In Genesee, nature trails and museums tell the story of the region in different ways: sometimes through wetlands and rolling landscapes, sometimes through collections and historic sites. This lets you shape your explorations around your interests, without every stop covering the same topic.
Nature Trails and Landscapes
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 10,000 acres to explore. Interpretive programs are offered there on an ongoing basis and may include guided walks on nature trails. Ask the refuge about dates and times. One specific route is the Swallow Hollow Nature Trail: it is 1.3 miles long and passes through forested wetlands, upland hardwood forests, and a developing marsh. Trail conditions may vary seasonally.
The Swallow Hollow Nature Trail is considered wheelchair-accessible. About half of the trail runs along a boardwalk, with the other half on a smooth, fine-gravel path. Since accessibility depends on current trail conditions, it is best to confirm before your visit. The route description therefore gives not only its length, but also the changes in surfaces and habitats.
Genesee County Park & Forest offers a different perspective on the landscape. It is considered the oldest county forest in New York State and encompasses 431 acres of rolling terrain with self-guided nature trails. The facilities also include a sledding hill and picnic pavilions that can be rented. If you would like to use a pavilion, check availability in advance.
The Ellicott Trail is a 9.7-mile, year-round, multi-use gravel trail. Near Walnut Street, it crosses Tonawanda Creek. This highlights different kinds of trails: the sequence of habitats on the Swallow Hollow Trail and the longer, multi-use route of the Ellicott Trail. Surface and access conditions may change.
History in Buildings, Collections, and the Outdoors
At the Holland Land Office Museum, you can encounter the history of western New York in a stone building constructed in 1810. The museum houses thousands of artifacts. The Holland Land Office’s former role also comes to life here: more than 3.3 million acres of land were sold and distributed from there. Objects on display include the Medal of Honor awarded to Charles F. Rand of Batavia and an original gallows used for executions. The last execution took place in 1881; the exhibits may change.
The JELL-O Gallery explores the history of the JELL-O product, invented in Genesee County in 1897. Advertisements, television commercials, molds, and paintings present the subject through a variety of exhibits. The museum also includes “A Century of Dust, Ruts and Macadam,” a transportation exhibit covering more than 100 years of transportation history. The exhibits on display may change.
Other collections explore different regional subjects. The Historic LeRoy House presents the history of Ingham University and the 86,000-acre Triangle Tract. The Stafford Museum of History focuses on artifacts and information about the lives of early settlers in western New York; it also displays a collection of Morganville Pottery. If you want to compare different aspects of regional history, the topics here range from early settlements and land history to a specific pottery collection.
The Batavia Art Trail combines a walking tour with more than 30 outdoor works of art, including murals and metal sculptures. The number and selection of works may change as installations are added or altered. Murals can also be found at Jackson Square in downtown Batavia, which also hosts a summer concert series whose program may change seasonally.
The Batavia Peace Garden is a flowering green space along Tonawanda Creek that opened in 2012. It commemorates the War of 1812 and Batavia’s significant role in holding back the British after Buffalo was burned. The garden offers tours by appointment. Here, the history of the war is linked to a specific outdoor site; arranging a tour in advance is part of planning your visit.
More Ways to Enjoy Active and Varied Days
At the 64-acre DeWitt Recreation Area, activities include kayaking, canoeing, and access to a kayak launch. Fishing and hiking are also available; ice skating and cross-country skiing round out the seasonally varied recreational offerings. Water access depends on conditions, and seasonal activities may vary in availability.
Hook’s Lagoon at Six Flags Darien Lake offers something different: this water attraction features nine water slides, rope ladders, large spray guns, mazes, and a treehouse. The “Rockin’ the Downs” concert series takes place outdoors at the racetrack at Batavia Downs. Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel also hosts fairs, concerts, and holiday celebrations. If you are planning a visit, check the specific event dates.
Getting There
At the county level, Genesee County has three major access points on the New York State Thruway (I-90): Exits 47, 48, and 48A. Road conditions and signage may change, so take this into account when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Bergen, Darien, Le Roy, Corfu, Elba, St. Lawrence, Yates County, Dutchess.
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