Discover Shortsville

Shortsville brings together local and railroad history, parks, activities along the Canandaigua Outlet, and recurring events. If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay in Shortsville, you can tailor your itinerary to your interests: the museum offers a historical focus, while parks, river activities, and seasonal experiences offer other options. For individual visits, check the relevant dates and any stated reservation, age, and weather requirements.

History Between Mills and Railroads

The former New York Central Railroad freight depot at 8 East High Street serves as the headquarters and museum of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Historical Society. The collection includes artifacts from the heyday of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and the Black Diamond Express. This places Shortsville’s railroad history alongside the older stories of mills and hydropower.

Shortsville was named after Theophilus Short, who settled the village in 1804. That same year, he built his first grist mill there, powered by the Canandaigua Outlet. Shortsville was originally called Short Mill because it had numerous mills for flour, paper, and wool, as well as a distillery. Together with Manchester, it formed the “Twin Villages”; both began as mill towns along the Canandaigua Outlet. This history gives the connection between the village and the water a historical dimension distinct from today’s recreational opportunities.

Parks and Activities Along the Canandaigua Outlet

Jones-Blunt Park borders the Canandaigua Lake Outlet and offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and family picnics. Budd Park has playground equipment, a baseball field, and basketball and tennis courts. The two parks therefore offer different activities: Jones-Blunt Park is suited to hiking and picnics, while Budd Park has playground and sports facilities.

The Canandaigua Outlet in the Shortsville area also offers opportunities for fishing, whitewater canoeing, rafting, and kayaking. Fishing is mentioned both at Jones-Blunt Park and along the Outlet in the Shortsville area; the other activities described range from hiking and family picnics to water-based pursuits.

Parade and Wild Water Derby

The Shortsville Firemen's Parade is an annual community tradition dating back to 1939. Its route begins at St. Dominic's Catholic Church on West Main Street at Route 21, follows West Main Street to Water Street, and ends at the festival grounds in Budd Park. Check the specific event dates when planning your trip.

The Wild Water Derby is also held annually, toward the end of April. Participants travel down the Canandaigua Outlet in a raft, canoe, or homemade watercraft; the race passes through Shortsville. While the parade follows a street route and ends at Budd Park, the Derby centers on the journey along the Outlet. The two events offer different reasons to experience Shortsville at different times of year.

Seasonal Experiences at the Reindeer Farm

For the 2026 season, Shortsville Reindeer Farm offers holiday visits with reindeer from November through December. Visitors can see the animals up close and take their own holiday photos in decorated barns and traditional sleighs. Reservations are required; check the specific dates and reservation options before your trip.

A recurring February experience at the farm focuses on making maple syrup. Visitors can tap trees, hang a bucket, and learn about the process at a very small “backyard sugaring” operation. The experience is for children aged five and older and is weather-dependent. The separate time slots make the farm a seasonal option that can be clearly distinguished from spring events when planning a trip.

Discover more destinations: Phelps, Victor, Canandaigua

For the broader travel overview: Ontario County.