The Ultimate Winter Guide for Orleans County, NY
As the new year approaches so does the colder temperatures and snowy days. Whether you're looking to be outdoors going snowshoeing, sledding or winter fishing, or looking to unwind with a glass of locally crafted wine or indulging in warm drinks and baked goods by a crackling fire, Orleans County provides the perfect winter escape. With the picturesque landscapes, small-town atmosphere, and seasonal festivities, this hidden gem is the ideal destination for those looking to embrace the magic of winter in a unique and unforgettable way.
Outdoor Winter Activities
1. Snowmobiling
Orleans County Snowmobile trails open in January 2025. We have snowmobile clubs such as the Orleans County Snowdrifters and the Southern Orleans Trailblazers. A trail map on our website can be found here.
2. Sledding
Sledding is a classic winter activity that brings joy to both kids and adults. One of the best places to go sledding is Bullard Park in Albion. Known for its tall, thrilling hill, Bullard Park offers an exciting sledding experience. The park also provides complimentary sleds, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own. Whether you're racing down the hill with friends or watching the fun from the bottom, it's a great place for families and adventurers alike to enjoy the winter season.
3. Fishing
Bundle up and hit the water for a thrilling and chilling winter fishing experience in Orleans County! In the Oak Orchard River and nearby tribs like Johnson Creek and Sandy Creek during the fall, winter and spring, the trout and salmon make upstream migrations where guides and anglers cast and make hopeful drifts.
January: Focus is on coho salmon and steelhead, still some brown trout and even Kings
Main Technique:
- Float fishing with jigs
February & March: Focus is all on steelhead while waiting for fresh chrome fish
Various Techniques:
- Fly fishing dead drift and streamer fishing
- Centerpin eggs, beads, and jigs
- Spin fishing old school bottom bounce and float fishing
4. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge has over 10,000 acres of wooded swamp, marshland and meadows for thousands of migratory birds during their spring and fall migrations. Other activities include free programs and events, over 13 miles of nature trails to explore, 4 overlooks, photography blinds, canoeing along Oak Orchard Creek, fishing, and a variety of hunting opportunities (by permit). The refuge lands are open sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center is open Tuesday-Saturday 9AM-4PM year-round.
Trails such as the Feeder Road Trail, which extends into our county, is ideal for activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. To learn more about the Feeder Road Trail, click here.
Lakeside State Park also offers winter amenities such as snowmobiling,
snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing. It is located alongside Lake Ontario and offers beautiful views of the lake all year long.
Indoor Activities
For those looking to escape the winter chill and enjoy some indoor activities, Orleans County has plenty of cozy and engaging options. Whether you want to unwind in a charming café, visit local museums, get creative with arts and crafts, or rejuvenate at a spa, there's something for everyone.
1. Museum's
Located in a 300 ft long NYC wooden freight house, they have exhibits of railroading, fire fighting and military history. The largest HO scale model train layout in the eastern U.S. Offers seasonal themed train rides such a the Polar Express, Autumn Adventures, Murder Mystery and more. The museum is open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 am - 5 pm.
The only museum dedicated to cobblestone masonry in the world, The Cobblestone Society Museum showcases a unique and beautiful construction method using glacial and water-washed stones. This National Historic Landmark offers guided tours of seven 19th century buildings housing artifacts from the Victorian Era (1837-1901) including the oldest cobblestone church in North America and the cobblestone parsonage once owned by Horace Greeley.
2. Escape Room
A live action escape room game immersing you into a real life environment and solving challenging puzzles, riddles and games to help you escape.
3. Indoor Games
A 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse filled with tailgating and bar games with a wood fired kitchen. Their featured game is Fowling – a hybrid sport combining football and bowling. In addition, other games include corn hole, darts, futpool, foosball, billiards, skeeball and more. Serves Dubby's Woodfired Pizza, wings & more!
Bowling
Oak Orchard Bowl is a great place to have fun times with family and friends. At Oak Orchard Bowl you can have a great time at prices that won’t break your family’s budget. We have plenty of bumper bowling lanes just for kids! Bumpers are great to keep the bowling balls out of the gutters and smiles on the faces of your small children. Also serves a variety of food such as deep fried goodies, sandwiches, burgers and salads, and desserts.
Foss's Medina Lanes is a fantastic destination for family fun and entertainment. Whether you're looking to enjoy a casual game of bowling with loved ones or take part in more competitive leagues and tournaments, this local gem has something for everyone. In addition to its bowling alleys, Foss's Medina Lanes also offers a variety of delicious food options, making it a great place to spend the day or evening.
4. Crafts
In the heart of the canal side village of Albion you will find a quaint fabric lovers oasis. Offers quilting classes, fabric, books, and other things to help get you quilt!
