If you enjoy history and architecture, you will thoroughly enjoy these self-guided Landmark Society tours of Rochester.
Hundred Acre Tract Tour
On this walking tour, you’ll discover the 100-acre Tract, Rochester’s oldest “neighborhood,” and see the Court House Square, now the home of the Monroe County Office Building.
East End & Cultural District Tour
This tour begins at Rochester’s famed Eastman Theatre and Eastman School of Music, which anchor the city’s cultural district. It continues through historic residential neighborhoods and urban-style restaurants, bakeries, nightclubs, and coffee shops, all of which contribute to the ambiance of the city’s vibrant East End. At the end of the tour, you can continue on East Avenue and view the beautiful mansions that line the street, including George Eastman’s former home.
Southern Gateways Tour
If you know where to look, this tour will take you through downtown’s interesting crossroads, full of history, commerce, and outstanding architecture. The tour features modern and historic architecture, beautiful parks, and bridges. Nine landmark buildings constructed between 1858 and 1933 are featured. All are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Liberty Pole East City Loop Tour
This tour includes many iconic Rochester buildings, churches, and parks in the heart of downtown. For most of the 20th century, the center of Rochester’s downtown was its department stores, and while the stores were gone, some of the buildings survived. You will also visit one of Rochester’s most fabulous banks, a Romanesque Revival church, and a former church now a tranquil and unusual downtown park.
Brown’s Race High Falls Tour
Welcome to Kodak’s neighborhood! Rochester’s tradition of repurposing older buildings for new uses is most evident in this area: a National Register Historic District and a city Preservation District. The High Falls and Brown’s Race tour features a panoramic view of the Genesee River’s 96-foot falls and spectacular gorge. It also includes visiting an urban cultural park celebrating Rochester’s earliest industrial area.
Center City Tour
This route mixes historic buildings with contemporary office and hotel buildings. It includes 24 sites, two districts, three bridges, and 13 structures in the National Register of Historic Places. Rochester city streets, on the whole, are pedestrian, wheelchair, and stroller-friendly. In particular, staying exclusively on city sidewalks, with only a few driveways and alleys to cross, is possible for those taking this tour.
Explore More
These self-guided tours around Rochester are like a regional scavenger hunt! Learn the stories behind some of the things you see along our roadways.
Guided Walks and Tours Around Rochester, NY
Local experts who highlight the rich history, geology, ecology, and community of the greater Rochester region lead these guided walks.
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.
132 Things to Do Around Rochester
We’ve pulled together a list of fun and unique things to do around Rochester, NY, within two hours of home—perfect for quick getaways.
Which are your favorite Landmark Society self-guided tours?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
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Enjoy the Journey Together!
We are to pick up a grand niece from Nazareth College this Tuesday May 10th; we will bring her parents up from Peru. We are interested in knowing more about this self-guide tour of center city, possibly also a drive through and walk. There does not seem to be any details on this web site to assist us. Can you send some mapas and guidance. Thank you, Jack Glasser Easton Ct
Hello Jack! It looks like the Landmark Society changed their information page to https://www.landmarksociety.org/travel/landmark-walking-tours/. I’ll update my website soon but wanted you to have the most current link. You could choose to walk or drive these tours.
Born in SMH, 1960. Moved away 1967, moved back 2020. Remember many things from early childhood (Sibley’s!) and these walking tours will probably revive a few memories as well as reveal new things. Thanks.
Welcome home!