Shortsville combines mill and railroad history with parks and activities along the Canandaigua Outlet. Events also offer reasons to visit at different times of year. The town’s history, waterfront activities, and seasonal experiences reveal different sides of Shortsville.
A Mill Town on the Canandaigua Outlet
Shortsville and Manchester developed together as one of the “Twin Villages” on the Canandaigua Outlet. Both places began as mill towns along the waterway. Theophilus Short settled Shortsville in 1804; the village was named after him. That same year, he built his first gristmill there, using the power of the Canandaigua Outlet.
Shortsville was originally called Short Mill. The name refers to the many mills for flour, paper, and wool, as well as a distillery that once operated there. The town’s history thus connects the name Short with an early mill and the use of water power on the Outlet.
Railroad History in Shortsville
The former New York Central Railroad freight depot at 8 East High Street is home to the Lehigh Valley Railroad Historical Society and its museum. The collection includes artifacts from the heyday of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and the Black Diamond Express. The museum offers a tangible glimpse into railroad history, while Shortsville’s mill history is closely tied to the Canandaigua Outlet.
Parks and Waterfront Activities
Jones-Blunt Park borders the Canandaigua Lake Outlet. Activities there include fishing, hiking, and family picnics. Budd Park has playground equipment, a baseball field, and basketball and tennis courts. The parks therefore differ in the activities and facilities specifically mentioned.
The Canandaigua Outlet in the Shortsville area also offers opportunities for fishing, whitewater canoeing, rafting, and kayaking. These activities add further watersports options to those available at Jones-Blunt Park. Which activities you include in your trip depends on whether you’d rather hike and picnic or focus on activities on the water.
Local Events
The Wild Water Derby takes place annually around the end of April and passes through Shortsville. Participants travel down the Canandaigua Outlet in a raft, canoe, or self-built floating craft. The river is the race course, not just a point of reference in the town’s history.
The Shortsville Firemen’s Parade is an annual community tradition that dates back to 1939. It starts at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church on West Main Street near Route 21, proceeds along West Main Street to Water Street, and ends at the festival grounds in Budd Park. The derby travels along the Outlet through Shortsville; the parade, by contrast, follows a street route to its destination in the park.
Seasonal Experiences at the Reindeer Farm
In November and December 2026, the Shortsville Reindeer Farm offers holiday visits with reindeer. Visitors can see the animals up close and take their own holiday photos in decorated barns and on traditional sleighs. Reservations are required for these visits.
During the farm’s recurring February experience, visitors can tap trees, hang a bucket, and learn about making maple syrup in a very small “backyard sugaring” setup. The experience is for children aged five and up and is weather-dependent. Reindeer visits and the maple syrup experience offer different seasonal highlights, so keep their respective dates and conditions in mind when planning.
If you’re planning to visit specifically for an event, check its exact date in advance. Discover more destinations: Canandaigua, Phelps and Victor.
For the broader travel overview: Ontario County.
