According to the Dansville Area Historical Society, Dansville is one of the county’s first towns—formed in 1796—and originally comprised all the territory that is today Dansville, Fremont, Wayland and portions of Howard and Cohocton.
Shops & Restaurants
Fairy Doors of Dansville is a fully accessible trail of little doors, each one a unique piece of folk art that often reflects the nature of its host’s business or location. There are 27 whimsical little doors located in the business district, with many more signs of the fairies and gnomes in the trees of Pioneer Park next to the Dansville Area Historical Museum.
Fairy trail maps can be picked up in the entryway of the North Dansville Town Hall on Clara Barton St. and at fairy door hosts during business hours. For more information visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
Shops
Restaurants
Scovill’s Grill at Brae Burn Golf Course
History & Architecture
Dansville History & Architecture
Dansville was the birthplace of Claude Bragdon who, in addition to designing their extraordinary village library, is the architect responsible for Geneseo’s Court House, Rochester’s original Chamber of Commerce (on Bragdon St.), First Universalist Church, Bevier Memorial Building, Maplewood YMCA, and the beloved, since razed, New York Central Railroad Terminal.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church was the first church in Dansville, and also the location of the first local chapter of the American Red Cross, established in 1881 by Clara Barton. The Clara Barton Museum of the American Red Cross contains an archival collection, historic Civil War-era artifacts, and other Red Cross history memorabilia.
The U.S. Post Office in Dansville is one of a number of post offices in New York State designed by the Office of the Supervising Architect under James A. Wetmore. The building is in the Colonial Revival style and features an unusual stepped parapet above the portico, blind arches above the windows, and elaborate decoration.
Take a free audio walking tour of historic downtown, available on iOS and Android. There is a free Municipal parking lot next to the North Dansville Town Hall. There are ten stops within three blocks.
The Star Theatre first opened in 1921, closing in 1980. For nearly fifteen years it stood vacant and had fallen into disrepair when, in 1994, it was lovingly restored by the Schmidt family. Today, a featured film plays nightly at 7pm, with additional matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm, and Wednesday at 1pm.
Signature Events
The Dansville Dogwood Festival occurs each year in May during the week following Mother’s Day. Community based activities and events occur from Monday through Sunday.
The Dansville Chalk Walk & Arts Fest got its start in 2012 thanks to the dedication of several downtown business owners and has transpired since into a special one day arts festival the first Saturday in August every year.
Head down for the New York State Festival of Balloons over Labor Day weekend!
Around Dansville
While you’re driving around, check out some of these historic places nestled in the beautiful countryside.
The Gully Preserve
The Gully is a new acquisition for Genesee Valley Land Trust, having been gifted the 20-acre parcel for preservation in late 2021. The property drops over 160 feet in elevation along the length of Little Mill Creek.
Since I have not had a chance to explore it, here is the description from the Land Trust’s website:
“This hemlock forest surrounds Little Mill Creek as it travels from the Dansville Reservoir to the Village’s water plants intake pipe, as it flows towards the Genesee River. A series of falls, cascades, and chutes provide beautiful scenery and sounds to enjoy on this property. No formal trails are established on the preserve.”
Groveland Ambuscade Monument
Groveland is also the site of the final battle of Sullivan’s expedition on the New York frontier, under General George Washington’s orders to completely destroy the principal villages and food supplies, forcing their removal.
Lieutenant Boyd and Sergeant Parker were taken prisoner during the Groveland Ambuscade, and tortured for information back in Little Beard’s Town.
Scottsburg
Daniel Shays, of Shays Rebellion, settled in Livingston County after 1788. You’ll find his final resting place in the small, rural Union Cemetery in Scottsburg.
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Where is your favorite place to visit in Dansville?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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