Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Auburn, NY to Rochester, NY

The city of Auburn, New York, situated in the Finger Lakes region, offers access to some of the State's most beautiful natural scenery, arts, and culture. On the flip side, Rochester, New York, located a 45-minute drive from Auburn, boasts a thriving culinary scene popular among visitors and locals alike. In between the two cities lies Clifton Springs, NY, the halfway mark and a historic, idyllic village that is worth exploring. This article will highlight the top five things to do while road tripping from the City of Auburn to the City of Rochester.

1. Visit Taughannock Falls State Park

Taughannock Falls State Park is one of the must-visit locations on your road trip. Located 45 minutes away from Auburn, the park features a towering 215-foot waterfall that is the highlight of the attraction. While there, you can participate in different activities, including fishing, hiking, picnicking, and bird watching. The area also boasts campsites and cabins for overnight stays.

Fun fact: Located in the park is Taughannock Gorge, which is one of the few places in the world where rare plants can be found.

2. Explore the Finger Lakes Boating Museum

The Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Hammondsport, New York, is a great location to learn more about the state's rich boating history. The museum has an extensive collection of boats that have navigated the water bodies in the Finger Lakes region. Other artifacts in the museum include boat paintings, motors and related equipment documents and library materials. The museum is an ideal spot to visit for a family day outing.

Fun fact: In 2014, the museum won the Best Museum in the State from the New York Museum Association.

3. Visit the Strong National Museum of Play

The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester is an excellent location for those traveling with children. The museum has an extensive collection of toys and games that children of all ages enjoy playing with. These exhibits include electronic toys, dolls, and board games, among others. There is also an outdoor play area where children can engage in physical activity while playing.

Fun fact: The Strong National Museum of Play was named one of the top ten Family Museums in the United States by USA Today in 2016

4. Have a taste of the local cuisine

During your road trip, you should indulge in the local cuisine as well. A local favorite culinary spot is the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, located in Rochester, New York. This eatery gets its inspiration from southern barbecue, so expect to find various meat dishes on the menu, including pork, chicken, brisket, and ribs. Other food selections include salads, sandwiches, and soups. It's an ideal spot for meat lovers.

Fun fact: The Dinosaur Bar-B-Que has been featured on popular television shows such as Good Morning America and The Today Show.

5. Tour the Erie Canal

The Erie Canal is a significant waterway in New York that changed the course of commerce in the United States. You can visit the canal while on your road trip and learn more about its history and significance. The canal offers boat tours, and you can also opt to go for a bike ride along the Canalway trail.

Fun fact: The Erie Canal played a significant role in the Women's rights movement in the United States. In 1848, the First Women's Rights Convention was held in Seneca Falls, located in the Erie Canal region.

Conclusion: This road trip route from Auburn, NY to Rochester, NY is jam-packed with exciting spots to visit. Take some time to enjoy each of these attractions along the way. The trip should take you approximately two hours to cover the 85-mile journey, excluding the time you'll want to spend at each location. Happy traveling!