Rochester transformed from the Flour City and the Flower City to the Image City when George Eastman developed a method for the general public to immortalize everyday moments on film. He founded the Eastman Kodak Company, a significant player in the photography industry for much of the 20th century. Eastman also established the Eastman School of Music, one of the world’s top music schools.
Today, Rochester is home to multiple photonics- and photography-related businesses and organizations, including the George Eastman Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of photography and film.
In addition to its photography legacy, Rochester is known for its beautiful Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park system, a 96-foot waterfall on the Genesee River that flows through the heart of downtown, a vibrant street art scene, and an unforgettable skyline. These qualities make it a popular destination for photographers and artists and help to reinforce its status as the Image City.
Explore our neighborhoods to experience Rochester’s most iconic sights while learning about its culture and history.
Welcome to Rochester!
Great selfie ops around the Image City
The Hideaway restaurant on Park Ave.
Behind the Rochester Public Market on Scio Street.
Just a taste of the art surrounding the Frederick Douglass Library on South Ave.
Head northbound on South Clinton Ave for this quintessential Rochester welcome next to Geva Theater.
Rochester’s Skyline
Picture-perfect views day or night!
Rochester skyline view from Genesee Gateway Park.
Corn Hill neighborhood
Skyline view from Corn Hill Landing.
Rochester skyline from Court Street.
Rochester skyline from a boat on the Genesee River.
Rochester skyline view from Cobbs Hill.
Rochester skyline view from High Falls Terrace.
Rochester skyline view from the First Federal Plaza Building.
View from the Rundel Building rooftop.
The 100 Acre Tract
1788-1817
In 1792, Ebenezer “Indian” Allen sold the property he was gifted in 1788 by the Phelps and Gorham Co. The mills he built utilized Rochester’s forth waterfall, where the Broad Street bridge is today.
By 1803, the land had passed into the hands of Col. Nathaniel Rochester, Maj. Charles Carroll, and Col. William Fitzhugh, all of Maryland.
In 1811, Rochester began establishing a town, laying out streets, and establishing plots of land for municipal, church, and business use. Later that year, he began offering the plots for sale.
In 1812, Nathaniel Rochester moved his family here from Dansville, envisioning a prosperous future. The War of 1812 brought soldiers marching through the area who would eventually return to purchase land.
High Falls State Park
Construction of the new High Falls State Park in Rochester, NY, is slated to begin in 2026. While the park may not be complete until the early 2030s, sections will open in phases so that we can enjoy the space as soon as possible. Follow the updates at highfallsstateparkny.com
Learn more in the High Falls State Park Design Workshop Final Report, 8/26/24 (pdf), produced by the Community Design Center of Rochester in collaboration with Greentopia. Greentopia designed the High Falls New York State Park logo.
Rochesterville
1817-1822
The Church that Rochester built: St. Luke & St. Simon Cyrene Episcopal Church, 1824
Bevier Memorial Building, where Nathaniel Rochester’s home once stood, 1910
In 1815, the Brown Brothers created “Brown’s Race,” a riverside canal used to harness the power of the waterfall for mills. The High Falls Historic District offers evidence of this time in our history.
When Rochesterville was officially chartered in 1817, it included the original 100-acre tract and the Brown Brothers’ land, plus several other parcels owned by others.
Nathaniel Rochester’s plot at Mount Hope Cemetery (1752-1831).
Young Lion Of The West & the Flour City
1822-1850
Rochester was founded in 1817 and officially became a city in 1823 after the completion of the Erie Canal aqueduct. The city’s thriving manufacturing and trade industry earned it the nickname “Young Lion of the West” for its explosive growth, followed by “The Flour City” for its abundance of flour mills along the Genesee River. The historic aqueduct, rebuilt in 1842, now serves as a bridge for Broad Street over the Genesee River. In 1918, the state redirected the canal to run along the city’s southern border through Genesee Valley Park.
The 3rd & Current Monroe County Office Building
In 1821, Monroe County was established, with Rochesterville as the county seat and the first courthouse built. In 1894, the cornerstone for the current Monroe County Office Building was laid, displaying the construction dates of all three buildings.
Rochester’s Erie Canal Aqueduct and Subway, mural “Child’s Basin 1830: Through the Looking Glass”
In 1823, Rochester dropped the “ville.” The first aqueduct to carry the Erie Canal over the Genesee River at Rochester was also completed in 1823. The aqueduct pictured above is the second iteration, constructed between 1836 and 1842.
Jonathan Child House, 1837-38.
The City of Rochester was incorporated in 1834, three years after Nathaniel Rochester’s death in 1831. Jonathan Child, Nathaniel Rochester’s son-in-law, was the first Mayor.
The Flower City
1850-1888
Several seed companies in Rochester had grown to become the largest in the world, with Ellwanger & Barry Nursery Co. (1840) being the largest. Other notable flower city innovators include Vick’s Seed House (1860, sold to Burpee Seeds in 1920), Crossman’s Seeds (1838), and Harris Seeds (1879).
The Landmark Society maintains the Ellwanger Garden, which is open to the public for special events, including Lilac Weekends in May and Peony Weekends in June.
Ellwanger & Barry would donate land and trees to establish Highland Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
The Image City
1888-today
Also known as Kodak City, Photo City, and Picture City
George Eastman
Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the pioneer of popular photography and motion picture film
George Eastman’s inventions relating to film and cameras were essential to Rochester’s growth in the late 19th and early 20th century. Modern photography made capturing moments easy for the mass public, and mass production made it affordable. For decades, Kodak was Rochester’s largest employer.
