2025: The 200th Anniversary of the Erie Canal in Buffalo, NY

Contributed by Guild Member Leah Mueller, Visit Buffalo Niagara

Buffalo, a city steeped in industrial history, is gearing up to celebrate the bicentennial of the Erie Canal this summer. Once the world’s largest grain port, Buffalo thrived as a vital hub of commerce, thanks to the canal’s waterway, which helped shape the city’s unique character. As the city celebrates this historic milestone, visitors can embark on a multi-day journey exploring Buffalo’s rich architectural legacy, vibrant culture, and enduring connection to the Erie Canal. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or someone who just loves a good adventure, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of past and present, with exciting stops for everyone.

Day 1

Start your visit in Buffalo with an Explore Buffalo walking tour of the grain silos, trails and tavern at the reimagined industrial grounds of Silo City Thanks to the Erie Canal, Buffalo was once the largest grain port in the world, so come learn how the waterfront worked! After the tour, visit the cantina known as Duende. Located in an old flour company office, this tavern features jazz, Americana folk and string ensembles. If the timing works out, stay for a meal. The surrounding grain silos are more than a century old. This city has one of the largest, if not the largest, collections of intact silos.

Next, climb the stairs for a great view of the water and some perspective on history at the Buffalo Lighthouse. The 1833 lighthouse was built to assist boats coming in and out of the canal harbor and is surrounded by a park with maritime relics.

In the evening, head north for a Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruise. Enjoy dinner canal side and an evening ride through the only set of double 19^th-century locks along the canal – an engineering marvel that helped boats navigate elevation changes.

DAY 2

Begin the day at The Buffalo History Museum, where an exhibit on the 1901 Pan-American Exposition tells the story of when Buffalo was the 8th largest city in the nation, thanks in part to the Erie Canal. Next, head to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, where you can step into the very room where Roosevelt was sworn in as the 26th president of the United States.

For lunch, try Buffalo RiverWorks, a unique sports bar and entertainment center set amid repurposed grain silos, offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Its industrial-chic setting pays homage to Buffalo’s industrial heritage, with the massive grain silos transformed into climbing walls, and its waterfront location adding to the vibrant atmosphere. The menu offers a range of options, from classic pub fare like burgers and wings to heartier meals like steak or seafood, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a meal surrounded by a striking mix of history and modern entertainment.

Spend the afternoon on the water. Explore Canalside, a vibrant waterfront park and historic district around what was once the Erie Canal port and terminus. Here, there are excavated foundations of buildings, signs explaining the history and a waterfall marking the former commercial slip. If it hasn’t left the dock for an exhibition trip, step inside the Seneca Chief, a floating museum and recreation of the first boat down the Erie Canal. Learn more about the water highway at the Waterway of Change exhibit (open Spring 2025) at the nearby Longshed, built to evoke a circa-1800 storehouse.

Enjoy an ice cream, walk the boardwalk, tour the Buffalo Naval & Military Park and go back in time on the restored Buffalo Heritage Carousel. For dinner, try The Barrel Factory, which offers a mix of hearty meals, comfort food, and local flavors like Whiskey Braised Brisket, Factory Fish Fry, Southern Fried Chicken, or a Vegan Roasted Squash Strudel. Music bingo and trivia nights add to the fun.

Day 3

Start the day with a peaceful but informative Buffalo River History Tour on the Harbor Queen, where you’ll gain more insight into Buffalo’s history as the world’s largest grain port while enjoying stunning views of the waterfront.

For some architectural brilliance, visit the Darwin D. Martin House, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most significant residential designs. This masterpiece of Prairie School architecture, built between 1903 and 1905, showcases Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture, blending the indoors and outdoors in harmony with the landscape. The Martin House’s sweeping horizontal lines, open spaces, and intricate craftsmanship make it a must-see for architecture lovers.

Conclude day three with a stop at BriarBrothers Brewing, a cozy brewery nestled inside a former grain elevator, where you can enjoy a selection of locally crafted beers. The brewery specializes in a variety of styles, from crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and unique seasonal brews, all brewed on-site. In addition to their rotating beer selection, Briar Brothers often hosts food trucks, offering an array of bites to complement your drink. With its rustic-industrial vibe, the brewery provides a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and reflecting on your Buffalo adventures.

Day 4

Start your day at Buffalo City Hall, one of the country’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture. Built in the early 1930s, this towering masterpiece offers an observation deck on the 28th floor with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Lake Erie. Be sure to take a guided tour to fully appreciate the building’s intricate details and historical significance.

Next, explore the historic Richardson Olmsted Campus, a National Historic Landmark designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson in collaboration with landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (the designer of Central Park). Originally constructed as the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane in the 1800s, the complex is a stunning example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. While much of the campus has been repurposed, you can visit the Richardson Hotel or take a guided tour of the grounds to learn about its fascinating history and restoration.

Take a leisurely stroll through Delaware Park, part of Buffalo’s extensive park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. This green oasis in the heart of the city is a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. While you’re there, visit the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens or the nearby Buffalo AKG Art Museum, housed in a Greek Revival-style building with a brand new building just opened in 2024 that features a world-class collection of modern and contemporary art.

In the afternoon, head to the quaint village of East Aurora just a short drive from Buffalo, for some shopping at Vidlers 5&10 and the nearby Made in America Store before finishing your day with a memorable dinner at The Roycroft Inn. The inn is part of the Roycroft Campus, a hub for the American Arts and Crafts movement founded by Elbert Hubbard in the late 19th century. The inn’s beautiful, handcrafted décor, combined with its delicious farm-to-table cuisine, offers a perfect way to end your trip exploring Buffalo’s historical treasures.