There’s no better way to usher in springtime in Rochester than with the tapping of maple trees for syrup! As the Earth breaks loose winter’s icy grip, the snow melt and heavy spring rains swell our waterways. Buds begin to open, as do seasonal businesses.
It is a time of awakening.
Maple Syrup: 12 Sweet Sugar Shacks
In March, local producers open their sugar shacks to the community to celebrate the innovative process of turning sap into syrup during Maple Syrup Weekend.
Spring Migration
Starting in late February, Canada and snow geese migrate north through New York and increase their number to the tens of thousands. Spring waterfowl migration may peak from the last two weeks in March to the first two weeks in April.
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is the largest in New York State at 10,828 acres, not even including the surrounding Oak Orchard and Tonawanda WMAs.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is a 7,000-acre preserve located on the north end of Cayuga Lake, under one of the most active flight lanes in the Atlantic Flyway.
Braddock Bay Fish and Wildlife Management Area
The Braddock Bay complex includes the bay and the surrounding wetlands. We break it down so you can start exploring!
51 Nature Centers, Preserves, Refuges, and Observatories Around Rochester
Our nature centers, wildlife preserves, management areas, etc., all serve to protect and sustain life, while making nature accessible to people to enjoy.
April Showers
With spring rains converging with snowmelt, every tributary swells with water pushing its way downstream. Our river, creeks, and waterfalls become powerful forces of nature–both awe-inspiring and destructive.
26 Places to Visit After Heavy Rains
Watch raging torrents flow over their banks and brinks after heavy rains for a spectacular, multi-sensory experience. Behold the power of water!
26 Incredible Creeks Around Rochester
These beautiful creeks around Rochester impact us in such subtle ways they sometimes disappear into the background of our lives.
34 Roadside Waterfalls Near Rochester
Impressive waterfalls are not all buried in dark ravines accessible only by difficult trails. And for some, you do not need to get out of your car.
5 Exceptional Waterfalls Near Rochester
Think of this as a starter-set of five exceptional waterfalls near Rochester that you should absolutely visit if you haven’t already!
May Flowers
Seek out signs of spring as flowers and buds awake from their long winter’s nap. I’m looking forward to lilacs, cherry blossoms, magnolias, tulips & daffodils!
“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.”
Powder Mills Park favorites include the fish hatchery, Daffodil Meadow Trail in early May, The Mushroom House, and fishing Irondequoit Creek.
Highland Park was designed to be enjoyed year-round. Every pathway, every tree, every vista & every relationship between the land & water is intentional.
The Flower City: Exploring Rochester’s Extraordinary Flowers and Trees
Rochester became a global center for flower and tree nurseries in the mid-1800s, fostering our identity as The Flower City.
Webster Arboretum at Kent Park
Follow the pathways that meander around Webster Arboretum–40 acres of open spaces, flower & herb gardens, water elements, and a wide variety of trees.
40 Public Gardens Around Rochester
Enjoy a peaceful afternoon at one of these arboretums, labyrinths, estate gardens, or botanical gardens, all within a 2-hour drive of Rochester.
Opening in May for the Summer Season
Some of our favorite places and businesses have been closed completely since October or November while others have been limited in access and services.
Come May, we’re excited to have them open back up to enjoy the warmer days of springtime in Rochester.
Gorge trails call out to us from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, check these five spectacular trails off your list!
49 New York State Parks Within a 2-hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a 2-hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them each unique!
Monroe County parks are free, so take advantage of 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical and geological experiences!
17 Discover Niagara Shuttle Stops
The Discover Niagara Shuttle is a 2-hour round-trip journey from any starting point if you’d like to simply enjoy the ride. Otherwise, you can hop on and off at any stop–no ticket required!
The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail is the portion that runs along the southern Lake Ontario shoreline, from Fort Niagara in Youngstown to Fort Ontario in Oswego.
The Erie Canal spans 100-miles between Lockport and Lyons, with Rochester located right in the middle. Choose just 15 miles to explore for a great day trip!
40 of the Best Ice Cream Shops Around Rochester
Ice cream, gelato, Italian ice, frozen yogurt, and custard—we love these shops for their outstanding atmosphere, taste, variety, and innovation.
Yes, there are still drive-in theaters near Rochester! The Vintage Drive-In in Avon is the closest, but there are five others within a 90 minute drive.
Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Reserve
At Penn Dixie, you keep every fossil you find, though it takes a keen eye and persistence to find the fossils, many of which are smaller than pebbles.
Seabreeze, Darien Lake, and Other Amusement Parks Near Rochester
When May comes around, you find the amusement parks with dry-rides opening on the weekends, with the water parks opening closer to Father’s Day in mid-June.
Spring Train Rides
Our historic train museums start to offer train rides starting in March with the Arcade & Attica’s Maple Excursions. The Rochester & Genesee starts with Easter Bunny rides in April.
Arcade and Attica Railroad offers a 2-1/2 hour train experience, including a 30-minute layover at Curriers Station where you can explore the train yard and grab a bite to eat.
Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum
Once a month, between June and October, you can spend the day riding the train at the Rochester Genesee Valley Railroad Museum.
New York Museum of Transportation
Enjoy a scenic 2-mile round-trip ride on an 90-year-old electric trolley car at the New York Museum of Transportation, and themed-events during the year.
Events
Springtime in Rochester
Check out all of Rochester’s annual events in March, April, May and June. A few highlights include:
April
Imagine RIT: Innovation & Creativity Festival
Rochester Red Wings Opening Day
Food Truck Rodeo Last Wednesday night of the month, April through September
May
Greater Rochester Teen Book Festival
Zoo Brew Friday nights, once a month May through September, with special events throughout the year
Flavors of the Market Saturday mornings, May through September
Flower City Days at the Market Sundays mid-May and early-June
June
Date Night in Rochester: The Ultimate Guide for Spending Quality Time Together
Whether it’s your first date night in Rochester or 50th, spending time exploring with your partner is a great way to connect and learn about each other.
Opening in May for the Summer Season
Rochester is open for the season! We’re excited to enjoy the warmer days of springtime at our favorite places and businesses opening in May.
Rochester Festivals – Six in the City
“Festival season” in Rochester runs from May to September. Let’s focus on the six most popular summertime City of Rochester festivals!
What do you enjoy most about springtime in Rochester, NY?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!