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28 Best & Fun Things To Do In Rochester (New York)

Rochester, New York is primarily famous for its music culture, but you’d be surprised to learn that most of its points of interest aren’t related to that at all!

There are many options for what to do in this beautiful city.

The options are all varied and diverse, so there’s something for everyone.

To help you narrow down your choices, here are our picks for the top 28 best and fun things to do in Rochester, New York!

1. Highland Park

Highland Park

Benjamin Paquette / Shutterstock

Highland Park is one of Rochester’s most famous places to visit, due in part to its beautiful landscaping, teeming flora, and delightful arboretum.

With scenic gullies and little hills set over 150 acres of land, it’s a great place to go sightseeing and is packed with attractions both on and near its grounds.

Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the stunning park contains over 1,200 lilac shrubs as part of its world-renowned arboretum.

Other beautiful plant species include Japanese Maples, barberries, dwarf evergreens, magnolias, Andromeda, azaleas, house chestnuts, rhododendrons, and mountain laurel.

You’ll also see tons of exotic trees as well as wildflowers local to the area.

A huge pansy bed of 10,000 plants is arranged in a different pattern every year.

Among the interesting spots, you’ll notice while walking around Highland Park are Warner Castle, the Greater Rochester Vietnam Memorial, the John Dunbar Memorial Pavilion, and the Lamberton Conservatory.

Visitors to New York simply have to stop by.

Keep your eyes peeled, as some of them will feature further down on this list!

Address: 180 Reservoir Ave, Rochester, NY 14620, United States

2. RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium

RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium

FourGreatCats, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium is one of the most loved Rochester attractions, and it should be on your list of places to go if you’re fascinated by astronomy and the world beyond our planet.

It is famous for putting on incredible shows that educate, enlighten, and fascinate the community regarding heavenly bodies and the universe.

Star shows are probably the prized and most loved attraction of the shows that the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium organizes.

These are performed via a star projector that presents an accurate image of the galaxy, boasting planets, the sun, and more than 8,000 stars in perfect clarity, as they would appear on a clear night!

If you happen to be in town this weekend, the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium also puts on laser shows every Saturday night.

Beams of light, all well-choreographed, take turns shining to the music against the bright and vast indoor sky.

Other notable events and showcases hosted by the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium are the world exploration films, space mission simulations, interactive exhibits, and free use of the telescope.

Class visits ticketed featured shows, and educational films are also commonly added to the itinerary.

Whatever your reason for being in Rochester, New York, you shouldn’t miss a trip to this wonderful location!

Address: 663 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

3. The Strong National Museum of Play

The Strong National Museum of Play

JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock

The Strong National Museum of Play encompasses an impressive 150,000 square feet that is all entirely dedicated to toys, games, and forms of entertainment that many children love and grew up with.

It’s an incredibly fun site with tons of activities that are among the best things to do in Rochester, NY when you’re visiting with kids.

Galleries and exhibits are dedicated to a wide range of familiar figures, faces, and products.

Among them are showcases dedicated to the Berenstain Bears, Monopoly, Sesame Street, and the Wizard of Oz, among other things.

It also boasts the state of New York’s only indoor garden of butterflies and the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, which holds over 30,000 consoles and games in its collection.

In addition to that, The Strong National Museum of Play has additional, practical goals, such as the recording of play history and how it has influenced human learning and development over the years.

Libraries and research facilities are onsite dedicated to this goal, but you can expect most of the building to be designed for excitement and a good time in Rochester!

Address: One Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

4. George Eastman Museum

George Eastman Museum

Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock

The George Eastman Museum is among the many things to do in downtown Rochester, New York.

Situated in a stunning and awe-inspiring mansion of Colonial Revival style, it was built and finished in 1905 as the home for George Eastman.

Eastman was the founder of the famous Eastman Kodak Company, responsible for the modernization and widespread nature of photography, both in its professional and fun aspects.

It’s hard to comprehend that he lived right here in Rochester.

Upon his passing, he left his mansion to the University of Rochester, which then donated it to the museum to be used.

The mansion was turned into what it is now: the George Eastman Museum.

It serves as a showcase for the life and times of the man as well as the history of photography.

