Monroe County is the heart of the Greater Rochester Nine County Region and is also considered one of the 14 counties in the Finger Lakes Region. The county includes the City of Rochester and its 19 surrounding towns and villages.
The Erie Canal crosses paths with the Genesee as the river courses north through the City of Rochester on its way toward the county’s northern border at Lake Ontario. The mighty Mount Morris Dam protects both Monroe County and Livingston County from river flooding.
Start exploring Monroe County
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20 Monroe County Towns and Villages
Each Monroe County town & village has something unique to offer. Here is just a taste of what makes each one special.
Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.
A free library card allows you to access 31 Monroe County libraries, including Central Library and Libby, the digital library.
At Genesee Valley Park, the river merges with the Erie Canal and continues north through Rochester before reaching Lake Ontario.
The Rochester Public Market is the best place to find the freshest locally grown produce, seafood, beef, cheese, bread, and beverages.
30 Craft Breweries and Cideries in Rochester and Monroe County
Considering all the breweries that call the Greater Rochester area home can be overwhelming. Let’s focus on the ones here in Monroe County.
60 Day Trips within 30 Minutes of Rochester
Sometimes you just need a fun, spontaneous adventure or quick getaway to refresh your day. Try one of these day trips within 30 minutes of Rochester.
Explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Enjoy each Erie Canal city, town, and village along the 115-mile stretch between the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and the Niagara River.
Many of our City of Rochester parks have beginnings embedded in Rochester’s youth. Some were even designed by notable landscape architects.
Rochester evolved from the Flower City to the Image City when Eastman invented a way for the masses to capture everyday moments on film.
The Flower City: Exploring Rochester’s Extraordinary Flowers and Trees
Rochester became a global center for flower and tree nurseries in the mid-1800s, fostering our identity as The Flower City.
Street Art: Exploring Rochester’s Murals & Graffiti
Rochester has a vibrant street art culture, with dozens of murals, graffiti, and other forms of public art on display throughout the region.
Our Favorite 5 Town Parks to Explore
Among my top five favorite town parks are those with distinctive wooded areas, diverse wildlife, and captivating water features.
24 Hidden Places Around Rochester
From secret gardens to enchanting waterfalls, exploring hidden places around the Rochester area is the ultimate way to add some spice to your travel experiences.
Rochester’s Olmsted-Designed Parks
Rochester is fortunate to be one of a handful of American cities with a park system comprised of Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks.
The Greater Rochester Nine-County Area
The Greater Rochester Area comprises nine counties that fall under the jurisdiction of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.
Explore New York’s Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes region is a popular tourist destination, featuring 11 lakes, charming cities and villages, and scenic farmland.
Major Festivals, Concerts and Events
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Rochester, NY Events & Activities: Your Guide to Year-Round Fun
From Rochester’s annual events and festivals to seasonal activities, I’ve curated a list of the best things to do around Rochester all year.
7 Significant City of Rochester Festivals in 2025
This guide aims to showcase Rochester’s most popular festivals, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to our beautiful city.
Your 2024 Holiday Spirit Guide: Festive Events that Celebrate the Season
As the holiday season approaches, Rochester transforms into a place filled with community warmth, light, and festive spirit.
Higher Education
Monroe County is home to ten colleges and universities:
Bryant & Stratton College in Greece and Henrietta
Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in the city
Monroe Community College in Brighton, with a campus in the city
Nazareth College in Pittsford
Roberts Wesleyan College in Chili
Rochester Institute of Technology in Henrietta
St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry in Pittsford
St. John Fisher College in Pittsford
State University of New York at Brockport in Brockport, with a campus in the city
University of Rochester in the city
Monroe County Facts
The county runs along Lake Ontario’s southern shore and is named after James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.
The Monroe County seat is the City of Rochester. As of 2020, Monroe County’s population was 759,443.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county’s total area is 1,367 square miles, of which 657 square miles is land and 710 square miles (52%) is water. [source] That high percentage is mainly due to a county line extending into Lake Ontario, Irondequoit and Braddock Bay, the Erie Canal, Genesee River, and other large tributaries.
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Rochester’s Fun Facts: Oldest, Original, Only, & More!
For years, I’ve been collecting fun facts about Rochester from books, websites, historical markers, and casual conversations.
Where are your favorite places to visit around Rochester and Monroe County?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
Help Support My Work
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy.
If you have found valuable information that has helped you explore the Rochester area, become a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the opportunity to interact with a growing community.
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Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
