Dansville is a village located in Livingston County, in the western part of New York State.
It is in the town of North Dansville, with a small northern section in Sparta.
As of the 2020 census, the village’s population was 4,433.
Named after early settler Daniel Faulkner, Dansville was first settled in 1795 and officially incorporated in 1845.
The village is located on the Genesee River, approximately 30 miles south of Rochester.
Dansville has a rich history and was a popular destination for tourists during the Victorian era.
The village is home to several historic buildings and sites, including the Dansville Artworks, a nonprofit arts organization that offers art classes and workshops in various mediums.
There are plenty of things to do in Dansville for residents and tourists.
It offers a wide array of activities and attractions, including a public golf course, numerous playgrounds and parks, and a variety of community-based events.
Here are the best things to do in Dansville, New York:
Jordan Kercheff / Shutterstock.com
Stony Brook State Park is a nature haven just 2.8 miles from downtown Dansville.
The park features a breathtaking gorge with three waterfalls, hiking trails, and a swimming hole.
Nature lovers will love spending a day or two in the great outdoors surrounded by the stunning scenery of Stony Brook State Park.
The park offers many activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking, or swimming.
The picnic area has tables, grill areas, and well-maintained restrooms.
Jordan Kercheff / Shutterstock.com
Kids will also love the playground, which has a variety of swings, monkey bars, and slides.
If you’re into sports, you’ll be delighted to know that this park also features play fields such as tennis, baseball, volleyball, and basketball.
Whatever you want to do outdoors, you’ll find it at Stony Brook State Park.
Jordan Kercheff / Shutterstock.com
The area surrounding Church Street is a historic district in downtown Dansville that features several historical buildings.
The district is home to the first house in Dansville, which was built in 1795 by Cornelius McCoy, an Irishman who was the first settler in Dansville.
You can also find the Dansville Area Historical Society Museum, which has a collection of artifacts that tell the story of Dansville’s history.
The district is also home to the first schoolhouse in Dansville, which was built in 1803.
The schoolhouse is now a private residence, but you can still see the original windows and doors.
There are also a few churches in the district, including the First Baptist Church, which was built in 1834.
The church is now a private residence, but you can still see the beautiful stained glass windows.
Strolling around this district will truly make you walk back in time. So if you’re interested in knowing a piece of Dansville’s history, make sure to drop by the Dansville Area Historical.
Opened in 1921, the Star Theatre is the oldest movie theatre in Livingston County.
Unfortunately, the theater shut down and closed due to financial problems in the 1980s.
However, it underwent some upgrading and was later reopened in 1994 by the Schmidt Family.
Ever since, the Star Theatre has been showing first-run movies and classic films.
The best part about watching a film here is that you get to experience the traditional way of watching a movie.
However, the theater only has one screen and can accommodate 350 people.
It’s a great place to watch a movie, whether it’s a classic or a new release.
If you want to go on a night out with friends in Dansville, consider the Star Theatre on Main Street.
Established in 2014, Dansville ArtWorks is a nonprofit art gallery that features the works of local and regional artists.
In addition, it has various artworks on display, ranging from paintings to sculptures.
You can either take a guided or unguided tour inside this gallery.
There’s a gift shop inside, where you can buy arts and crafts made by local artists.
The primary purpose of this art gallery is to cultivate and enhance Dansville’s literary, visual, and performing arts scene.
If you’re an art lover, Dansville Artworks on Main Street is a place you should check out.
Nothing beats enjoying a cold beer after a long day.
If you want to try locally produced craft beers, head to Battle Street Brewery, Dansville’s premier brewery on Battle Street.
The brewery offers a wide variety of beers, from IPAs to stouts.
They also have a rotating selection of seasonal beers, so there’s always something new to try.
In addition to its incredible selection of beers, Battle Street Brewery has a food menu with various pub grub.
You can also find several local events being held at the brewery, such as live music and trivia nights.
Battle Street Brewery is the perfect place to relax and eat great food while enjoying the locally produced sweet and malty taste of Dansville’s craft beers.
Whether you’ve tried horseback riding before or are a first-time rider, Overland Morgan Horse Farm is the perfect place to experience this fun activity.
This farm on Shay Road offers a variety of horseback riding lessons, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
They also offer trail rides, where you can explore the area’s beautiful scenery on horseback.
Overland Morgan Horse Farm offers horseback riding services such as guided trail rides, pony rides, and carriage rides.
They also sell grass-fed beef, barn find antiques, and local honey.
The farm is a pleasant nature-filled place that the whole family can enjoy.
You can explore the scenic grounds on horseback, walk around the farm, and enjoy the fresh air.
