15 Places You Have to Visit in WNY This Summer
Looking for something to do this summer? Western New York is full of parks and history. From Niagara Falls to Letchworth, Canalside to the beaches, there is no shortage of things to do.
What is on your summer bucket list?
Letchworth State Park
The Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth State Park is a marvel for hikers. The Genesee River runs through the park, which has a gorge with cliffs as high as 600 feet. There are 66 miles of trails through the park and three major waterfalls, plus nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks, tours, a summer lecture series, whitewater rafting, kayaking, a pool and hot air ballooning.
Naval and Military Park
Located at Canalside in downtown Buffalo, the Naval Park takes you inside history with the USS Little Rock, USS Croacker submarine and USS The Sullivans.
Food Trucks
Buffalo just keeps getting more and more food trucks! You can find them all over Western New York, but one of the most popular food trucks destinations is Food Truck Tuesdays at Larkin Square, every Tuesday through October 4th from 5 to 8 p.m. with live music, beer, wine and more.
Delaware Park
With 350 acres of meadows, forest and lake, the park boasts a new playground in Rumsey Woods, the beautiful Rose Garden, Marcy Casino, historic Parkside Lodge, Delaware Meadows Golf Course and more. The beautiful quarry garden has reflective pools, stone arch bridges and a number of plant life.
The park hosts a number of races from the Corporate Challenge to Independent Health Kids Run. Plus Shakespeare in the Park.
Darien Lake Theme Park Resort
We've probably all been to Darien Lake, but did you know that you can also make a weekend stay out of the adventure. From a hotel to cabins to camping, Darien Lake offers WNY families a perfect weekend get away and new this year the RipCurl Racer water ride.
Eternal Flame
The Eteranl Flame Falls is located in Chestnut Ridge Park in Erie Country. The fall has a small grotto which emits a natural gas that produces a small flame. It really is a must see in Western New York and makes for an easy family hike.
Niagara Falls
Whether it's the Maid of the Mist or Cave of the Winds, every few years a stop by Niagara Falls for some up close time is due.
Kayaking/Canoeing
Kayak around Buffalo and see the grain elevators, Canalside and more! There is nothing like seeing Buffalo like this! This is truly a unique experience.
Devil's Hole State Park
Devil's Hole State Park overlooks the Devil's Hole Rapids with amazing views of the rapids and gorge rocks.
Dwight D. Martin House
For architecture lovers, history buffs and Western New Yorkers alike, this is a must do. Frank Lloyd Wright’s six-structure Darwin Martin House complex located in the historic Parkside neighborhood of Buffalo is a masterpiece. The house is considered one of Wright's finest Prairie Houses.
Zoar Valley
Zoar Valley is amazing with its deep gorge, sheer cliffs, flowing waterfalls and dense forests. Canoeing, kayaking and rafiting are popular in Zoar Valley with rapids in the gorge ranging from Class 2 through Class 4.
Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
Take a guided trolley tour through the 60 acre animal park with camels, zebra, wildebeest, llama, emu, bison, ostrich and more.
Transit Drive-In
Drive ins are getting rarer and rarer but we are lucky enough to have one in our own backyard.