Three major waterfalls and cliffs up to 600 feet high define the Genesee River Gorge in Letchworth State Park. In Livingston County, dramatic river landscapes meet lakes, natural areas, and places with a history of their own. It is this interplay of landscape and culture that makes exploring the region so varied.
Gorge, River, and Natural Areas
At the Humphrey Nature Center, year-round environmental education programs and interactive exhibits complement the nature experiences at Letchworth State Park. Topics range from geology and wildlife to the park’s ecology. If you plan to attend a specific program, check the latest program details in advance.
Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area is a public park on the Genesee River near the village of Mount Morris. The area and adjacent trails offer opportunities for wildlife viewing year-round. A ranger-led hike lasts about an hour and covers a steep, one-mile path to the dam. Availability may change; check in advance if you plan to take the tour.
Smaller natural areas also reveal a variety of landscapes. The 80-acre Al Lorenz Park lies between the Genesee River, the Mt. Morris County Campus, and Letchworth State Park. Island Preserve consists of a wooded island surrounded by fields of grassland. Native grasses and plants provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. Indian Fort Nature Preserve has access to the Genesee River for fishing and small watercraft.
Lakes and Historic Trails
Conesus Lake is the westernmost Finger Lake in Upstate New York and a year-round destination for fishing, sports, and recreation. For a different perspective on the region, try the approximately three-mile Railroad Bed Trail, a multi-use trail for horseback riders and hikers. Its route follows a former railroad connection between Rochester and Nunda that operated from the 1840s through the 1950s. Along the trail, today’s recreational use meets transportation history, while the former rail connection remains distinct from the current trail.
Local History, Museums, and Art
The Livingston County Historical Society Museum preserves stories and collections spanning more than 200 years from 17 communities in the county. It is located in Geneseo’s District #5 schoolhouse, a Cobblestone building dating to 1838 that contributes to the Geneseo National Historic Landmark District. The building also offers a glimpse into the architectural history of an early schoolhouse.
Other historical topics range from homes to aviation. Mills Mansion is a Federal-style house built in 1838 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Warplane Museum preserves and exhibits significant historic and military aircraft, as well as artifacts, for public education. Many historic aircraft and vehicles are actively maintained and operated there; the status of individual aircraft may change.
In Mount Morris, plaques along Main Street commemorate important figures in local history as part of the History Walk. There are also four murals created by local and international artists. The New Deal Gallery displays rotating WPA paintings from the GVCA collection. If you prefer to discover art along a longer route, the Inspirations Trail is a 90-mile self-guided route to art in Livingston County. Public artworks may change.
Local Drinks and Seasonal Experiences
For a taste of the region’s beverage culture, the LivCo Libation Loop takes you to craft beverage producers in Livingston County that use local ingredients and offer tastings. In the town of York, Dublin Corners is an agricultural nano-brewery offering tastings of fresh local beers on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. As tasting availability may change, check before making plans.
Backyard Barnyard adds to the experience with a petting zoo where visitors can interact with a variety of farm animals. It operates seasonally; check the dates if you plan to visit.
Discover more destinations: Geneseo, Nunda, Jefferson County, Albany, Ulster, Onondaga, Greene, Columbia.
For the broader travel overview: New York.