Overland Morgan Horse Farm is a great place to spend a day, whether you want to learn how to ride a horse or enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Clara Barton was famous for establishing the first American chapter of the International Red Cross.
The Clara Barton House on Elizabeth Street, now a museum, was her former home and the first American Red Cross office site.
Inside the museum, you can see a variety of artifacts related to Clara Barton and the American Red Cross.
There are also interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the history and mission of the American Red Cross.
Another exciting feature about this home is the actual architecture and design.
It’s a beautiful example of 19th-century Victorian architecture.
With its fascinating history and beautiful architecture, the Clara Barton House is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about this important figure in American and Dansville history.
The Book Den in downtown Dansville is the city’s premier destination for local and visiting bookworms.
This charming bookstore offers a wide variety of new and used books.
They have a large selection of children’s books and a wide variety of genres for adult readers.
In addition to its excellent selection of books, The Book Den also offers other items such as cards, stationery, and gifts.
The friendly staff is always happy to help you find the perfect book, and they even offer a variety of events such as book club meetings and author signings.
If you’re looking for a great place to find your next favorite book, look no further than The Book Den.
Anytime is always a great time to have ice cream, and when you’re in Dansville, there’s no better place to enjoy a sweet treat than at Angie’s Ice Cream on Main Street.
With over 30 flavors of ice cream, there’s sure to be something for everyone at this ice cream shop.
They also offer a wide variety of toppings, so you can customize your ice cream exactly how you like it.
In addition to their delicious ice cream, Angie’s Ice Cream also offers a variety of other treats such as homemade hard ice cream, homemade waffle cones, edible cookie dough, frozen custard, cookie dough ice cream pies, and ice cream floats with craft soda.
This dessert shop also offers Vegan Pina Colada Ice Cream made with coconut milk; so, whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or want to try something new, Angie’s Ice Cream has you covered.
Located on Main Street, Dansville Public Library is one of the oldest public libraries in New York.
The first section of this large two-story brick building was constructed way back in 1823.
The library features a neoclassical design with a portico and grand stairway leading up to the main entrance.
Inside, you’ll find various books, magazines, newspapers, and other materials.
Due to its long and fruitful history, Dansville Public Library is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Whether you’re looking to do some research, borrow a good book, or take in the historic architecture, Dansville Public Library is worth a visit.
You can’t leave Dansville without picking up a few souvenirs, and the best place to find gifts and souvenirs is at Dogwood Trading Company.
This local gift shop specializes in selling items made in New York.
In addition, they offer various food, drink, jewelry, pottery, and more.
In addition to their excellent selection of NYS-made products, the shop offers various services such as gift wrapping and shipping.
If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir or gift, look no further than Dogwood Trading Company, located on Main Street.
Nearby Arkport is home to Savor Vineyards and Wines, a family-owned winery that produces great-tasting wine.
The winery serves a variety of red, white, and fruit wines.
They also offer a wine club, private events, and wine tastings.
Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for a new place to try, check out Savor Vineyards and Wines.
Forty minutes from Dansville, Canadice Lake is one of the many beautiful Finger Lakes in New York.
It’s a great place to go swimming, fishing, canoeing, and more.
If you’re looking to explore Canadice Lake, be sure to check out Canadice Lake Outfitters.
They offer a variety of canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddle board rentals.
They also offer guided tours of Canadice Lake.
Whether you’re looking to explore on your own or with a group, Canadice Lake Outfitters is a great option.
FitzPatrick Farm Market & Deli in Arkport is the perfect place to buy fresh local produce.
They provide a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more.
They also offer a lunch menu with sandwiches, salads, soups, and more.
If you’re looking for fresh, local produce, be sure to check out FitzPatrick Farm Market & Deli.
Situated in the town of Wayland, Dinky Doo Petting Zoo is a great place to take your kids if you want them to have a fun and educational experience.
The petting zoo has a variety of animals, such as goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and ducks.
Your kids will have a blast petting and feeding the animals.
They will also learn about animal care and responsibility.
Dinky Doo Petting Zoo also offers pony rides, hayrides, and tractor-pulled wagon rides.
They also have a playground area where your kids can play and explore.
Your kids won’t be the only ones to have a great time at the Dinky Doo Petting Zoo.
You will also enjoy watching your kids interact with the animals and explore their surroundings.
You can even feed animals and interact with them yourself.
Whatever you decide to do, you will have a great time at Dinky Doo Petting Zoo.
Dansville may not be the most famous village in New York, but it has a lot to offer.
Its rich history, beautiful scenery, and various fun activities make it very much worth visiting.
If you’re planning to travel to this beautiful village, check out the best things to do in Dansville, New York.
You’re sure to have a great time!
Discover the world.
© All rights reserved.
