Livingston County: Gorge, Lake and History

The Genesee River gorge in Letchworth State Park shapes the landscape of Livingston County: Three major waterfalls lie there between cliffs that rise up to 600 feet. The area also has natural spaces, a lake and places where you can explore the region’s history. You can shape your stay around a wide range of interests.

Gorge, River and Lake

The Humphrey Nature Center offers year-round environmental education programs and interactive exhibits on the geology, wildlife and ecology of Letchworth State Park. These connect the landscape with topics you can explore further on site. If you’re planning to attend a particular program, check the latest program information beforehand.

Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area is a public park on the Genesee River near the Village of Mount Morris. The grounds and adjoining trails offer opportunities for wildlife viewing year-round. A ranger-led hike follows a steep, one-mile trail to the dam and takes about an hour. Reservations and availability may change; check before making firm plans for the tour.

Al Lorenz Park offers a distinctive setting of its own: The 80-acre park lies between the Genesee River, the Mt. Morris County Campus and Letchworth State Park. Island Preserve showcases a different type of landscape. There, a wooded island is surrounded by fields of grassland; native grasses and plants provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. Indian Fort Nature Preserve has access to the Genesee River for fishing and small watercraft.

The Railroad Bed Trail is about three miles long and designed as a multi-use trail for hikers and horseback riders. It follows a former railroad line that connected Rochester and Nunda from the 1840s to the 1950s. Past and present meet here: Today’s route is a trail, while the connection between the two places is part of railroad history.

Conesus Lake is the westernmost Finger Lake in Upstate New York and a year-round destination for fishing and sports and recreation. If you’re especially interested in water and recreation, the lake is a destination in its own right for your trip planning; the gorge and natural areas offer a different landscape.

Museums, History and Art

The Livingston County Historical Society Museum is located in Geneseo’s District #5 schoolhouse. The cobblestone building dates to 1838 and is part of the Geneseo National Historic Landmark District. The museum preserves stories and collections spanning more than 200 years from 17 places in Livingston County. The site and the building complement each other: The historic schoolhouse is part of the visit, while the collections offer a broader view of the county.

The National Warplane Museum features significant historic and military aircraft and artifacts displayed for public education. The museum actively maintains and operates many historic aircraft and vehicles; the status of individual aircraft may change. Another historic highlight is Mills Mansion, a Federal-style home built in 1838 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In Mount Morris, the History Walk follows Main Street past plaques commemorating important figures in the town’s history. Public art there also includes four murals created by local and international artists. The New Deal Gallery features rotating WPA paintings from the GVCA collection. Countywide, the 90-mile, self-guided Inspirations Trail leads visitors to art throughout Livingston County.

Tastings and Special Interests

For a culinary addition, explore local beverage offerings. Dublin Corners is an agricultural nano-brewery in the Town of York that offers tastings of fresh local beers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. As availability may change, check what’s on offer in advance if you’re planning a tasting. The LivCo Libation Loop takes visitors to craft beverage producers throughout the county that use local ingredients and offer tasting opportunities.

With a different focus, Backyard Barnyard appeals to visitors who want to meet farm animals: The seasonal petting zoo offers opportunities to interact with a variety of animals. Nature, local history, art, beverages and animal encounters are all different themes to choose from for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Nunda, Geneseo, Hamilton County, Delaware County, Allegany County, New York City, Orange and Clinton County.

For the broader travel overview: New York.