Attractions and Places To See in Ontario County - Top 4

Ontario County is home to five of the scenic Finger Lakes: Hemlock, Canadice, Canandaigua, Honeoye, and Seneca. You can enjoy activities like boating on Canandaigua Lake, fishing on Honeoye Lake, or exploring the surrounding areas like the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest. For unique natural beauty, visit Grimes Glen County Park to walk along its streambed and see waterfalls, or Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill for breathtaking views of the Bristol Valley.

The county offers several historical sites. The Boathouses at Canandaigua City Pier are historic structures built between 1850 and 1888, now part of the Canandaigua Historic District. You can also visit Ganondagan State Historic Site and its Seneca Art & Culture Center to learn about Native American history, or the Ontario County Historical Society for local preservation efforts. The Ontario County Courthouse is notable as the site of Susan B. Anthony's trial.

Yes, Ontario County offers over 250 miles of trails. The Lehigh Valley Trail is a 15-mile traffic-free gravel path, ideal for cycling. Another popular option is the Ruins on the Ontario Pathways Rail Trail, a segment of a 25.2-mile trail suitable for biking, running, and walking. For scenic road cycling, consider Route 5 & Route 20, known for smooth roads and views of farmland. You can find more options for easy hikes, gravel biking, and road cycling throughout the county.

Families can enjoy the traffic-free Lehigh Valley Trail for biking. The Boathouses at Canandaigua City Pier offer a glimpse into history by the lake. Many of the natural parks, such as Grimes Glen County Park, provide opportunities for outdoor exploration. The Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan State Historic Site also offers engaging exhibits, including a replica bark longhouse.

Absolutely! The region is renowned for its culinary offerings. You can explore the Canandaigua Wine Trail for wine tours, or visit the numerous wineries along Seneca Lake. The New York Kitchen offers cooking classes and dining experiences focused on local foods and wines. Don't miss the Naples Grape Festival in September for a taste of regional delights, including grape pies, and look out for local farm stands for fresh produce.

Yes, Ontario County has several unique cultural attractions. The Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan State Historic Site provides deep insights into Native American heritage. The Antique Wireless Museum in Bloomfield showcases the history of communication technology, from telegraphs to early cell phones. For performing arts, check out the Bristol Valley Theater, the historic Smith Opera House, or CMAC (Constellation Brands–Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center).

For stunning vistas, head to Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the Bristol Valley. Canandaigua Lake is also known for its sweeping hillside views. Many of the trails, such as the Ruins on the Ontario Pathways Rail Trail, pass through diverse and scenic landscapes.

The spring, summer, and fall months are ideal for most outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the lakes. Fall is particularly beautiful with the changing foliage and the Naples Grape Festival in September. Winter offers opportunities for skiing at Bristol Mountain Ski Resort.

Yes, particularly around the less developed lakes. Hemlock and Canadice Lakes, surrounded by the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest, are known for bird-watching, with bald eagles often spotted at Hemlock Lake. Many of the county's parks and trails offer a chance to observe local wildlife in their natural habitats.

Ontario County caters to various cycling preferences. The Lehigh Valley Trail and the Ontario Pathways Rail Trail are excellent for gravel or mountain biking, offering traffic-free experiences. For road cyclists, Route 5 & Route 20 provide smooth roads through bucolic farmland. You can find more detailed gravel biking and road cycling routes in the area.

For winter sports enthusiasts, Bristol Mountain Ski Resort offers excellent skiing opportunities. Many of the trails and parks also provide scenic landscapes for winter walks, though conditions may vary.

The Finger Lakes are a defining feature of Ontario County, formed by glacial recession and offering stunning scenery. They are crucial for drinking water, especially Canandaigua Lake. Seneca Lake is known as the "Lake Trout Capital of the World" and its hillsides are perfect for grape production, making it a hub for wineries. Hemlock and Canadice Lakes are largely undeveloped and important for conservation.