Phelps: Local History, Waterfalls and Trails

In Phelps, rural landscapes, local history and outdoor experiences come together. You can explore collections about the town’s history, enjoy activities on Ontario Pathways, or discover parks and waterfalls. What interests you most gives your stay its own focus—from historic buildings to trails along Flint Creek.

Landscape and Rural Character

The landscape in the Town of Phelps changes from north to south: north of the Thruway, the area is shaped by drumlins and wetlands. The south, by contrast, is relatively flat to gently rolling. These varied landforms are among the area’s defining features.

Agriculture is also an important part of the local landscape. Large dairy farms, row crops and vegetable farming are among the predominant land uses; cabbage is especially common. Phelps thus combines a rich local history with a distinctly rural setting.

Local History at Howe House and in the Town Center

The Phelps Community Historical Society uses its archives and collections for exhibits, programs and events about Phelps. Its museum is located in Howe House. There are permanent and temporary exhibits, including 19th-century household and agricultural tools. Howe House also includes a rare, two-story brick cottage.

The museum is open to visitors Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The combination of temporary and permanent exhibits, along with historic objects, offers different ways to explore the town’s history—from everyday household life to agriculture. Those interested in architectural history will also find that Cobblestone houses are particularly common in Phelps. These houses were built in western New York from the 1830s through the Civil War.

Phelps Town Hall is also among the town’s historic buildings. It was built around 1849 and is listed on the state and national registers of historic places. In the historic town center, you can also visit the Country Lawyer’s Office, where a tour is offered. These sites give the town’s history tangible settings that complement a visit to the museum.

Waterfalls, Trails and Parks

Ontario Pathways offers a versatile way to get active outdoors. The multi-use trail stretches from Canandaigua to Phelps and is suitable for hiking, biking, running and horseback riding. Birdwatching, geocaching, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also possible activities. The first few miles of the trail pass several waterfalls along Flint Creek.

Water also shapes a walk along Main Street in the Village of Phelps: from there, you can enjoy views of Flint Creek Falls, accompanied by the sound of the water. This lets you combine a visit to town with a nature experience without making a multi-use trail the focus.

For a different kind of outdoor experience, there are two parks to choose from. Redfield Park has a pavilion, a concession building, a baseball field and a playground. At Crooked Bridge Park, visitors can splash in the creek or have a picnic. Families will find different options here: play and baseball at one park, water and picnicking at the other.

A Local Festival Featuring Sauerkraut

Phelps Sauerkraut Weekend takes place every year on the first weekend in August. The program includes a parade, a recipe contest and rides; everyone also gets a free piece of sauerkraut cake. The festival puts a distinctive local tradition in the spotlight and offers a different way to experience Phelps than visiting a museum or historic buildings, or taking part in activities on the trail.

When choosing a vacation rental in Phelps, consider which side of the town you’d like to shape your stay: local history with its museum and historic buildings, time in the parks, or activities on Ontario Pathways.

If you’d like to explore nearby places: Shortsville, Canandaigua, Victor.

For the broader travel overview: Ontario County.