is Lewiston. I may be a little biased because it’s so close to Fort Niagara and Youngstown, where I happen to spend a lot of time, but Lewiston is full of art, music, and food that really grabs your attention and keeps it.
- Buffalo. View of Shea's Smith Theatre in Buffalo, New York. Located in Western New York State, Buffalo is a beautiful, vibrant city with a rich history and plenty of attractions.
- Niagara Falls. Scenic Niagara Falls, New York. Niagara Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. Millions of visitors come to see this waterfall each year, and the city of Niagara Falls offers tourists plenty of ways to fully soak in the beauty of this natural marvel.
- Rochester. View of Rochester skyline in New York State. Located on Lake Ontario's southern shore, Rochester is a beautiful city filled with countless areas to explore.
- Ithaca. A view of Ithaca New York near Cornell University. For travelers searching for a more relaxing and picturesque getaway, Ithaca is a gorgeous college town in the Finger Lakes region that is known for its natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene.
- Show your Polish pride in the Dyngus Day Capital of the World (Cheektowaga)
- Break out all your green and join Buffalo's proud Irish community on Saint Paddy's Day (Buffalo)
- Ring in spring at the Cherry Blossom Festival (Buffalo)
- Walk across the Rainbow Bridge into Canada (Niagara Falls)
Feb 23, 2020 · A local guide to the best attractions, activities, and events in WNY, from Niagara Falls to Buffalo. Whether you're into nature, sports, culture, or food, you'll find something to love in this region.
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Explore the great outdoors, taste local wines and take in a show in New York's southwest. Tucked into timeless landscapes--enchanted mountains, tranquil lakes and bountiful vineyards--you'll find gracious hospitality and big adventure.
