Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Buffalo, NY to the Town of Elma, NY

Buffalo, NY and the surrounding towns in Erie County are filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. A road trip from Buffalo to the Town of Elma is a great way to explore some of Western New York's most interesting sites. The halfway point is in West Seneca, NY, which boasts several great attractions. Keep reading for the best things to do on this road trip.

Visit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

With 12 greenhouses, an outdoor medicinal garden, and a huge conservatory, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The Botanical Gardens are also home to the Palm Dome, which is one of only two domes of its kind in the country. Visitors can expect to spend at least an hour exploring the lush gardens, which are open seven days a week.

Fun Fact: The Botanical Gardens were constructed in 1897, making them one of the oldest greenhouses in the country.

Explore the Buffalo Museum of Science

Anyone interested in science and technology will love the Buffalo Museum of Science. This museum is home to a variety of exhibits, including a fossil dig, a planetarium, and a recently-updated "Dinosaurs of the Western New York" exhibit. There are also rotating exhibits that highlight local history and science topics.

Fun Fact: The Buffalo Museum of Science is home to a rare moon rock that was brought back from the Apollo 17 mission.

Take in the view from Chestnut Ridge Park

For a panoramic view of Western New York, make sure to drive to the top of the hill at Chestnut Ridge Park. This park is also home to hiking trails, picnic areas, and a unique "eternal flame" that burns natural gas. Visitors can easily spend a half-day exploring this park, which is a favorite destination for local residents.

Fun Fact: Chestnut Ridge Park is one of the largest parks in the Erie County parks system, covering over 1,200 acres.

Walk through the Buffalo Zoo

Animal lovers will be thrilled to visit the Buffalo Zoo, which is home to over 1,200 animals from around the world. Highlights include a new Arctic Edge exhibit, which features polar bears and arctic foxes, and the Rainforest Falls exhibit, which is packed with exotic birds, monkeys, and reptiles. Visitors should plan to spend at least two hours exploring the zoo.

Fun Fact: The Buffalo Zoo was one of the first zoos in the country to have a scientific research program.

Visit the Elma Meadows Golf Course

Golf enthusiasts will love the Elma Meadows Golf Course, which is set in a picturesque location alongside Cazenovia Creek. This public course is known for its challenging greens and fairways, and is open for play from April through November. Golfers can easily spend four hours enjoying this course, which is always in top condition.

Fun Fact: Elma Meadows Golf Course was designed by architect James G. Harrison and opened in 1959.

Conclusion

This road trip from Buffalo, NY to the Town of Elma is approximately 15 miles long and can be completed in less than an hour. The trip is a great way to explore some of Erie County's most interesting sites. Visitors should plan to spend a full day enjoying the attractions mentioned above, with a stop at the halfway point in West Seneca. From the beautiful gardens at the Botanical Gardens to the challenging greens at Elma Meadows, this road trip has something for everyone.