The 2025 Erie Canal Bicentennial presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the canal that transformed America and to commemorate its influence on New York and the nation. This will be a year full of incredible celebrations, thought-provoking presentations, musical performances, and momentous journeys.
Learn more: Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor
Start your exploration of the Erie Canal at Great Embankment Park. Nestled along the historic Erie Canal between Bushnell’s Basin and Pittsford, the Great Embankment offers scenic views, well-maintained walking and biking trails, a wildflower field, and areas for fishing and kayaking. Perfect for family outings, the park features picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
Bird Harbor
As of June 2024, Bird Harbor is Pittsford’s newest sanctuary for native birds and pollinators. This beautiful space features native trees, shrubs, perennials, a pollinator garden, and a meadow, providing essential food and shelter for local wildlife. Part of Pittsford’s environmental stewardship efforts, visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the sanctuary while learning about the importance of biodiversity and conservation.
The park features well-maintained trails that are popular among walkers, joggers, and cyclists. These trails provide a serene environment for exercise and leisure activities.
Creating the Great Embankment
Engineers built the Great Embankment for the Erie Canal between 1817 and 1822, a one-mile-long, 70-foot-high structure across the Irondequoit Creek valley. The embankment, which features a tunnel for the creek, was initially thought to be impossible due to the valley’s sandy terrain. To address this, dirt was transported from other areas to create the ridge. To prevent breaches, steel guard gates were installed at both ends of the embankment to minimize water loss in case of a failure.
More information about Great Embankment Park
Cost: Free
Located in Pittsford, roughly 13 minutes / 10 miles from Rochester (get directions)
More information: townofpittsford.org
Explore More
With its scenic canal views, unique shops, cozy cafés, and rich history, Pittsford offers the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.
With a wonderfully walkable Main Street and a picture-perfect setting along the Erie Canal, Fairport is the quintessential canal village.
Explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Enjoy each canal town along the 115-mile stretch between the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and the Niagara River, with Rochester at the heart.
Paddle, Pedal, and Trek Along Rochester’s Waterways
With parks, preserved wetlands, historic neighborhoods, and miles of trails, Rochester has no shortage of adventures for outdoor enthusiasts.
Unlock the Wonder: 12 Ways to Fully Experience the Erie Canal
Experience the beauty, history, and community of the Erie Canal through activities that offer a unique perspective of life along the canal.
Water Trails: Over 50 Places to Explore Rochester’s Waterways
Paddle your way to peace and quiet along Rochester’s water trails. Use these launches for canoes, kayaks, and small motorized watercraft.
H2O Heritage: Exploring Rochester’s Freshwater Resources
Rochesterians are fortunate to be surrounded by abundant freshwater resources that present us with unique stewardship opportunities.
Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history will remind you just how amazing our corner of the Earth is.
Have you been to Great Embankment Park?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.
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Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
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