A unique road trip this season is waiting in Rochester, Western New York’s dynamic arts and culture setting, located along Lake Ontario’s southern shore. With its mix of attractions, incredible scenery and rich history, this rubber tire hub makes an ideal getaway focused on learning and fun. Here’s why.

Just for Fun

Adults enjoy themselves just as much as youngsters at the Strong National Museum of Play, devoted to learning, creativity and discovery. Exhibits highlight superheroes, Sesame Street and pinball machines, plus you can explore interactive experiences like an old-fashioned carousel and the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden.

For knowledge seekers, the Rochester Museum & Science Center is a must. It has over 1.2 million objects, ranging from dinosaur bones to robots, each with its own story. Meanwhile, stargazing is out of this world at the Strasenburgh Planetarium.

A short 20-minute drive from Rochester, the Genesee Country Village & Museum brings history to life across 2.4 kilometres, featuring craftspeople in action. See weavers, potters, blacksmiths and farmers showcase 19th-century trades.

Shaping History

The establishment of the Eastman Kodak Company in 1892, thanks to founder George Eastman, revolutionized photography with the introduction of film roll cameras. His legacy is preserved at the George Eastman Museum, the oldest photography museum in the world, and home to one of the largest film collections in the world.

The city is also significant for its connection to Susan B. Anthony, a key figure in advancing women’s rights. Her arrest for voting in 1872 (when only men could vote) helped lead to a major societal shift. Visit the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House and gain insights into her fight for social change including education reform and abolition.

The Great Outdoors

Get your camera ready. Rochester is incredibly photogenic, with three waterfalls within the city. The High Falls is a favourite for selfies, taken from the Pont de Rennes bridge over the Genesee River (and conveniently located next to the Genesee Brewery).

When the weather is chilly, head to Lamberton Conservatory in Highland Park where it feels like a tropical paradise year-round. Surrounded by exotic plants, bask in the sun by koi ponds against the background of trickling ponds. Explore Highland Park for its array of trees and shrubs, especially lilacs. It has the largest collection in the U.S. with more than 500 varieties.

Just 40 minutes south of the city, Letchworth State Park is simply breathtaking. Called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” it features a dramatic gorge carved over millennia by the Genesee River. It’s an ideal spot for winter activities, like hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Did You Know?

Rochester has many nicknames, notably “Flour City” because of the plethora of flour mills along the Genesee River Valley and also “Flower City,” a nod to its vibrant floriculture.