Oatka Creek is the clear centerpiece of the Village of LeRoy, with a waterfall, two dams, and an eight-foot Statue of Liberty replica on its shoreline. The creek begins in Wyoming County, flowing 58 miles through LeRoy and onward toward the Genesee River through Mumford, Oatka Creek Park, and the Village of Scottsville. Oatka Creek offers some of the region’s best “Blue Ribbon” trout fishing. It is stocked both upstream and downstream from LeRoy.
Main Street Dam & Old Buttermilk Falls
View the Main Street Dam from the bridge.
View Old Buttermilk Falls from a platform on the north side of Main Street. You will find a parking lot, playground, and a creek-side trail to a pedestrian bridge over the rapids. This is an excellent spot after heavy rains! Buttermilk Falls downstream is on private property.
The Statue of Liberty on Wolcott Street
This Lady Liberty stands 8 1/2 feet tall—the same size as the original’s index finger. In 1950, the Boy Scouts of America, in celebration of its 40th anniversary, purchased 200+ copper statue replicas for municipalities throughout the country; only 100 remain today. The statue was restored to its original glory in a spot overlooking Oatka Creek.
Munson Street Dam
There are access points north and south of the dam for fishing and kayaking.
Beyond Oatka Creek
Each July, LeRoy hosts the Oatka Festival, with events centered on Wolcott Street along the creek’s banks. Food, music, arts & crafts, a fishing derby, duck derby, and regatta (anything goes as long as it floats!) keep the festival fun for families all day.
No day trip is complete without food. Pack a picnic and sit in the gazebo, or try one of these tried-and-true establishments: D & R Depot, Smokin’ Eagle BBQ & Brew, or head three miles west on NY-5 to Red Osier.
Round out your day trip with a stop by the fish hatchery in Caledonia. Founded by Seth Green in 1870, this was the first hatchery in the Western Hemisphere.
Explore More
Pathways lead through Oatka Creek Park’s woodlands and wildflower meadows, offering a peaceful and picturesque experience.
Freshwater Creeks Around Rochester
These beautiful creeks around Rochester impact us in such subtle ways they sometimes disappear into the background of our lives.
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.
Where is your favorite spot along Oatka Creek?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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