This year’s Roc the Riverway Weekend Event will be September 26–28, coinciding with the Erie Canal Bicentennial. In addition to a typical lineup of tours and activities, Corn Hill Navigation will host special riverfront events to commemorate the bicentennial and the historic voyage of the Seneca Chief, which will be docked in Rochester from noon on Saturday through 9 a.m. Sunday. Flotillas are being organized to accompany the Seneca Chief‘s arrival and departure from the city.
The Rochester Coffee & Chocolate Festival will be held on September 27 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, within easy walking distance of Corn Hill.
The “Seneca Chief” Bicentennial Journey
A replica canal boat named the Seneca Chief—inspired by the one that made the first journey in 1825—will travel the canal from Buffalo to Albany. Expect ceremonies, community stops, and floating exhibits. Here is the planned schedule, subject to change:
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025
Bicentennial Voyage Departure | 10:00 am
Commercial Slip at Canalside
44 Prime St, Buffalo, NY 14202
SEPTEMBER 24 – OCTOBER 26, 2025
The Erie Canal Boat Bicentennial Voyage
Traveling along the Erie Canal & Hudson River
- Buffalo – Wed. 9/24
- Lockport – Wed. 9/24
- Medina – Thurs. 9/25
- Brockport – Fri. 9/26
- Rochester – Sat. 9/27
- Fairport – Sun. + Mon. 9/28 – 29
- Newark – Tues. 9/30
- Lyons – Wed. 10/1
- Weedsport – Thurs. 10/2
- Baldwinsville – Fri. 10/3
- Syracuse – Sat + Sun. 10/4 – 5 and on to New York City.
The dates listed indicate when the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will be docked in port. The itinerary is subject to change.
With so much to celebrate, we’re looking forward to an unforgettable Roc the Riverway Weekend—and we hope you’ll be part of it! Look for a schedule of events to be announced in September at cityofrochester.gov.
ROC the Riverway
High Falls on the Genesee River
High Falls is the name of the waterfall, the neighboring historic district, and the future Rochester High Falls State Park.
Maplewood Park is a linear park that follows the river from Driving Park and the Lower Falls to just north of Route 104, ending at the pedestrian bridge over the Genesee.
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1888, find Genesee Valley Park where the Erie Canal, Red Creek, and Genesee River intersect.
You can climb the 40-foot tower in the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse and enjoy the view of Lake Ontario, the Genesee River, and Ontario Beach Park.
Mount Hope Cemetery’s winding roads are best explored on foot for a glimpse into the area’s rich history, ecology, and geology.
Turning Point Park’s most striking feature is a 3,572-foot-long boardwalk over the Genesee River Turning Basin.
Besides a sandy Lake Ontario beach with ample parking, visitors can enjoy the carousel, pier, lighthouse, and Abbott’s Frozen Custard.
At Genesee Valley Park, the river merges with the Erie Canal and continues north through Rochester before reaching Lake Ontario.
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.
Erie Canal Bicentennial Celebrations: 200 Years of History, Innovation & Community
Discover how Rochester and canal towns across New York are honoring 200 years of the Erie Canal—and how you can experience it in 2025.
What are your favorite activities during Roc the Riverway Weekend?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Enjoy the Journey Together!
Mary Jo, thank you so much for pointing that out! I must have deleted that paragraph. It’s October 4-6, 2019.