Mount Morris is the northern gateway village to Letchworth State Park. Find great places to eat and shop along Main Street, also connected to the Genesee Greenway Trail.
Village Shops & Restaurants
If there was a Main Street, USA Cinderella story, it’s living a happy ending—rather, a new beginning—here in Mount Morris!
In 2007, Greg O’Connell—a retired NYC police detective, ’64 SUNY Geneseo alum, and successful real estate developer—came back to Mount Morris, purchasing and restoring 19 buildings along Main Street. Mr. O’Connell doesn’t intend to flip the buildings. He’s in it for the long-haul to help grow the economy. He has invested time, money, and business-sense into reviving the community and it shows!
Shops
Wendy’s Pantry and Country Mouse
Restaurants
Plus Brian’s USA Diner just outside the village past the Letchworth State Park
Mount Morris History
The Pledge of Allegiance
Mount Morris is the birthplace of Francis Bellamy, author Of “The Pledge Of Allegiance To The Flag”. On the corner of Main & Chapel Streets you’ll find this incredibly-detailed mural by Rochester’s own Shawn Dunwoody.
A 6-foot black bear also stands on the corner as a welcome to the Letchworth region. The bear was carved by James Link, and more of his work can be found right across the street at Carvings & More.
Natural Areas
Al Lorenz Park
Located just across the Genesee River from the Mount Morris entrance to Letchworth park, Al Lorenz is a hidden gem! Tucked down into the river valley, it offers a variety of walking paths, water elements, and diversity of trees, including an extraordinary pine grove.
Mount Morris Dam
Before the dam was constructed, vicious floods ravaged river-side communities downstream, including the City of Rochester. We’re so thankful it exists today!
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth is a massive park, with plenty of places to enjoy away from high-traffic areas like Middle Falls. Look at the trail maps for secluded spots on both sides of the Genesee!
Try a hike along the Portage Trail #6 on the east side, or on the Letchworth branch of the Finger Lakes Trail, with multiple trail heads along River Road between Mount Morris and Portage.
On the west side of the river there are trail heads all along Park Road, and spots less frequented north of the Castile entrance, like Wolf Creek and the beautiful Gardeau Overlook.
Around Mount Morris
While you’re driving around, check out some of these historic places nestled in the beautiful countryside.
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.
Fun Mount Morris Fact
American Rock Salt is the largest operating salt mine in the United States. Established in 1997, this underground salt mine is the only one built in the United States in the last 40 years.
Livingston County Veterans Monument
You’ll find 250 metal poppies at the Livingston County Veterans Monument constructed at the county’s Hampton’s Corners Complex located just south of Geneseo off NY-63.
Williamsburg Cemetery
Williamsburg Cemetery
Groveland
Williamsburgh, in the Town of Groveland, was the original settlement in Livingston County after the American Revolution. Today there is a cemetery on the historic site overlooking the American Rock Salt mine.
In this cemetery are the final resting places of two of Rochester’s founding fathers—Major Charles Carroll and Colonel William Fitzhugh—along with their extended families.
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Routes 5 & 20, a 67-mile stretch where NY-5 and US-20 converge, is a gently rolling scenic highway passing through small cities and quaint villages.
Letchworth has something for everyone, from hiking one of the park’s 29 trails and picnicking beside a waterfall to taking a scenic drive.
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.
Where is your favorite place to visit in Mount Morris?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Enjoy the Journey Together!
I love AL Lorenz Park for parties, pinics, hiking, dog walking,photography and wonderful playgrounds!!!
Lamplighter Ministries on State St. Have you seen the bindery where they make books right there? We had the opportunity to see first hand how they make a book from start to finish and how they record the audio dramas in the recording studio. Pretty cool stuff for a free tour!