Orleans County Tours

Suggested Itineraries

Trains Keep-a-Rollin'

Hop aboard the Orchard Train at Watt Farms Country Markets for a behind-the-scenes look at apple production. The next whistle stop is Ridge Road Station with 30,000 square feet of G-gauge trains, collectible Christmas ornaments, toys and games. In Albion, tour a church resembling a castle built by George Pullman, inventor of the rail sleeping car. Lunch in Medina at a restaurant near the Erie Canal. After lunch visit the Medina Railroad Museum and board a New York Central train for a 2-hour country excursion. All aboard!

You can't miss the largest American flag in New York State, located at the entrance of Ridge Road Station.

Cobblestone Country and the Erie Canal

Begin your tour at the Cobblestone Museum featuring buildings from the cobblestone era, 1825-1860, made of stones polished into cobble by the glaciers. This National Historic Landmark includes the oldest cobblestone church in North America and the parsonage once owned by Horace Greeley. Lunch right next door at the Village Inn, once a stage coach stop along "Ridge Road." Continue south to Albion, crossing the Erie Canal lift bridge to historic Courthouse Square for a walking tour of the 1858 Greek Revival Courthouse. Head west to Medina for a stop under the Erie Canal. The tunnel is the only place on the 363-mile canal where you can walk or drive under this grand waterway. The kiosk is compliments of Seaway Trail, Inc. and artist Robert McNamara.

Americana: Our Natural and Human Legacy

Experience our farming heritage at Brown's Berry Patch, a 200 year old working fruit farm near the Lake Ontario shoreline. You can pick your own berries, savor a waffle ice cream cone or bite into a good old American Zweigles hot dog at the farm grill. The aroma of fresh-baked pies surrounds you at Hurd Orchards Farm Market. Homemade preserves, flavored vinegars and 42 varieties of apples adorn the market and your group can even enjoy a lantern-lit dinner in the orchard. Next, visit the Erie Canal tunnel and the turning basin at Medina to learn about this engineering marvel and how it altered early American life. South of Medina lies the 10,000 acre Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge where you can watch nesting bald eagles fledge their young or witness the migration of 80,000 Canada geese. The kiosk is compliments of Seaway Trail, Inc. and artist Robert McNamara.

Country Barn Quilt Trail

Begin your tour at Partyka Farms on Routes 272 & 18 just off the Seaway Trail, our National Scenic Byway. Pick up a map and step-on guide for a homespun tour of over 30 barn quilt patterns. The Trail is about 21 miles long and takes a little over an hour to complete. Many of the quilt patterns have very interesting and sometime poignant backgrounds, with names like The Farmer’s Daughter, Carpenter’s Wheel, Circle the Field, and Joseph’s Coat. Next, head west on Rt. 104 to Ridge Road Station, a year-round Christmas and train store- over 30,000 square feet! Continue west for lunch at Tillman’s Historic Village Inn and end your visit with a tour of the Cobblestone Museum right next door. For a sweet treat travel south on Rt. 98 to Watt Farms Country Market to sample homemade fudge. www.countrybarnquilttrail.com

Low Bridge, Everybody Down!

The Medina Stone Farm & Bon Voyage Adventures present "Low Bridge, Everybody Down!" Experience history onboard the Rose Lummis pulled by mules along the towpath of the original Erie Canal. May 26th-June 5th, 2009 only! Book early! Maximum 49 passengers, escort & driver complimentary. Full home-style dinner available with 3:30 pm cruise- for additional fee. For group reservations call 585-798-9238. Minimums may apply. Download flyer [pdf]. (Call us to inquire about Fall Tours.)

Great Lakes Seaway Trail Itineraries
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