MacKenzie-Childs headquarters in Aurora on Cayuga Lake is a destination in and of itself and certainly worth a stop if you’re in the neighborhood. The grounds are open for the public to enjoy. They also offer free, guided tours of their Second-Empire Farmhouse throughout the day.

Follow the red brick road
The entrance to MacKenzie-Childs is on NY-90 just north of the Historic Village of Aurora and south of Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. This is state route NY-90, not the interstate I-90.




Stop in the MacKenzie-Childs Visitor Center
Relax after your long drive and watch their 15-minute behind-the-scenes video, “Handmade at MacKenzie-Childs,” which runs on a continuous loop beginning at 10 a.m. You’ll learn so much about the craft and the campus.



Gift Shop
Everything you love about MacKenzie-Childs in one location with a whimsical presentation. The shop is overflowing with their signature Courtly Check design.


Tour their Second-Empire Farmhouse
Free, daily, guided 40-minute tours take you through 15 rooms on three floors, each one a MacKenzie-Childs design inspiration.

Stroll around the duck pond
Take a look at the buildings and gardens that surround the campus.

Follow the red brick footpath
Wander over to the Gothic-Revival-style Chicken Palace and admire the beautiful seasonally-inspired gardens along the way.

More information about MacKenzie-Childs
Cost: Free
Located in Aurora, 90 minutes / 74 miles from Rochester (get directions)
More Information: mackenzie-childs.com
Don’t miss their Barn Sale held each July
Explore More
What do enjoy most about a visit to MacKenzie-Childs in Aurora?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.


Help Support My Work
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.
I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.
If my work has helped you explore and appreciate the Rochester area, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the chance to connect with a growing community of local explorers.
Thank you for supporting my efforts to keep producing meaningful and helpful content.
Thank you!
Debi




I work at Lago casino and hotel on Rte414 when you had a store there and I got items for my daughter that wanted me to buy her items for her dog Toonic.
I was wondering if I can get a phone number or information from you. Patricia Cook. 1546 Caroline Rd, Waterloo, NY 13165. So I may able to come see what you have. 315-396-6773. Thank you very much.
I think you can find it on their website or most retailers. There’s probably a shop in Aurora too.