Buffalo is the 2nd most-populated city in New York. It may not be as well-known as the City that Never Sleeps, but it’s equally exciting.
Residents and visitors enjoy Buffalo’s historical sites, captivating old buildings, and breathtaking examples of natural beauty. It’s also a perfect place to relax while docking your boat and listening to the waves at a beautiful marina or enjoying an event in a public park.
Like and subscribe to Viewcation for more on what to do in every part of New York State. Watch our video to learn about the top 20 things to do in Buffalo, NY.
Darwin D. Martin House Complex
Frank Lloyd Wright designed this housing complex for Buffalo businessman Darwin D. Martin and built it between 1903-1905. It sits on the edge of Delaware Park on 125 Jewett Parkway.
Some of its original 6 buildings have been demolished, but restoration efforts attempted to keep the structure alive, and it was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
The Darwin D. Martin House Complex offers educational programs, classes, and lectures for children and adults. Be aware that you’ll have to join a tour group led by a guide to get in.
Canalside
This beautiful natural area is located at 44 Prime Street and is made up of several sections.
The park includes chairs, benches, and a walkway with plenty of events to enjoy in the summer and a nearby indoor skating rink in the winter.
The Harborcenter has shops and restaurants. The KeyBank Center is a hockey arena. You can also keep your boat at Canalside’s docks.
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
These gardens are located on 2655 South Park Avenue.
The 155-acre South Park sits at the center. It was originally opened for the Pan American Expedition in 1900. It has a Victorian style with a design based on the Crystal Palace and Kew Gardens Palm House in England.
Frederick Law Olmstead, famous for his work on New York’s Central Park, designed the structure. It’s since been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The botanical gardens contain over 2,00 species of plants and trees. Most of them are transplants from tropical locales, but some are native. The gardens also offer plenty of seasonal events.
Forest Lawn Cemetery
This 250-acre resting place located on 1411 Delaware Avenue was founded in 1849. It’s a visual treat thanks to its trees, water features, and walking paths. Visit in the fall to get the best view of its natural beauty.
Many famous names have been buried in the Forest Lawn Cemetery. Look for them in sites such as the Blocher Memorial and the President Filmore gravesite.
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park
Another way to take a step back into history is by visiting this memorial park at atOne Naval Park Cove. You’ll see famous ships such as the USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, and USS Croaker.
The Naval and Military Park includes a range of exhibitions to honor the history of the Navy. It displays aircraft, models, and artifacts in addition to the ships. The Maritime Simulator is a hands-on exhibit that gives you the experience of driving a navy vessel.
The park also has a range of seasonal events related to historical milestones. It offers overnight Scout encampments as well as tours and field trips to educate adults and children alike.
Albright-Knox Art Gallery
This gallery, located on 1285 Elmwood Avenue, was established by the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy in 1862.
It includes a Greek revival building and a large collection of modern and contemporary art from major names such as Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. Its impressionist section includes paintings from Renoir, van Gogh, Degas, and Monet. The gallery also includes examples of cubism, surrealism, and constructivism.
In addition to its impressive collection of works by famous artists, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery offers classes and contains archives full of useful information.
Buffalo Zoo
The 3rd-oldest zoo in the United States was founded in 1875 and sits at 300 Parkside Avenue. It contains over 1,000 animals and 320 species of plants.
The Delta Sonic Heritage farm is modeled after a farm from the 1850s and serves as a type of petting zoo. Other notable exhibits include the Sea Lion Cove, Rainforest Falls, Otter Creek, and Arctic Edge.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historical Site
President Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office at 641 Delaware Avenue on September 14, 1901. This historical site was created in his honor and contains various slices of history that you can visit as part of a guided tour.
Burchfield Penney Art Center
This cultural landmark is located on 1300 Elmwood Avenue and contains the world’s largest collection of works by Charles E. Burchfield. It also has plenty of work by artists from the Buffalo/Niagra region.
The Burchfield Penney Art Center contains 16 galleries. One of the most notable is the Charles Cary Rumsey Gallery that contains 3D works of art.
Shea’s Performing Arts Center
This palace located on 646 Main Street was designed by Cornelius and George Rapp and built in 1926. Major names such as Frank Sinatra, the Marx Brothers, and George Burns have all performed in its hallowed halls.
