Rochester is a city on Lake Ontario, in New York. Rochester is filled with so many special events including concerts, festivals and so on. You have the time of your life on your tour to Rochester.
Fun activities and fun places with amazingly friendly people will give you a swell time during your stay in Rochester. I took time to pick out some of the best and fun things to do in Rochester before your tour is over.
Things To Do In Rochester
1. Rochester Public Market
You will be very wrong if you go through Rochester and not get to shop from the public market. The public market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, year round.
The market sells fruits, veggies, seafood, beef, cheese you name it! All essential items you need you will find. The city-run market sells from fresh produce and other food items to housing utensils and equipment.
You are sure to meet the nicest people. That is exactly what calls you back to the market on a Thursday after bulk shopping on Tuesday and eventually on Saturday.
2. Highland Park
For a very long time, the Highland Park has been a very beautiful abode to a good number of attractions with its most notable being its 10-day Lilac Festival which holds in May. The park is a must see.
3. Memorial Art Gallery
This Civic art museum in Rochester was founded in 1913 and it occupies the southern half of the university’s former Prince Street campus. It is a part of the University of Rochester.
And contributes generously to drawing people to the university.
4. East End District
Located downtown, Rochester’s East end district is known as the center of the city’s nightlife. The East district is home to the Eastman School of Music, which is one of the top institutes for music in the country. Interesting right?
5. Seneca Park Zoo
This is another fun place to visit. Home to over 90 species of animals including mammals, fishes, arachnids, reptiles and amphibians, The zoo is also home to a golden lion tamarin, California sea lions,
Bornean orangutan etc. these animals are creatures you only get to see in movies and tv shows, having a life exhibits of them cannot be exaggerated. This really gives the community an opportunity to connect better with wildlife.
READ ALSO: Best And Fun Things to Do in Tewkesbury (UK)
6. RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium
RMSC Strasenburgh is one of the most Rochester attractions you are sure to love, and it should be on your list of places to go if you’re fascinated by astronomy and the world beyond our planet.
7. The Strong National Museum of Play
It is among the best things to do in Rochester if you’re visiting with kids. Galleries and exhibits are dedicated to a wide range of familiar figures, faces, and products. Kids love it here.
8. George Eastman Museum
It is located in a stunning and awe-inspiring mansion of Colonial Revival style, and finished in 1905 as the home for George Eastman.
Upon the passing of the famous Eastman George, he left his mansion to the University of Rochester, which then donated it to the museum to be used.
The mansion is now what we know as: the George Eastman Museum.
9. Ontario Beach Park
Ontario Beach Park is your answer if you are looking for great vacation options. It spans 39 acres and is located along the Northwest side of Lake Ontario in New York. It is a thrilling spot with jam packed fun activities. The good part is it is open through out the year.
10. Artisan Works
It displays the art local to Rochester, New York, and its surrounding regions.
A non profit space is dedicated to showcasing community art in a unique and accessible manner. Anyone is free to enter the building and look at all the things to see with ease and at their pace.
11. Rochester Museum & Science Center
if you’re just engrossed by the world’s natural forces and wonders. It is also a fun place to come with the kids. Some particularly interesting exhibits are Science on a Sphere, which showcases a 3D display of the earth right in front of you.
12. Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse
It is the oldest lighthouse still active with this location. No doubts it’s one of the best points of interest for those who enjoy historical pursuits. It’s a towering sight to behold. And visiting it can pass as one of the fun things to do while in Rochester.
13. Frontier Field
It is one of the most places to watch the exciting game of baseball.
It was a replacement for the Silver Stadium of New York.
It was built in 1996 to take over as the home of the city’s professional baseball.
14. Cobb’s Hill Park
Why would you visit Rochester without enjoying the amazing views of the city as a whole and is a much-loved hiking spot.
There are plenty of activities you can do for exercise here aside from just walking.
Bring your kids to the playground, while you have the time in the world to go to the reservoir to ski or fish, or make use of the basketball and tennis courts.
15. Mount Hope Cemetery
Yup, that’s right! A cemetery. Mount Hope Cemetery can end up being the coolest visit you had in Rochester.
But, at the same time, it’s so much more than that.
It’s a historical cemetery offers guided tours, they even have private tours, that educate guests about the history of the cemetery.
There are even self-guided tours!
16. Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
This is another place to see. Susan B. Anthony Museum & House holds a crucial part of the history of Rochester, New York and women’s rights advocacy.
It is found downtown Rochester. These places, are dedicated to the late civil rights leader, are worth visiting especially because you will get to learn about how her actions paved the way for the rights many enjoy today.
Her legacy and struggles are both honored and used as teaching tools for visitors.
You will definitely get to learn more about her legacy at this museum.
17. The White Lady’s Castle
The White Lady’s Castle is situated close to Rochester, New York forest. With an appearance like a medieval castle, it’s surprising to note that it was actually built in the early 1900s as a dining hall.
It was built as a hotel once. Today, all that is left are some stairs leading up to a wall that appears like a rampart.
If you’re looking for stuff to do to get your spooks on at night, a trip here might just be the chilling experience you seek!
There are some myths surrounding the castle, I will prefer to leave you in suspense so you can check it out.
18. Rochester Lilac Festival
You should definitely put this on your bucket list of the best and fun things you wish to do in Rochester.. They host for 10 days in May. They feature live music, crafts, art, food and more.
It is an event you don’t want to miss out on. The live music is considered one of the best and fun things to witness in Rochester.
19. Seabreeze Amusement Park
Seabreeze Amusement Park should definitely be on your list if you truly want to make the most of your visit and as well enjoy some fun things to do in Rochester, NY.
It is one of New York’s oldest amusement parks. And still has not lost its touch. It is considered the icon of Rochester.
