Caledonia has historically been an important resting place for travelers, used by Senecas traveling between Canandaigua and the Niagara.
Caledonia’s Main Street on NY-5 is a great place to shop boutiques and enjoy a leisurely meal. A village walk around Main, North, Mill, and Spring Streets should also include a detour through MacKay Wildlife Preserve.
Shops & Restaurants
Shops
Reflections of the Past Antiques
Restaurants
Natural Areas
The Big Springs Museum holds a wealth of information about Caledonia’s roots. They share that “countless centuries ago, no fewer than a dozen springs erupted from the earth to form a small, pristine lake which came to be called the Big Springs. Teeming with native brook trout, it flowed toward a small stream later known as Spring Creek. The Iroquois knew the site well, calling it “Gan-e-o-di-ya,” and the ancient Council Elm, which graced its shores, was their landmark. In time, Scottish immigrants, fleeing the oppression of their homeland and in search of religious and political freedom, would call Caledonia their home.”
Caledonia Hatchery
Established in 1864 and purchased by New York State in 1870, Caledonia’s is the oldest Fish Hatchery in the Western Hemisphere. It was created by Seth Green—known as the father of fish culture—who pioneered the use of hatcheries to rear fish.
Seth Green was raised in Carthage (near Seth Green Drive, Rochester) and spent his youth exploring the Genesee River. His observations of fish inspired him to develop the fish hatchery on a property he later purchased on Spring Creek.
MacKay Wildlife Preserve
There are interesting man-made and geologic wonders to discover at MacKay Wildlife Preserve in Caledonia. You’ll find a sea of round, moss-covered boulders, a diverse collection of hardwoods, and unusual land formations.
Christine Sevilla Wetland Preserve
Take a stroll along the boardwalk to see what you can find hidden among the many species of grasses, ferns and sedges lining the trial. The half mile trail begins at the kiosk near the Preserve entrance. A trail map is present on the kiosk. There is a mowed trail in the field leading to a boardwalk trail and an observation deck.
Signature Events
Old Fashioned Days
Honey Locust Farm has been in the Estes’ family since 1832. The WNY Draft Horse Club Old Fashion Day, started in 1976, is a family-friendly day spent watching teams of horses and oxen fit the fields as they did days gone by. It is held at the farm on Maxwell Road on the last Sunday in April.
Village Inn Ice Festival
Village Inn Ice Fest takes place in the parking lot behind the Inn, featuring ice carvings, food, beverage tastings, live music inside and out, and games. Inn owner Jeff Bleier is an ice sculptor and ice carver, and was a part of the 2002 Olympic Ice Carving Team.
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Where is your favorite place to visit in Caledonia?
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See you out there!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
Susan, thank you so much for letting me know! All fixed now. Angry Rooster is a great place to stop for lunch or take out for dinner.
Angry rooster link goes
To a different restaurant. That’s my favorite place in Caledonia.