Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Wayne County, NY

  • Published 2022/12/17

The rustic Wayne County is located in the heart of the northern portion of New York.

Wayne County has a colorful and rich history that dates back long before it was established in 1823.

It is said that the white pioneers of the area had begun settling in the region as early as 1789.

This scenic county is nestled between Syracuse and Rochester and bordered by Lake Ontario’s southern shore.

With its excellent location, this county offers its guests many opportunities for outdoor exploration and fun recreational activities.

Whether you’re exploring the rural areas and taking in the breathtaking views of nature or strolling down the urban districts, Wayne County has something to offer you.

Bring all your friends and family and explore the towns and cities within this county.

Make your visit more memorable by checking out these 15 best things to do in Wayne County, New York:

Reflect at the Sacred Grove

Sun rays peeking through Sacred Grove trees

Quinn Calder / Shutterstock.com

Take a break from your busy daily routine and find a moment of peace when you visit Sacred Grove.

Sacred Grove is a paradisiacal outdoor area nestled along Stafford Road in Palmyra.

It is said that this is where God and his son Jesus appeared before Joseph Smith Jr., and this event inspired the creation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Whether you are religious or not, this destination is worth visiting because of the breathtaking sight of tall trees and lush foliage.

Greenery at Sacred Grove

Phill Wright / Shutterstock.com

Stroll around this outdoor area and enjoy the tranquility and nature’s beauty.

If you visit before sunset, the view of the rays of the sun peeking through the tall trees is a must-see!

To learn more about the history of the area and the church, you can also take a guided tour.

Let Your Kids Ride Ponies at Little Dude Ranch

Make your trip more exciting for your kids by checking out Little Dude Ranch!

Based on Fisher Road in Williamson, Little Dude Ranch offers its young visitors a chance to explore the natural areas around them while riding an adorable pony.

The horses at this ranch are gentle and friendly, so you don’t need to worry about them running off with your child.

There are also riding lessons here if your kid is interested to learn more about horseback riding.

You can even sign them up for the horse camps, a week-long event.

You can also book Little Dude Ranch for special celebrations.

Go Kayaking at Abbey Park

Nestled beside Erie Canal is Abbey Park, an open area on Water Street in Lyons.

This park features a large picnic area where you can grab a meal before enjoying fun activities and a roofed pavilion to rest and relax.

This is the perfect destination if you want to bond with your loved ones while boating or kayaking.

Although fishing is not allowed, you can still have fun paddling through the Erie Canal while enjoying the water views.

There’s also a tiny playground at Abbey Park where your kids can play.

Enjoy Outdoor Fun at Palmyra-Macedon Aqueduct Park

Historic bridge at Palmyra-Macedon Aqueduct Park

LtPowers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Go on a picnic, take memorable pictures, or explore and see the sights around Palmyra-Macedon Aqueduct Park with your loved ones.

Palmyra-Macedon Aqueduct Park is a historic open area in Palmyra that spans more than three acres near the beautiful Erie Canal.

It features a historic bridge, vast grassy areas, and tall trees that provide you with the shade you need on a sunny day.

There is also a roofed pavilion nearby where you can hang out with friends or family and grab a quick bite.

Enjoy the relaxing sounds of nature and the stunning views as you rest at Palmyra-Macedon Aqueduct Park.

Indulge in Tee Time at Blue Heron Hills Golf Course

Hit the links and attempt to achieve a hole-in-one when you golf at Blue Heron Hills Golf Course.

Based on Country Club Drive in Macedon, Blue Heron Hills features a scenic golf course perfect for those who want a bit of a challenge when playing.

Here, you can golf in a championship-level area, hone your swings, and become a better golfer.

If you get too tired from swinging all day, you can just take it easy and play casually while enjoying the spectacular view of the landscape.

You can also stop by the Gananda Pub within the area to relax and drink while looking at the stunning grounds and scenic lake.

Bring all the other golf enthusiasts you know and have some tee time at Blue Heron Hills Golf Course!

Explore a Trail on Horseback at Cracker Box Palace

See all the gorgeous sights and experience the beauty of nature while riding a horse at Cracker Box Palace.

Cracker Box Palace is a farm animal sanctuary on Shaker Road in North Rose that also offers horseback riding activities and more.

At this destination, you can explore an extensive trail through woodlands spanning over 600 acres.

Pretend like you’re royalty from a fairytale as you explore the forest around this facility on horseback.

If you want to take your adventure up a notch, you can sign up for their Eq-Wine Ride event, where you can explore the trails on horseback while sampling delicious local wines and spirits.

Try a new method of exploring the beautiful outdoor areas in the region at Cracker Box Palace!

Witness Majestic Birds at Montezuma Audubon Center

Purple Martin bird at Montezuma Audubon Center

Pierre Williot / Shutterstock.com

Observe stunning avian creatures in their natural habitat and learn how you can help protect them at Montezuma Audubon Center.

Montezuma Audubon Center is a Savannah facility dedicated to preserving bird habitats and locations near Important Bird Areas.

This center is the first Important Bird Area to be recognized globally and has been protecting avians for over two centuries.

Visit this center to take a look at extraordinary birds as you hike through the outdoor areas near the center.

Bird perched on a tree at Montezuma Audubon Center

Pierre Williot / Shutterstock.com

You’ll also learn valuable information from knowledgeable guides about how to take care of the environment to protect the birds.

You can also volunteer to further the advocacies of this dedicated facility.

Have a fun and educational experience watching stunning birds at Montezuma Audubon Center.

