In May, many businesses and destinations reopen for the season as the temperatures begin to rise. Some of these places may have been completely closed during the colder months, while others may have remained partially open but with limited access and services. Regardless, we’re excited to welcome them back and enjoy the experiences they have to offer.
It’s the perfect time to start planning day trips to your favorite ice cream shops, gorge trails, amusement parks, boat tours, and public gardens.
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State & County Parks
While you can explore most of our parks all year long, many have limited resources, limited access, and trails that are closed completely. In May, they begin to reopen.
All Monroe County Parks are fully open May 1-Oct 31. That means gates, roads, trails, picnic areas, and restrooms. Monroe County parks are free, so take advantage of 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.
Like Watkins Glen and Letchworth’s Lower Falls, New York State Park Gorge Trails tend to remain closed until later in the month when the pathways are free from debris and winter damage and deemed safe to open.
The Erie Canal officially opens for the season in mid-May.
Stony Brook State Park Update
Due to flood damage, the Gorge Trail and Swimming Area are closed for immediate repairs. These areas may not reopen for the season, and we cannot guarantee availability. Please respect all signage and staff directions. The East and West Rim Trails remain open. Call the office at 585-335-8111 for updates. Posted May 7, 2026
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Businesses & Activities
You’ll find many of our seasonal businesses located along our lake shores. Destinations start opening in May, sometimes weekends only, before getting into the full summer swing in preparation for the long Memorial Day weekend.
Although you can stroll around the Genesee Country Village & Museum on Sundays in the wintertime, mid-May through Labor Day is when history comes to life through activities, refreshments, house tours, and guides. On weekends, you’ll find major special events like the Civil War Reenactment and Laura Ingalls Wilder Days. The village is closed on Mondays except for Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours holds its inaugural run on Mother’s Day each year. Colonial Belle opens in mid-May, along with all boating activities along the canal.
Plus, Olcott Lakeview Village Shoppes, The Silo, Panama Rocks & Rock City Park, Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures, Balloons Over Letchworth, and more! Tell us your favorites in the comments below, and we’ll add them to the list.
May Flowers
Although April is one of my favorite times to visit the Magnolia Collection in Highland Park, May is when flowers, flowering bushes, and trees burst to life.
Look for lilacs, tulips, daffodils, pansies, tree peonies, hyacinths, azaleas, flowering dogwood, crab, cherry, pear, and horse chestnuts. Make sure to stop and smell the Highland Park lilacs around May 10.
Sonnenberg Gardens opens on May 1.
May Events
As spring takes hold in Rochester, there’s a palpable energy in the air as locals eagerly anticipate reopening favorite parks, attractions, and businesses. The merry month of May is an exciting time, with events and activities occurring throughout the city.
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What businesses and activities are you most looking forward to opening in May?
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.
I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.
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Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