In addition, Eastman was a passionate and engaged supporter of art and education. His contributions to Eastman Theatre, Eastman School of Music, Eastman Dental, Eastman Savings & Loan, United Way of Greater Rochester, Center for Governmental Research, and Durand-Eastman Park are still appreciated today! Learn more by visiting the George Eastman Museum in his East Ave estate.
Quintessential Rochester Sights
Enjoy Rochester’s natural side
River and Canal crossing at Genesee Valley Park
Lower Falls in Maplewood Park. Follow the Genesee River View Trail south to Middle Falls, managed by RG&E.
Turning Point Park boardwalk is a segment along the Gensee Riverview Trail.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square
Established in 1938, Mount Hope was the first American rural cemetery planned, developed, and maintained by a municipality. Fun fact: There are more people dead in Mount Hope Cemetery than living in the City of Rochester.
Innovative & Noteworthy Architecture
The most recognizable buildings in Rochester
Times Square Building and The Wings of Progress, 1929
First Federal Plaza Building, 1974
Statue of Mercury, 1881
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Boynton House on East Blvd., 1908 (private)
Central Library Rundel Building, 1936
Powers Building at the Four Corners, 1869
Rochester City Hall, 1885–1889
The old French Quarter in the Brewster-Burke House, 1849
Ebenezer Watts House, built in 1825, is the oldest residential building in Center City.
Constructed in 1822, the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse is the oldest surviving active lighthouse in America on Lake Ontario.
Oliver Culver House, the oldest residential structure in Rochester, was constructed in 1816.
Rochester Central Church of Christ, 1904
Warner Castle and its sunken garden, 1854
Monroe Community Hospital, 1931, designed by Siegmund Firestone and Thomas Boyde, Jr.
Susan B Anthony House, 1866
Phillis Wheatley Community Library, 1971, designed by James H. Johnson, who also designed the Liberty Pole and Mushroom House.
Quintessential Rochester Establishments
Long-standing local favorites!
Original Abbott’s Custard on Lake Ave
Wegmans Food Markets was established in Rochester in 1916.
Nick Tahou Hots, located in a historic train depot.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is also located in a historic train depot.
The Record Archive has the most extensive vinyl record collection in the Northeast. It is also the only New York record store serving wine and beer.
The Rochester Red Wings are minor league baseball’s oldest continually operating franchise, dating back to 1899. The club is also part of the longest professional baseball game ever played. They lost.
The Little Theatre, founded in 1928, is one of the oldest active movie theaters focused on showing independent films.
Strong National Museum of Play has the only year-round indoor butterfly garden in Upstate NY.
Rochester Museum & Science Center and Strasenburgh Planetarium
Rochester’s Signature Events
Drawing visitors from across the country & around the world!
“Festival season” in Rochester runs from mid-May to early September. Hundreds of annual events occur throughout the greater Rochester area, even in the middle of winter.
Explore More
Rochester, NY Events & Activities: Your Guide to Year-Round Fun
From Rochester’s annual events and festivals to seasonal activities, I’ve curated a list of the best things to do around Rochester all year.
7 Significant City of Rochester Festivals in 2025
This guide aims to showcase Rochester’s most popular festivals, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to our beautiful city.
Here are a few more sights to see around Rochester
Unique, photo-worthy spots, from historic to quirky
Exceptional and thought-provoking street art throughout the city!
The Rochester logo
According to a Post article:
“The waterwheel was our first device for harnessing the life force of the Genesee, and the Flour City was born of prospectors Charles Carroll, William Fitzhugh, and Nathaniel Rochester’s eye for milling opportunities. This is articulated in the five-spoked dissection of the logo as a waterwheel.
“According to the Highland Park Conservancy, the sections make up a five-petaled white lilac (a sign of good luck) rather than four. The lilac was designated as Rochester’s official flower on May 11, 1948.”
Explore More
A perfect day in Rochester would include a visit to one of its world-class museums, spending time in its exceptional parks, and seeing both High Falls and Lake Ontario.
Things to Do in Rochester This Weekend
Discover the best concerts, festivals, community events, special events, and other things to do in Rochester this weekend or anytime!
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show on stage or screen. Experience diverse artistic expression, from Broadway productions to classic movies.
Rochester is home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. You can spend weeks exploring our rich cultural heritage.
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.
Free Things to Do Around Rochester
Our top 12 day-trip ideas for unique, fun, and free things to do around Rochester will give you over 500 actual destinations.
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.
What do you think? Did I capture all the photo-worthy spots around the Image City?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
Help Support My Work
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy.
If you have found valuable information that has helped you explore the Rochester area, become a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the opportunity to interact with a growing community.
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Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
Outstanding resource of visiting options. I will be spending time going to these places to photograph many of them – thank you.
I can’t wait to see what you find! You already have a wonderful portfolio: https://www.mikehebergerphoto.com/Places
Love your photos! Please consider adding Susan b Anthony having tea with Frederick Douglass statuary and public access cliff walk along Lake Ontario in Charlotte and gevaGEVA theater
Great suggestions, Deni! I should bring them into this article. If you get a chance to check out a few more guides, we feature “Tea in the Square” as a favorite roadside attraction – https://daytrippingroc.com/quirky-rochester-area-roadside-attractions/. And the Hidden Sidewalk as a hidden gem – https://daytrippingroc.com/hidden-places. Geva Theatre Center is a community treasure and one of our favorite performing arts venues – https://daytrippingroc.com/performing-arts/