Off the Beaten Path: Orleans County Must-See Attractions

Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum

Looking for a lakeside adventure? The Oak Orchard Lighthouse at the mouth of the Oak Orchard River in Point Breeze is the place to explore and take in stunning views.

Inside, explore maritime exhibits, browse a nautical-themed gift shop filled with unique treasures and climb the ladder up to the third floor. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of Lake Ontario.

Keep exploring beyond the lighthouse, and you’ll find a long pier stretching out along the river to Lake Ontario. It’s a favorite spot for strolling, fishing, Instagram-worthy photos, watching boats pass by and enjoying stunning, one-of-a-kind sunsets.

But don’t head home when the sun goes down. This summer, the lighthouse will shine brighter than ever as part of a brand-new weekend light show. It’s a can’t-miss experience along the lakeshore, with more details coming soon.

Medina Railroad Museum

Step into the largest railroad and toy train museum in New York state, where history, imagination and adventure ride side by side.

Located in a massive wooden freight depot built in 1905 and 1906, the Medina Railroad Museum is one of the biggest of its kind in the nation. The former New York Central freight station stretches an impressive 301 feet long and houses the largest known collection of railroad artifacts and memorabilia under one roof.

Inside, visitors will discover a colossal HO-scale model train layout that measures 204 feet by 14 feet. There's also a captivating firefighting exhibit featuring vintage gear and vehicles.

Beyond the exhibits, the museum offers seasonal train excursions that are a hit with all ages. Enjoy a summer ride to Spring Lake Winery, soak in the scenery on a fall foliage tour or create holiday memories aboard the Polar Express.

The Cobblestone Museum

It is the only museum in the world dedicated to cobblestone buildings, and it is right here in Gaines. The Cobblestone Society Museum offers a rare chance to explore one of the most unique architectural treasures in New York.

These striking stone buildings, made from smooth glacial rocks in the 1800s, are as beautiful as they are historic. The museum campus features seven historic structures, including the oldest cobblestone church in North America. Each one is filled with stories from a bygone era.

Take a guided tour and dive into Orleans County’s past, surrounded by Victorian-era artifacts, unusual tools and some truly quirky finds. You will meet a stuffed fox crafted by a young Carl Akeley (1864-1926), a Clarendon native who became known as the father of modern taxidermy. 

There is also a collection of taxidermied birds, a massive 1800s bear trap and more outhouses than you ever expected to see in one place.

The Cobblestone Society Museum is more than stonework. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that blends history, craftsmanship and curiosity into one unforgettable visit.

Mount Albion Cemetery

Mount Albion Cemetery on Route 31 is one of the most remarkable historic sites in Orleans County. Known for its stunning Medina sandstone architecture and peaceful grounds, it is both a place of remembrance and a favorite spot for scenic walks.

The arched sandstone entrance, completed in 1880, sets the tone for what is inside, including a chapel from 1875 and thousands of intricately carved headstones. The cemetery, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, holds about 20,000 graves.

Its centerpiece is the 68-foot Soldiers and Sailors Monument, dedicated in 1876 to honor the nearly 500 Orleans County soldiers who died in the Civil War. Climb its 84 steps for panoramic views and a quiet moment at the top.

In summer, guided cemetery tours offer a unique way to explore the history and stories behind the monuments and graves. Fall brings vibrant colors, drawing walkers and photographers, while spring ushers in fresh blooms and quiet beauty.

Mount Albion offers more than history. It is a place to reflect, explore and take in the natural beauty of Orleans County.

Albion Courthouse Square Historic District

Right in the heart of Albion stands the 1858 Orleans County Courthouse, a bold Greek Revival landmark with a dome and cupola you can spot from miles away. It is not just a courthouse. It is the center of a walkable district packed with stunning architecture and local history.

The Courthouse Square Historic District includes 34 remarkable buildings, all within a few blocks. Think of it as a self-guided tour through time, with some serious style.

Check out the 1882 County Clerk’s Office with its detailed brickwork, designed by Isaac G. Perry, the same guy behind the “Million Dollar Staircase” in Albany.

The district also features seven unique churches, including the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church, built in 1894 by George Pullman, inventor of the railway sleeping car. It is made of Medina sandstone and lit by Tiffany stained glass.

Courthouse Square is made for more than history lovers. It is a walkable, photo-worthy spot for anyone ready to explore and take in the charm.