It’s the world’s oldest photography museum and contains one of the world’s oldest archives of film, too.

Donations have greatly increased the contents of the library’s film and photographs.

While you’re here, don’t forget to tour the beautiful gardens!

Address: 900 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

5. Ontario Beach Park

Ontario Beach Park

TarnPisessith / Shutterstock

Looking for great vacation spots?

Ontario Beach Park spans 39 acres and is located along the Northwest side of Lake Ontario in New York.

Open all throughout the year, it’s one of the top tourist attractions in the city of Rochester thanks to its natural beaches, lush park greenery, and options for different activities.

For water sports, you can go fishing, swimming, or boating – or just sunbathe on the beaches available.

In the summer and winter, if you plan to stay in this part of Rochester, you can rent shelters on park grounds.

For other sports, you can head to the basketball or volleyball courts and the softball fields.

Ontario Beach Park also has lots of amenities.

There’s a bathhouse, picnic areas, food stands and stalls, and even a pavilion for performances.

It’s a sight for sore eyes, and walking down the trails is already quite a rewarding experience!

Address: 50 Beach Ave, Rochester, NY 14612, United States

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6. Artisan Works

Artisan Works

Artisan Works

Artisan Works is one of the best places to view art local to Rochester, New York, and its surrounding regions.

A not-for-profit space, it is dedicated to showcasing community art in a unique and accessible manner.

Just about anyone is free to enter the building and look at all the things to see with ease and at their pace.

Artists who stop by Artisan Works often create their work during the time they are there, presenting the in-progress and finished products to passersby.

It’s a fascinating way to learn about the art-making process and how different artists go about making masterpieces.

If you’re an art enthusiast, this is one Rochester spot that will be undoubtedly valuable to you.

There are multiple guided tours available for Artisan Works, each designed for different groups.

There are some for college groups, some for young school groups, and of course, plenty for adults.

Public tours are easily available on weekends.

All tours last for about 45 minutes unless you opt for your own guided tour!

Address: 565 Blossom Rd # L, Rochester, NY 14610, United States

7. Seneca Park Zoo

The Seneca Park Zoo is one of the most fun things to do in Rochester, NY.

Head over there this weekend to be wowed by more than 90 different animal species spaced out throughout 15 and a half acres of wonderful land.

First opened in 1893, the Seneca Park Zoo began with nothing more than some deer and birds.

Since then, it has made a name for itself in New York and beyond for paving the way for more natural and comforting habitats for its animals.

Walking around the Seneca Park Zoo will give you the chance to see elephants, orangutans, polar bears, rhinoceroses, and sea lions, just to name a few.

You’ll be impressed by how well the zoo is kept and how wonderfully each animal is cared for!

Address: 2222 St Paul St, Rochester, NY 14621, United States

8. Rochester Museum & Science Center

Rochester Museum & Science Center

Rochester Museum & Science Center

The Rochester Museum & Science Center is one of the most amazing places to visit if you’re coming with kids – or even if you’re just intrigued by the world’s natural forces and wonders.

It makes use of more than 200 different interactive, up-close exhibits with the goal of teaching its guests about the magical joys of science.

Over 1.2 million items are on display, meaning there’s no shortage of what to see at this New York gem.

Among the many things to enjoy at this Museum & Science Center are attractions that let you build robots, travel through space, climb a wall, load and shoot a catapult, use lasers, and more!

Some particularly interesting exhibits are Science on a Sphere, which showcases a 3D display of the earth right in front of you.

You can even watch lightning bolts, use a virtual reality simulator, and talk to an expert about frogs!

Don’t forget to set aside time to watch a 3D film or an interactive show!

Address: 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

9. Rochester Public Market

Rochester Public Market

Yelp Inc. / flickr

The Rochester Public Market is a fun way to get a taste of local life.

It runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, but expect it to be harder to find parking if you go this weekend since Saturdays tend to be packed!

The market is run by the city and is a gathering spot for all sorts of vendors from the town and even in the general New York area.

It sells great products like fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, coffee, cheeses, honey, baked goods, and artisan products.

It’s a great option for what to do if you want to support local vendors while learning more about the city’s community, and since it occurs multiple times a week, there’s a chance it’ll be going on tomorrow!

