Genesee: Nature, Culture and Special Experiences

Genesee combines nature experiences, regional history and a wide range of recreational activities. Among protected landscapes, hiking trails, museums and events, you will find many different reasons to explore the area. For planning your trip, it is worth deciding on your focus early: Would you like to explore nature trails, learn about cultural history, include activities on the water or enjoy a varied program of activities with children?

Nature Trails and Landscapes

The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 10,000 acres that can be explored. Interpretive programs there may include guided walks on nature trails. One specific destination is the 1.3-mile Swallow Hollow Nature Trail. It leads through wooded wetlands, upland hardwood forests and an evolving marsh landscape. The trail is wheelchair accessible; approximately half runs along a boardwalk, while the other half follows a smooth fine-gravel path.

Genesee County Park & Forest also places a strong emphasis on landscapes and outdoor activity. It is considered the oldest county forest in New York State and encompasses 431 acres of rolling landscape with self-guided nature trails. There is also a sledding hill and picnic pavilions that can be rented. This makes it possible to combine longer days in nature with a planned outdoor break, without requiring all travelers to keep the same pace.

Trails and Activities on the Water

The Ellicott Trail is a 9.7-mile, year-round multi-use gravel trail. Near Walnut Street, it crosses Tonawanda Creek. If you would like to include a longer route in your trip plans, you can consider this trail a separate activity. The DeWitt Recreation Area covers 64 acres and offers kayaking, canoeing and a kayak launch. Fishing, hiking, ice skating and cross-country skiing are also possible there. Seasonal daily hours are listed as 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in summer and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter.

For a water-focused family experience, Hook’s Lagoon at Six Flags Darien Lake offers nine water slides, rope ladders, large spray guns, mazes and a treehouse. The variety of features makes it a recreational option in its own right, which you can take into account when choosing your excursions.

History, Museums and Art in Batavia and the Surrounding Area

The Holland Land Office Museum is housed in a stone building constructed in 1810 and contains thousands of artifacts relating to the history of western New York. More than 3.3 million acres of land were sold and distributed from the Holland Land Office. The collection also includes the Medal of Honor awarded to Batavia native Charles F. Rand, as well as an original gallows used for executions; the last execution took place in 1881.

A special regional connection is at the heart of the JELL-O Gallery Museum. JELL-O was invented in Genesee County in 1897. The museum displays advertisements, television commercials, molds and paintings related to JELL-O. The transportation exhibit “A Century of Dust, Ruts and Macadam” also explores more than 100 years of transportation history. The Historic LeRoy House presents the history of Ingham University and the 86,000-acre Triangle Tract. At the Stafford Museum of History, you will find artifacts and information about the lives of early settlers in western New York, as well as a Morganville pottery collection.

Art and history can also be encountered in public spaces. The Batavia Art Trail is a walking tour featuring more than 30 outdoor artworks, including murals and metal sculptures. Jackson Square in downtown Batavia is also decorated with murals and hosts a summer concert series. The Batavia Peace Garden commemorates the War of 1812 and Batavia’s important role in holding back the British after Buffalo had been burned. The flowering greenway along Tonawanda Creek, opened in 2012, offers tours by appointment.

Events and Trip Planning

A variety of formats provide entertainment: the “Rockin’ the Downs” concert series takes place outdoors at Batavia Downs on the racetrack. Batavia Downs hosts fairs, concerts and holiday celebrations. Racing takes place at the Dirt Track at Genesee from May through September. The range therefore extends from culture and regional history to seasonal events and motorsports.

When searching for a vacation rental or vacation home in Genesee, you can therefore choose based on your preferred travel rhythm. Nature trails, water activities, museums and events each offer a different focus. For orientation, the lobby of the Genesee County Visitor Center provides maps, restaurant guides and visitor information. Genesee County also has three important interchanges on the New York State Thruway (I-90): exits 47, 48 and 48A.

Other Destinations at a Glance

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Genesee, you can select Bergen, Darien, Le Roy, Corfu and Elba. Sullivan, Franklin and Ontario County are also available for further searches.

To the higher-level travel overview: New York.