Nature trail at Montezuma Audubon Center

vagabond54 / Shutterstock.com

Dive the County’s Past at the Museum of Wayne County History

Travel to the past when you explore the Museum of Wayne County History.

The Museum of Wayne County History is on Butternut Street in Lyons and offers guests a chance to discover more about the region’s history.

It’s based on what was once the county’s jail, which was originally constructed back in 1856.

There are around 24 cells that were used by the inmates here, and you can even find original writings by inmates still intact on the walls.

Tour this historical museum and learn about the events in this jail.

You can also explore the other exhibit spaces and see historic artifacts, like ceramics and photographs.

Learn all about the county’s past when you visit the Museum of Wayne County History.

Learn about the Evolution of Timekeeping at Hoffman Clock Museum

Have you ever wondered what clocks looked like in the past?

Step back in time and go into the “time machine” that is Hoffman Clock Museum to find out!

Located on Mason Street in Newark, Hoffman Clock Museum features a massive collection of clocks and other timepieces that were collected over the years.

You can check out more than 400 clocks, tools, and other watches, which show you how timekeeping has evolved through the years.

Delve into the history of clocks and see how timekeeping technology and styles have changed.

You’ll also learn more about the exceptional clockmakers from the state of New York.

Enjoy Breathtaking Views at Chimney Bluffs State Park

Rock formations of Chimney Bluffs State Park

PQK / Shutterstock.com

Feast your eyes on jaw-dropping views of the region when you head to Chimney Bluffs State Park.

Accessible through Garner Road in Wolcott, Chimney Bluffs State Park is where you’ll want to enjoy stunning sights and take pictures.

Here, you’ll get the best view of Chimney Bluffs, an incredibly mesmerizing landscape made by natural forces after thousands of years.

View of the water from Chimney Bluffs State Park

Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com

This landscape was essentially sculpted by the rain, waves, and wind passing through the area.

See where the land and waters meet at the food of the landscape.

Prepare your cameras because you’ll want to take pictures with the natural spires of the Chimney Bluffs!

Welcome sign of Chimney Bluffs State Park

PQK / Shutterstock.com

Catch a Film at the Palace Theatre

Enjoy some entertainment after a long day by heading to the Palace Theatre and watching a film with your friends or family,

The Palace Theatre is a local movie theater in downtown Wolcott that screens the latest movies at affordable prices.

Enjoy lounging on the comfortable seats inside the theater as you watch newly released films!

There’s also a snack bar inside that sells popcorn at a cheaper price compared to other movie theaters.

The best part is that this theater still has a cool Art Deco architectural style that’s great for taking photos.

Stop by this theater to sit back, relax, and enjoy an unforgettable movie experience.

Shop for Delicious Salami and Artisanal Cheese at Hillside Market

Score high-quality salami and great cheeses when you shop at Hillside Market.

Hillside Market is a small, locally owned grocery store on Westbury Road in Red Creek that offers exceptional products to all its customers.

Here, you can purchase delicious deli products, fresh produce, and baked treats.

You can also get high-quality meat products at this market.

Try their hot soups when you visit from Thursday to Saturday.

They also offer decadent chocolates and fresh strawberries, which go together perfectly!

Go Swimming at Sodus Point Beach Park

Sunset over Sodus Point Beach Park

Hana Cox / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy the warmth of the sun as you swim or sunbathe at Sodus Point Beach Park.

Sodus Point Beach Park is a beautiful beachside destination located along Wickham Boulevard in Sodus Point.

Despite its relatively smaller size compared to other beachside destinations, this beach park is still a great place to bask in the sun’s rays while having fun.

Splash around in the waters with your loved ones as you take in the beautiful view of the area.

Coast guard station at Sodus Point Beach Park

Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can also just chill by the sand while getting lost in a good book or napping on a blanket.

You can even bring along your kids since there’s a complete playground within the park where they can run around as you relax by the beach.

This is the perfect destination if you’ve been feeling cooped up and need a quick tropical getaway.

Inspect the Abandoned Camp at Beechwood State Park

Unleash your inner detective and spend a day checking out the remnants of a historic camp at Beechwood State Park.

Nestled along Lake Road in Sodus is Beechwood State Park, a 288-acre public campground and park.

Here, you can pitch a tent and go camping or hike through the trails around the natural areas nearby.

With its location next to Lake Ontario, you can also go fishing or paddle through the clear waters when you visit the park.

Perhaps one section of the park that guests frequently visit is the abandoned camp that Girl Scouts once used.

Girl Scouts used this park for almost 70 years but was eventually abandoned for unknown reasons.

There aren’t many buildings within the park, so the abandoned camps are very easy to spot when exploring the area.

Visit the abandoned camps and check out the remnants left there!

Score Vintage Pieces and Antiques at Aunt Millie’s Attic

Find one-of-a-kind antiques and unique treasures when your drop by Aunt Millie’s Attic.

Nestled along Ridge Road in Ontario, Aunt Millie’s Attic is a shop that sells a wide range of vintage items.

Whether you’re looking for ceramics, furniture, home decor, or rare items, this shop has you covered.

Score unique vintage kitchenware you can take home for yourself or gift your loved ones.

You can also purchase lamps, vases, and other decorative objects you can use to make your home prettier.

If you have items back at home that you’d like to sell, you can also bring them here to have them valued and sold.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re into history or outdoor activities, you’ll find something fun when exploring Wayne County.

Take note of these 15 best things to do in Wayne County, New York, to make your next visit to the area more exciting and memorable.

Start planning your trip to all these fun and beautiful destinations today!

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