Address: 280 Union St N, Rochester, NY 14609, United States

10. Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse

Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse

Lucky-photographer / Shutterstock

The Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse sits on Lake Ontario, and as the oldest lighthouse still active with this location, it’s one of the best points of interest for those who enjoy historical pursuits.

Measuring 40 feet high with 42 steps and 11 ladder rungs that lead up to the 12-foot lantern room, it’s a towering sight to behold.

The Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse was first built in 1822.

Recently, it was refurbished, and its 2014 restoration has turned it into the faithful but renewed depiction we see today.

The tower and lantern were both restored and a replica of the original lens was put in place.

Now, it rests in Charlotte, Rochester, New York.

Tours that let you into the lighthouse are available, and you can check out the keeper’s home with an interior museum, too!

Address: 70 Lighthouse St, Rochester, NY 14612, United States

Planning a road trip around New York? Why not head to Brooklyn? Being the second most populated county in the United States, it packs a punch when it comes to tourist attractions! If you do make the trip, here are some of the best things to do in Brooklyn!

11. Frontier Field

Frontier Field is the place to be if you want to watch an 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.

With 10,840 seats, new grassy turf, and a 24 x 32-foot video scoreboard, it’s a modern delight to be in.

Over the years, Frontier Field has been home to many different sports teams.

This includes Rochester Rattlers of lacrosse, Rochester Raging Rhinos for soccer, and Rochester Red Wings for Minor league baseball.

The latter is the only team that currently calls Frontier Field home.

If you’re looking for places to visit tonight, check the stadium schedule!

There might be a fun game or two to catch, or maybe even a concert if you’re very lucky!

Address: One Morrie Silver Way, Rochester, NY 14608, United States

12. Cobb’s Hill Park

Cobb's Hill Park

Cobb’s Hill Park

Cobb’s Hill Park is one of the main places to see among Rochester attractions for those interested in simply sightseeing.

It boasts more than 109 acres of beautiful, picturesque trails along the southeast of Rochester, New York.

It provides 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, go to the reservoir to ski or fish, or make use of the basketball and tennis courts.

In the summer, you can watch softball league games, and there are two cabins available for rent if you’d like to use them.

Address: 80 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14610, United States

13. Mount Hope Cemetery

Mount Hope Cemetery

Steven Bodnar / Shutterstock

Mount Hope Cemetery is among the coolest things to do in Rochester, New York, which might be surprising to hear given that it’s a… well, a cemetery!

But, at the same time, it’s so much more than that.

It’s a historical location that offers guided tours, including private tours, that educate guests about the history of the cemetery.

There are even self-guided tours!

Most interestingly, school visits to Mount Hope Cemetery are often arranged, with specially made tours designed just for kids.

Many notable individuals call the cemetery their final resting place, including activists and advocates, architects, and human rights fighters and leaders.

If you like more unique attractions, this might be one of the best in the city.

Address: 1133 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620, United States

14. Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

Susan B. Anthony Museum & House is a crucial part of the history of Rochester, New York and women’s rights advocacy.

Located in downtown Rochester, these places dedicated to the late civil rights leader are worth a visit to learn about how her actions paved the way for the rights many enjoy today.

The museum building is where Anthony spent most of her years and it’s also where she was arrested in 1872 after leading several women to vote illegally.

Research materials, memorabilia, and artifacts that detail the story of Anthony’s life are meticulously arranged throughout the museum.

Her legacy and struggles are both honored and used as teaching tools for visitors.

Anthony would pass away in this home after performing Failure Is Impossible, one of her most famous speeches.

Aside from being a museum, the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House is also a learning center for the younger community, with multiple programs that are designed to educate and enlighten the youth.

You can also simply opt to tour the home, which has three levels.

Docents lead these hour-long tours and provide you with lots of information.

Before you leave the area, head across the road to the Susan B. Anthony Square Park, which has beautiful flora and the iconic sculpture by Pepsy Kettavong, “Let’s Have Tea”.

Address: 17 Madison St, Rochester, NY 14608, United States

15. The White Lady’s Castle

The White Lady's Castle

The White Lady’s Castle

The White Lady’s Castle is situated close to a Rochester, New York forest.

It is crumbling and falling apart.

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.

