Seneca Falls, on historic Route 5 and 20, is known for two defining historical moments. The first is its role as the birthplace of the Women’s Rights movement in 1848. The second is its inspiration for the fictional town of Bedford Falls in the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life. These moments continue to draw people to Seneca Falls for gatherings, rallies, and celebrations.
Plan Your Day Trip to Seneca Falls
Breakfast
Grab a breakfast sandwich from Sauders Store, a Mennonite family-owned grocery market. While essentially a grocery store, it’s filled with unique regional and homemade goods that are a browser’s delight. Alternatively, you could stop by Cafe 19 for a quick pick-me-up.
Morning
Find a place to park along Fall Street or in the lot behind Women’s Rights National Historical Park. The park includes the Visitor Center, Declaration Park, and Wesleyan Chapel. The Visitor Center has two floors of exhibits for you to explore. In Declaration Park, you’ll find a waterwall inscribed with the Declaration of Sentiments, which states that “all men and women are created equal.” Tour Wesleyan Chapel, where the first Women’s Rights Convention was held. It is widely recognized as the start of the women’s rights movement.
Lunch
Stroll down Falls Street to find excellent options, like El Bajio Mexican Restaurant, Little Italy, and Downtown Deli.
Afternoon
You can either walk or drive to the National Women’s Hall of Fame in the 1844 Seneca Knitting Mill on the south side of the Cayuga Seneca Canal. Locally, the Bridge Street bridge is known as George Bailey’s Bridge, a reference to the village of Seneca Falls being the inspiration for Bedford Falls in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. Inside the recently renovated 1844 mill, explore independently or take a guided tour to hear the stories of over three hundred American women who have made significant contributions to their fields. Enjoy a late-afternoon stroll through Seneca Falls Harbor, heading east to the Ovid Street bridge for a breathtaking view of Trinity Episcopal Church, with Van Cleef Lake and canal locks 2 and 3 as the backdrop. Alternatively, for a longer walk, head west along the canal from the Hall of Fame to explore the Ludovico Sculpture Trail.
Head back across the canal to Fall Street and check out the Seneca Falls Heritage and Tourism Center. This three-story center offers a wealth of information about the history of Seneca Falls and the surrounding area.
Dinner
Enjoy a meal at the Gould Hotel, Parker’s on Fall, Flint and Stave, or Red Brick Pub. Or keep it casual by stopping in Waterloo at Connie’s Diner or the seasonal Mac’s Drive-In on the way home.
Signature Events
50-mile Route 90 Garage Sale
July
Extend your day with a fifteen-mile drive along County Route 90—one of New York State’s scenic byways—between Seneca Falls and Aurora, or drive the entire route to Homer. Every year offers new things to see, with different homeowners participating and various villages and clubs providing food and fun along the way.
It’s a Wonderful Life Festival
early December
Sponsored by It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, the three-day festival celebrates Seneca Falls’ bond with Bedford Falls. Members of the original cast, their descendants, and the public gather to enjoy film screenings, themed dinners, and cast signings.
Google Map of Locations
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Where are your favorite places to visit in Seneca Falls?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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