Rochester

City Overview

Rochester, located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario in New York State, is a city rich in innovation, history, and natural beauty. Known as the "Flower City" due to its extensive parks and gardens, particularly the annual Lilac Festival, Rochester has a proud legacy as a hub for photography and optics, largely thanks to George Eastman and Kodak. It's also a significant center for women's rights history, being home to Susan B. Anthony. Today, Rochester blends its historical roots with a vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and a strong emphasis on education and technology.

Where the City Is Located

Rochester is situated in Western New York, on the Genesee River and the southern shore of Lake Ontario. It is part of the Finger Lakes region, offering easy access to scenic vineyards and natural landscapes. The city is approximately 90 miles east of Buffalo, 335 miles northwest of New York City, and within a day's drive of one-third of the U.S. population, making it an accessible destination.

Why This City is Famous

Rochester is famous for:

• Photography and Optics: Home to Kodak and Xerox, it has a deep history in imaging technology and is home to the George Eastman Museum, dedicated to photography and film.
• Women's Rights Movement: A pivotal location in the women's suffrage movement, it was home to Susan B. Anthony, whose house is now a museum.
• "Flower City": Known for its beautiful parks and gardens, especially Highland Park, which hosts the annual Lilac Festival, one of the largest in North America.
• The Strong National Museum of Play: One of the largest children's museums in the U.S., focusing on the history and exploration of play.
• Frederick Douglass: The renowned abolitionist and orator spent significant time in Rochester, publishing his anti-slavery newspaper, "The North Star," here.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Rochester is during the spring (May to early June) and fall (September to October). Spring offers the vibrant Rochester Lilac Festival and pleasant temperatures for exploring parks. Fall brings stunning foliage and comfortable weather. Summers (July to August) can be warm and humid but are popular for festivals and outdoor activities. Winters (November to April) are cold and snowy, ideal for winter sports enthusiasts.

Top Tourist Attractions

George Eastman Museum: Explore the historic home of Kodak founder George Eastman and delve into the history of photography and film.

The Strong National Museum of Play: A highly interactive museum dedicated to the history and exploration of play, perfect for families.

Susan B. Anthony Museum & House: Visit the home of the iconic women's rights leader and learn about her life and activism.

Highland Park: Famous for its extensive lilac collection, especially during the annual Lilac Festival in May, and beautiful Olmsted-designed landscapes.

Memorial Art Gallery: Part of the University of Rochester, featuring a diverse collection of art spanning 5,000 years.

Rochester Museum & Science Center: Offers interactive exhibits on science, technology, and natural history.

Genesee Country Village & Museum: A living history museum showcasing 19th-century life in rural New York.

Seabreeze Amusement Park: A historic amusement park on the shores of Lake Ontario, featuring rides and a water park.