Indeed, the White Lady’s Castle was part of a hotel once.

Today, all that is left are some stairs leading up to a wall that appears like a rampart.

Legend has surrounded it since the ruins became more and more worn out, which is understandable given how much it looks like a European castle of ancient times.

This has actually led to a Rochester legend about the “white lady”.

The story states that it was once the home to a daughter and her very protective mother.

When the daughter went for a walk and didn’t return, her mother thought that she had eloped with a suitor.

This caused her to go mad, and her ghost now haunts the site and scares away those who come by.

Of course, this is just a myth, but it’s turned the White Lady’s Castle into one of the city’s tourist attractions!

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!

Address: Lake Shore Blvd, Irondequoit, NY 14617, United States

16. Rochester Lilac Festival

The Rochester Lilac Festival is hands down one of the best activities you’ll find in the city.

It takes place in New York’s famous Highland Park and is one of the continent’s biggest flower festivals.

We’ve talked briefly about Highland Park and its lilacs, but did you know how they got there?

John Dunbar – also known as Johnny Lilacseed – was a horticulturist who planted 20 kinds of lilac in the park in 1892.

This eventually led to more and more lilacs, and now there are 1,200 lilac shrubs and over 500 kinds of them!

The Lilac Festival began in 1898 and now occurs annually for ten days in May.

Live music, crafts, races, art, food, and competition for Lilac Festival Queen all make this among the coolest and most wonderful things to see in the city!

Address: 1440 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620, United States

Exploring other parts of New York? Why not check out some of the top Lake George attractions & some of the fun things to do in Long Island?

17. Seabreeze Amusement Park

Seabreeze Amusement Park

Seabreeze Amusement Park

Seabreeze Amusement Park is easily among the most fun things to do in Rochester, NY.

It first opened its doors in 1879 and is one of New York’s oldest amusement parks.

It’s natural, then, that it’s quite the icon of Rochester!

Seabreeze Amusement Park boasts over 70 different attractions with different options for all ages.

Consider the thrill rides like the Log Flume, Revolution 360, or Screamin’ Eagle if you want to get your adrenaline levels rushing.

For fun rides geared at a younger audience, consider the Jack Rabbit, Bear Trax, Whirlwind, and Bobsleds.

There are more spots throughout the park worth enjoying, too!

There’s a live show called Cirque En Vol with impressive feats of acrobatics.

Those willing to get wet will enjoy the Soak Zone, Wave Pool, and Hydro Racer.

And, of course, there’s plenty to eat from the food stalls!

Address: 4600 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14622, United States

18. National Toy Hall of Fame

If you’re coming to Rochester, New York with kids, then you absolutely must add the National Toy Hall of Fame to your places to visit.

Known as one of the most exciting places to go in the US, this fun location opened in 1998 as a way to honor the most iconic toys in history.

49 toys now have had the honor of being inducted.

Don’t worry, we won’t detail them – no spoilers here!

Don’t see your favorite toy here?

You can nominate it while you’re in Rochester and it will be evaluated on the basis of innovation, longevity, discovery, and iconic value.

Inductions occur annually in November.

Address: One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

19. Visit A Theatre

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’re looking for fun in Rochester, New York!

Eastman Theatre is the location of the one and only Kodak Hall, famous for hosting incredible music performances, screening silent films, and showcasing dance performances.

Since it opened in 1922, it’s kept much of its original aesthetic, maintaining that 1920s opulence and charm.

A new wing provides a recital hall, recording studio, rehearsal room, and teaching studios!

For kids, there’s the Theatre Young Kids Enjoy, or TYKES for short.

As a non-profit organization, it is designed to captivate young audiences with professional actors and meaningful, lessoned-filled stories.

Costumes are vibrant, scripts are smart and appropriate, and settings often have stories set in faraway lands and realms of wonder and fantasy.

The intimate space provides a cozy, homey feel while the equipment is all technologically advanced.

Finally, as one more option for adults (and kids who can sit through a full performance), there’s the Geva Theatre Center.

It opened in 1972 within the building that was once the Naval Armory-Convention Hall of 1868.

Its stories history features stars like Anna Pavlova and Enrico Caruso.

As a professional company of regional theatre, the Geva now is dedicated to the performance of reimagined classic American plays, with twists of originality and modernity.

20. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County Secret Room

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County

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’s 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.

A building near to the current library location is the Rundel Memorial Library Building across the street (more on that in a future number!).

This is where the central library was originally housed, and it had a secret room there.

When the new building was made for the library in the 90s, it was only natural that a secret room was included in the plans.

The room is hidden behind a bookshelf, which leads to a wide but short door.

Through it, over 200 different dolls are located. The collection began as a school project conducted by George W. Cooper, a principal, to exchange Shirley Temple dolls across the country to different schools.

180 or so dolls were received, made from many different materials, and the collection was donated in 1940 to the library.

The secret room also has a quilt in it made by history students of the 4th and 5th grades, made up of images of the city.

Address: 115 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14604, United States

21. Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

DanielPenfield, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Holy Sepulchre Cemetery is Rochester, New York’s biggest cemetery, set on more than 332 acres of land.

It’s the final burial location for many residents of Rochester, each marker beautiful and stunning with mausoleums, columbaria, and more in Victorian styles.

In 1823, the first Catholic parish in the city, St. Patrick’s, began a burial plot that became filled rather quickly over time.

Four more parishes in the area had their own separate grounds.

Eventually, Bishop Bernard J. McQuaid decided that all Catholic parishes should share one burial location, hence the creation of the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

It was finished in 1871.

More than 300,000 people rest here, including senators, humanitarians, bishops, and celebrities.

The cemetery is one of the free places to visit in the city, but be respectful if you visit!

It’s worth noting that it is closed at night, so if you want to partake in some fun spooky ghost-hunting, you’d be better off looking elsewhere!

Address: 2461 Lake Ave, Rochester, NY 14612, United States

22. Rundel Memorial Building’s Table Of The Fox Sisters

When we talked about the Central Library of Rochester, we mentioned the Rundel building, and for good reason.

Not only is the Rundel Memorial Building among the many Rochester attractions, but it’s also home to the table that was once believed to assist in communing with the dead.

It’s certainly a fun sight to behold, and the story is quite something!

In the mid-19th century, spiritualism was all the rage in the United States.

Among the pioneers of this belief and “celebrities” of a sort were Kate, Leah, and Margeret Fox, all sisters from Hydesville, New York.

They claimed their childhood home was haunted by a spirit that they communicated with using knocks on furniture, which gave them information about the ghosts.

Bones were even found in the house’s walls corresponding to a spirit’s story, but it’s unknown if they were planted.

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.

It is a trick table designed to produce the knocking noises the sisters claimed was proof of their abilities, and its secrets were revealed when they admitted to their acts of trickery.

Address: Rochester, NY 14604, United States

23. House of Guitars

The House of Guitars is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Rochester, NY, especially if you’re a music-lover.

It’s the biggest shop for guitars on the entire planet, created by brothers Armand and Bruce Schaubroek in 1964 from the basement of their mother’s home.

They sold guitars during the night and worked typical jobs during the day.

From its conception, the House of Guitars has geared its products towards younger individuals, with modern selections at affordable prices.

It’s gained a lot of fame, with the Beatles, Marc Maron, Weird Al Yankovic, Garth Brooks, Les Paul, and Metallica all stopping by at some point to purchase a guitar.

The House of Guitars sits in the Grange Hall building, located in Irondequoit, covering three floors and then encompassing additional buildings that the brothers bought to accommodate their stock.

The result is a huge labyrinth of buildings in Rochester connected to one another.

With equipment, a studio, a school, a repair shop, and a stage, among other things, it’s an impressive complex that’s fun, hip, and exciting.

Address: 645 Titus Ave, Rochester, NY 14617, United States

24. Memorial Art Gallery

Memorial Art Gallery

DanielPenfield, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Memorial Art Gallery in downtown Rochester, New York, is a wonderful location dedicated to community support and enhancement.

Founded in 1913, it spans 14 acres and has more than 12,000 different contemporary items set up and displayed.

The wider campus of the Memorial Art Gallery hosts a number of activities, like tours, lectures, fin exhibitions, and even entertainment in the form of performances and concerts.

It focuses on art, creativity, and authenticity, and there’s no telling what you’ll find when you explore this whimsical and meaningful Rochester community spot.