20. National Toy Hall of Fame
This is one of the places you should look out for your kids will look out for. Imagine having to see all your favorite toys. Please don’t leave them out for fun. Add it to your bucket list too.
21. Visit A Theatre
The Best place to get all cooled up is a theatre. There is even a theater specially for kids. If you’re wondering what to do in Rochester tonight, consider one of their many theaters.
After all, going to a performance is one of the best activities that you can take part in while you are looking for fun in Rochester, New York!
22. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County Secret Room
The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County is, in itself, one of the points of interest you’ll find in this New York city.
But there is a more unique reason it should be on your list of places to go.
In the children’s book section of the library, there is a fun little secret room that is designed to be as accessible as possible even to wheelchair users.
We hear there is a secret room there. You might want to check it out and find out all about why it is there.
23. Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
The Holy Sepulchre Cemetery is considered Rochester, New York’s biggest cemetery, set on more than 332 acres of land.
It was finally ready in 1871. It has a resting place for over 300,000 people. Though it is free to visit, it is important that you are respectful while you are there.
24. Rundel Memorial Building’s Table Of The Fox Sisters
The story about this place is quite thrilling. The Rundel Memorial Building is not just only among the many Rochester attractions, but it is also home to the table that was once believed to assist in communing with the dead.
Spiritualism was all the rage in the United States. The Fox sisters used their fame from their successful “clairvoyance” in their home to move to this city.
They began careers as mediums and performed many seances, some attended by huge celebrities.
The table they used for their rituals now rests in the Rundel Memorial Building. Go find out more about this story if you enjoy haunted stories.
25. House of Guitars
Finally something for the music lovers. The House of Guitars is surely one place to see in Rochester, NY, especially if you are a music-lover.
Even if you are not a fan of guitars, you can get one for your friend who is. Or make your kid sister’s musical dream come through. It is the biggest shop for guitars you will ever see. It has been in existence since 1964. It was created by two brothers.
26. Memorial Art Gallery
This is a wonderful place indeed. It is created for community support and enhancement. They feature tours, lectures, concerts, exhibitions and so on.
It is a place where you can go feed your eyes as well as your curiosity because you will get to see a lot of beautiful art works that you have not seen before.
27. High Falls
High Falls is a product of this New York city’s special location, right on the Genesee River. You are sure to find buildings dating far back to the 19th century surrounding it. And it helps to give it this pleasuring appearance.
This place has a very high touristic value as the view alone can keep one wondering on the magic of nature for hours on end. It can also be a therapeutic activity to engage in.
28. High Falls Terrace Park,
You can get a clearer amazing view of High Falls right from the high falls terrace park. Your eyes will thank you for this stunning view.
If you have got some free time this weekend, why not try to head to one of the greatly acclaimed showcases by one of these New York staples? You will really love it.
29. Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
One great thing you should not miss out on doing in Rochester, is attending the philharmonic orchestra, this definitely tops as one of the fun things to do, and trust me, you will be more than glad you did.
Founded in 1922, it is known for its high standards and dedication to community education. Over 150,000 people come to watch and there are even more FM radio broadcasts.
30. Rochester City Ballet.
It was created in 1987. It started to fully focus on contemporary performances for people from all walks of life in the local community. A lot of its shows have had multiple rewards.
It also puts on workshops, donates to charity, and classes in affiliation with the Draper Center for Dance Education.
31. 1872 Monument.
This is a fine sculpture of bronze, featuring two pillars astride a locked ballot box. Now, the 1872 Monument stands to honor the actions of Late, Great Susan B. Anthony who marched from Madison Street to this exact location, leading a group of women.
This was done despite the fact that voting rights had not been given to women, and the men at the polling place were hesitant to break the law despite her persistence.
32. Warner Castle
The castle is situated at Highland Park. It can be considered as a hidden gem of Rochester, New York .Warner lived happily in his large building, built in 1854 until 1876 when he died.
His family inherited the home until 1902,when it was sold. It was sold to multiple private owners in succession.
Now, Warner Castle is the Landmark Society of Western New York headquarters. Strolling through can still be one of the best and fun things to do in Rochester, NY even if the interior is not open for public view.
33. Courtyard Rochester Downtown
What is a vacation without a comfortable place to lay and get set for the next day’s adventure. Courtyard Rochester will give you everything you need with respect to comfort.
It will give you the home away from home experience and you will enjoy both the service and food that they have to offer. Suffice me to say that, your holiday is incomplete without you staying a night or two here.
34. Hampton Inn & Suites
For those who want to connect better with how houses are in Rochester. This is a good option for you. It won’t disappoint, trust me. And can even turn out to be one of the best things you enjoyed in Rochester.
A perfect example for home away from home experience, beautiful and serene environment, a place that offers maximum relaxation. You will definitely get value for your money here.
35. Hilton Garden inn
This is another popular hotel to spend the night. It gives you this cozy feeling. And a top notch security. As a traveler, the security of your life and properties is top priority and staying in this hotel guarantees that.
You are not only guaranteed of your life and properties, you are also guaranteed of getting value for your money.
Conclusion
Rochester City in New York is a city with a rich and proud history of Industry and culture. From earning its nickname as the ‘’Flour city’’ which is a symbol of its economic exploits
To its rich history in arts and culture, Rochester has something for everyone. Whether it is for Leisure or business, the city of Rochester is home for all kinds of tourists.
Its parks and museum provide a rich backdrop on which tourists can explore. I will be waiting in the comment box to read about your own experience on your holiday with your friends, family or even colleagues at Rochester.
Be sure to drop them. I will be totally glad to look through them. If you don’t feel like using my list, that is still ok but, please do not leave out your shopping at Rochester public market. I am not lying when I say the shopping experience is different when you shop at Rochester market.