The Shea’s Performing Arts Center is a National Historic Landmark and only accessible by appointment. Ornate chandeliers, a marble-lined grand lobby, and other architectural feats make it worth the visit.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Bishop John Timon, the first bishop of Buffalo, oversaw the construction of this historic building in the mid-1800s. You can find it today at 50 Franklin Street.
Come inside for a chance to see the Hook and Hastings Organ and the cathedral’s beautiful interior.
Like and subscribe to Viewcation for more on how to plan a trip to a new state or make one you’ve already been to seem more exciting. Keep watching to learn about 10 more of the top things to do in Buffalo, NY, including more museums and buildings to visit and outdoor event spaces to relax in.
Sahlen Field
This site was built in 1998 by 1 James D. Griffin Plaza and changed its name from Coca-Cola Field to Sahlen Field in 2018. It’s the largest minor league baseball stadium in the US with a maximum capacity of 19,500 and houses the Buffalo Bisons minor league team.
Liberty Building
Alfred Bossom designed this building in 1925 and topped it with 2 statues based on the famous Statue of Liberty. It was the largest Neoclassical office tower in Buffalo in its time and still stands at 23 stories tall.
Erie Basin Marina
This attraction, located at 329 Erie Street, includes a marina, public park, gardens, a waterfront observation tower, restaurants, and a walking path.
The marina has an impressive flower collection and award-winning rose garden to visit in the summer.
Hotel Henry
This 24-acre urban resort sits at 444 Forest Avenue within the Richardson Olmsted Campus and is connected to Elmwood Village. It contains 88 guest rooms and suites with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, loaner tablets, and free Wi-Fi.
In addition to the beautiful views, you’ll also enjoy a range of dining options. Try the 100 Acres restaurant or the lounge at the Hotel Henry cocktail bar.
Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum
This museum opened in 2001 at 263 Michigan Avenue. It honors the history of transportation in Western New York and features memorabilia, artifacts, and vintage vehicles. A few of its most notable pieces are a genuine 1903 Pierce Stanhope and a replica of Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1927 Buffalo filling station.
Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt Parkway is the home of a historic museum whose roots go back to 1836. The Young Men’s Association was founded that year as the organizers of cultural affairs in Buffalo. They built a library that got so many donations that they decided to display them.
They moved the museum to its current location in 1929 and recently underwent a major renovation.
The Buffalo Museum of Science contains permanent workshops and special events. They also offer classes, field trips, and guided tours to entertain visitors of all ages. Go over to the cafe for snacks and drinks.
Larkin Square
This landmark opened in 2012 at the same location as the historic Larking Soap Company warehouse. It was envisioned as a neighborhood gathering place with constantly changing activities to enjoy.
Unique architecture and color furniture light up the outdoor space. They serve as the background for events such as Food Truck Tuesday and the Keybank Live at Larkin concert. You can also visit the Filling Station, a 1930’s gas station that’s since been turned into a restaurant.
City Hall Tours
Suite 201, 617 Main Street is the location of Buffalo’s historic city hall. John Wade designed the famous art-deco building, and it was built in 1931. It’s included in the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the largest city halls in America.
A tour will let you see the best sites the building has to offer, including the Council Chambers, Mayor’s Office, and observation deck.
Tommyrotter Distillery
San Insalaco and Bobby Finan opened this distillery to the public in 2015. It’s found on 500 Seneca Street and sits within a factory building that’s over a century old. That ancient building won multiple gold medals and best-in-show awards from international liquor competitions such as the San Fransisco World Spirits and New York Word Wine and Spirits competitions.
The distillery still serves alcohol and packages all its craft vodka, gin, and whiskey onsite at its 2,700 square foot production facility.
Tift Nature Preserve
The land on 1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard started life as a dairy farm owned by George Washington Tifft, went on to become a coal and iron ore transshipment center, and is now a 264-acre nature preserve. It was opened to the public in 1976 and features 5 miles of walking trails, 3 well-maintained boardwalks, and viewing platforms over Lake Kristy.
New York City is one of the most well-known areas of the entire United States, but the rest of New York State often takes a backseat to its bright lights. There are plenty of things to do in Buffalo, NY that are just as historic, beautiful, and memorable.
Have you been to any of the locations we mentioned? Let us know in the comments below. Like and subscribe to Viewcation for more on the most notable landmarks in your home state.