Address: 500 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

25. High Falls

High Falls

gary718 / Shutterstock

High Falls is a product of this New York city’s special location, right on the Genesee River.

This allows for one of the top tourist attractions of the city to be all-natural and somehow still smack in the convenient center of downtown.

The Genesee River tumbles down from the cascading High Falls, falling 95 feet to its destination from the escarpment.

Historical buildings dating back to the 19th century surround it to add to its aesthetically pleasing appearance.

From High Falls Terrace Park, you can get a stunning view of High Falls.

While you’re at it, enjoy a fun meal at some of the restaurants.

You can also opt to go to High Falls Lookout to view it up-close or walk onto the Pont de Rennes Bridge for a more personal view.

Address: 4 Commercial St, Rochester, NY 14614, United States

Looking for more thrill around New York? You’re going to love Buffalo, the second-largest city in New York! If you do check it out, here are some of the best things to do in Buffalo!

26. Watch A Local Performance

Watch A Local Performance 2

Igor Bulgarin / Shutterstock

Local performances offer fun options for things to see that will delight and culturally enrich you.

If you’ve 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?

One great option is the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

Founded in 1922, it is known for its high standards and dedication to community education.

Over 130 concerts are played yearly by the Philharmonic Orchestra, with more than 150,000 audience members in person and even more listening to FM radio rebroadcasts.

The excellence of this orchestra and their innovative talent has earned them fame across the country!

Another good option is the Rochester City Ballet.

It was created in 1987 and specializes in contemporary performances for people from all walks of life in the local community.

Many of its shows have earned multiple rewards, including some Sensory-Friendly performances geared towards children on the spectrum of Autism.

It also puts on workshops, donates to charity, and classes in affiliation with the Draper Center for Dance Education.

27. 1872 Monument

1872 Monument

1872 Monument

The 1872 Monument is one of the places to visit in New York with an inspiring and sobering history.

It was on the election day of its titular year that the late, great Susan B. Anthony 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.

Back then, this location was a barbershop where polls were being held.

She and the women with her filed their votes regardless of the illegality of their actions, resulting in Anthony’s arrest, trial, conviction, and fine – though she never did pay a single cent of that fine!

Now, the 1872 Monument stands to honor her actions.

It is a sculpture of bronze, featuring two pillars astride a locked ballot box.

On the 89th anniversary of the creation of the 19th Amendment – the Amendment which finally granted the right to vote to women – in August 2009, the monument was dedicated to Anthony.

Address: 439 West Main Street, Rochester, NY, United States

28. Warner Castle

Warner Castle

Debora Truax / Shutterstock

Warner Castle is located in Highland Park and is a bit of a hidden gem of Rochester, New York.

It was built by Horation Gates Warner in 1854 as his private home.

He was a man who wore many wealthy hats, as he was a newspaper publisher, bank president, and even court judge!

The home was built in order to appear similar to the castle of the Clan Douglas in Scotland, which Warner loved when he visited the country.

Warner Castle was constructed in its image by Merwin Austin, an architect, on an expanse of 50 acres of farmland.

Warner would live happily in the large building until 1876 when he passed away.

The Warner family continued to own the home until 1902, at which point it was sold to multiple private owners in succession.

Many added special touches that still remain today, like the sunken garden commissioned by the Dennis family in 1912.

After passing out of private ownership, the Warner Castle was a sanitarium for a whopping two decades and then, at last, was transferred to the ownership of the city.

Now, Warner Castle is the Landmark Society of Western New York headquarters.

Some remodeling has occurred, but the castle’s primary features, like its detailed woodwork, luxurious staircase, and regally high ceilings, remain.

Unfortunately, its interior is not available for public viewing, but the beautiful grounds and its gardens are!

Strolling through them is one of the best and most fun things to do in Rochester, NY.

Address: 5 Castle Park, Rochester, NY 14620, United States

Exploring other areas of New York? Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Manhattan & some of the fun things to do in Albany, NY?

Start Planning Your Trip To Rochester

With so many Rochester attractions to choose from, there’s no end to the fun you can have in this wonderful, vibrant, and scenic city.

Hopefully, this list has helped you opt for the very best among the top things to do in Rochester, NY!