The Best Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Road Trip from Buffalo, NY to Tonawanda, NY
Are you looking for a fun road trip adventure in Western New York? Look no further than the route from Buffalo, NY to Tonawanda, NY. This scenic drive offers plenty of opportunities to explore local history, culture, and natural beauty.
Fun fact: Did you know that the city of Buffalo is home to more than 80 parks, including the massive Delaware Park, which covers 350 acres in the heart of the city?
About halfway through this road trip, you'll reach the charming town of Amherst, NY. Be sure to take a break here to stretch your legs and explore some of the local shops and restaurants.
The total driving distance between Buffalo and Tonawanda is approximately 15 miles, making this trip easily manageable in less than an hour. However, to fully appreciate all of the sights along the way, we recommend allowing at least a full day to explore the area.
Without any further delay, here are the top five places to visit on this road trip:
- Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are a must-see destination for nature lovers. This historic greenhouse, which opened in 1900, features more than a dozen specialty gardens showcasing a wide variety of plants from around the world. Visitors can take guided tours, attend special events, and even rent the space for weddings and other private gatherings.
Point of Interest: Don't miss "The Dome," a massive glass structure located in the center of the greenhouse that offers stunning views of the gardens from above.
- Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House Complex Architecture buffs won't want to miss a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House Complex in Buffalo. This sprawling estate, which was built between 1903 and 1905, showcases Wright's signature Prairie-style architecture and includes six interconnected buildings, along with an expansive garden and reflecting pool.
Point of Interest: Be sure to take a guided tour of the property to learn more about Wright's innovative design ideas and the history of the Martin family.
- Niagara Falls State Park No trip to Western New York would be complete without a stop at the world-famous Niagara Falls. The Niagara Falls State Park, which opened in 1885, is the oldest state park in the United States and offers an array of activities for visitors of all ages. Take a Maid of the Mist boat tour to get up close and personal with the falls, or explore the hiking trails and observation decks for stunning views from every angle.
Point of Interest: Don't forget to stop by the Cave of the Winds attraction, which allows visitors to walk just a few feet away from the raging waters of the falls.
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site History buffs will appreciate a visit to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in Buffalo. This museum, which is housed in the beautifully restored Wilcox Mansion, offers a fascinating look at the political and social climate of the early 20th century and the events that led to Theodore Roosevelt's unexpected ascension to the presidency. Visitors can take guided tours or explore the exhibits at their own pace.
Point of Interest: Check out the restored library, which features original furnishings and countless artifacts from Roosevelt's life and presidency.
- Delaware Park Last but not least, no visit to Buffalo would be complete without a stroll through Delaware Park. This massive green space, which is larger than New York City's Central Park, offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Explore the many walking and biking trails, take a paddleboat ride on Hoyt Lake, or pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the shade of the park's many trees.
Point of Interest: Be sure to check out the stunning Albright-Knox Art Gallery, located on the northeast side of the park. This museum features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art by some of the world's most famous artists.
In conclusion, this road trip from Buffalo, NY to Tonawanda, NY offers a wealth of opportunities to explore local history, culture, and natural beauty. Be sure to take your time to fully appreciate all of the stops along the way, and don't forget to take plenty of photos to remember your adventure for years to come.