Sign up for their in person quilt classes here: https://townandcountryquiltshop.com/collections/classes-1
An independently owned paint your own pottery studio. They offer a large supply of pre-poured pottery for you to choose from as well as a wide array of colors to match any décor. They offer a private room for birthday parties and other group gatherings. Perfect activity for couples, friends, and family to enjoy.
Rescuers of vintage, curators of junk, stewards of salvage! Featuring vintage wares for lovers of cottage, retro, industrial and french country decor. Offers virtual and in person DIY workshops. Gain confidence in craft and leave with a beautiful piece of decor.
Winter Wellness
Beat the winter blues and lift your spirits by indulging in a relaxing spa day or going on a shopping spree. These little acts of self-care can provide a much-needed break, offering you a chance to unwind and refresh during the colder months. Whether you're in need of a massage or just a day to indulge in retail therapy, these experiences can help you feel more energized and uplifted as you take on the season.
1. Spa Day
Serenity Spa & Holistic Center will provide a comforting, yet stimulating, atmosphere in which customers will be able to relax, heal and balance both their body and mind, reconnecting their daily lives to their true purpose through a wide range of holistic methods including massages, body works and energy works. Serenity Spa & Holistic Center will establish itself as a dependable destination to which they can always come to escape the stresses of life, rejuvenate, beautify, recharge their energies, their souls, and their lives.
2. Shopping
Shopping can be found all over Orleans County. We boast a large variety of small businesses such as antique stores, thrifting, boutiques, culinary shops, tackle, Amish stores, and so much more.
We encourage you to click here and explore all of the different shops our county has to offer.
Wine Tasting
Enjoy award-winning wines at Schwenk Wine Cellars in Kent, NY beginning with recipes passed down from their great–grandfather, a winemaker from Germany. They have been making award-winning wines since 1983 and growing grapes in Orleans County since 1970.
Every winter Orleans County hosts wine events for those looking to try something different this winter season. On Saturday, February 1st, Medina will host their "Wine About Winter". Enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Medina during "Wine About Winter," a charming evening showcasing local wine tastings hosted by the town's small businesses. Explore and shop at a variety of stores while trying a selection of wines throughout the event.
Buy tickets here: https://medinaareapartnership.ticketspice.com/wine-about-winter-2025
Albion also hosts their Sip N' Stroll on Saturday, March 15th. Join the Albion Merchants Association for the annual Sip N' Stroll! Enjoy a night of sampling local wineries, breweries and distilleries. Follow the Albion Merchants Association's Facebook for more information on the event and buy tickets HERE.
7. Cozy Dining
Warm up on cold winter days at one of Orleans County's local restaurants. For a fine dining experience visit Harvest Restaurant located in Bent's Opera House in Medina, NY. At Harvest, they strive for perfect balance in flavor and to source seasonally sustainable ingredients, so that every meal will be satisfying. Or visit Zambistro's in Medina, NY where Chef Michael Zambito blends seasonal flavors and bold ingredients to create his spin on upscale comfort food. Newly opened in Albion, NY is the Tavern on the Ridge. Formerly known as Tillman's Village Inn, experience their dynamic new menu and revitalized atmosphere. Now open under expert chef management.
For a more casual dining experience visit the Country Club Restaurant in Medina, NY for authentic Greek foods, or visit the Village House Restaurant in Albion, NY open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week while providing four or five homemade soups, fresh fish daily, pasta, prime rib, fresh veal, seafood, and daily specials.
Warm up with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate along with some delicious pastries in a cozy atmosphere at the Coffee Pot Cafe in Medina, NY. Experience everything from coffee to cocktails at the Shirt Factory in Medina, NY. From breakfast cocktails to delicious dinners, the Shirt Factory does it all. Try the delicious menu in the newly opened Factory Espresso at the Hart House Hotel in Medina.
Albion boasts many cafes and bakeries such as Risen Cafe, Rise & Grind, Pretty Sweet Bakery, and Confection Connection. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy coffee break or looking to treat yourself to something sweet, Albion's collection of cafes and bakeries has something for everyone to enjoy.
Lodging: Want to stay and experience winter in Orleans County? Reserve a room at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Medina, a 55-room hotel or Dollinger's Motor Inn in Albion. Or, stay & relax at any one of our waterfront cottages & cabins, boutique hotels, quaint B&B, or campgrounds. To learn more about lodging in Orleans County click here.
We invite you to come experience the small-town charm and embrace all we have to offer. To learn more information about Orleans County explore our website, email info@orleanscountytourism.com, or call 585-589-3100. To request a free travel guide please click here.