Holley Falls

Looking for a small-town escape with big-time views? Head to Holley, a charming canal village with one of the most unexpected natural gems in Western New York.

Holley Falls is a 35-foot rush of red Medina sandstone beauty, tucked into a green, wooded park just steps from the Erie Canal. The falls are fed by overflow from the canal itself, creating a one-of-a-kind scene that is a perfect spot for photos, picnics or just taking in the scenery.

Holley Falls Park is packed with reasons to stay a while. Explore trails that connect to Holley Canal Park, cross a footbridge for the perfect view and relax at the picnic pavilion. The nearby canal park includes docking for boaters, a boardwalk, playground, gazebo and trails that lead right back to the falls and the village’s historic Public Square.

Plan your trip around Friday night summer concerts at the gazebo or the Holley June Fest on the first Saturday of June. It is a great way to soak up live music and small-town vibes.

Holley Falls is easy to reach from Public Square via Frisbee Terrace and Holley Falls Park Road. Whether you want to hike, fish, snap photos or just relax by the water, Holley is calling.

Medina Falls and Aqueduct

If you love cool engineering and scenic views, the Medina Aqueduct is a must-see. Built in 1849, this stone marvel carries the Erie Canal over the Oak Orchard River in Medina. It is one of the few stone aqueducts left along the canal and a rare piece of 19th-century American engineering.

Made from local Medina sandstone, the aqueduct lets canal boats float right over the river while water flows beneath through its stone arches. Walk or bike the nearby canal towpath and look down to spot fishing boats cruising below. It is a unique view you won’t find anywhere else.

The aqueduct was part of the Erie Canal’s big expansion in the mid-1800s that allowed bigger boats to travel farther. Back then, Medina became famous for its sandstone quarries and played a major role in canal transportation.

Today, the Medina Aqueduct is part of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. It draws boaters, kayakers, anglers, cyclists and history lovers ready to experience a slice of New York’s past with a stunning backdrop.

Medina Erie Canal Culvert

Fun fact: In Medina, the Erie Canal actually flows over the road. It’s the only spot along the entire Erie Canal where you can walk or drive under the water through a 200-year-old stone tunnel that still amazes engineers today.

Constructed in 1823, the Medina Culvert offered a clever fix to a tough challenge. Since the canal sits high on a berm, crossing north to south was difficult. Rather than building a massive bridge, engineers designed the road to pass directly beneath the canal, creating a truly unique spot you won’t find anywhere else.

This culvert offers a rare chance to stroll beneath the water, snap some cool photos and score serious bragging rights. Ripley’s Believe It or Not even calls it an engineering marvel.

Whether you’re into history, engineering or just want something different to explore, the Medina Culvert is a must-see.

Pratt Event Center

Love historic buildings, vintage theaters and a little mystery? The Pratt Event Center in Albion delivers all that and more. This is no boring history tour. It is immersive, atmospheric and yes, a bit haunted.

The center includes three connected buildings restored over 15 years:

The Day and Day Building: Climb three stories to a preserved Civil War veterans’ meeting room with original woodwork and 140-year-old inscriptions. Visitors often sense a strong presence tied to duty and sacrifice.

Grand Opera House / Pratt Theater: Once the largest stage between Buffalo and Rochester, this 1890s theater hosted plays and concerts for locals and high society alike. You might catch a glimpse or feel the energy of past performers backstage.

The Stone Building: Built in 1840, it held shops, saloons and even a ballroom upstairs. Check out the still-working hand-powered rope elevator, one of the last around.

Private tours and paranormal investigations are available for thrill seekers. Whether you’re into local history or ghost stories, the Pratt Event Center promises a unique experience you won’t forget.

Bent's Opera House

Looking for a stay that’s packed with history and charm? Bent’s Opera House Hotel in Medina, New York, is your go-to spot. This stunning landmark, built in 1865, was saved from falling apart thanks to local visionary Roger Hungerford’s passionate restoration.

Reopened in 2021, Bent’s now blends old-school elegance with modern comfort. The first floor is home to the Harvest restaurant, serving up tasty dishes in a cozy and classy setting. Upstairs, the boutique hotel offers ten uniquely designed rooms that make relaxing a true pleasure. Plus, the fully restored third-floor Opera House Ballroom hosts concerts, weddings and community events, perfect for celebrating life’s best moments.

If you’re a traveler chasing a one-of-a-kind getaway, this boutique hotel delivers. It’s history, style and good times all rolled into one unforgettable experience.