Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Webster, NY

  • Published 2023/04/08

Anyone interested in history, architecture, picturesque village neighborhoods, open spaces, and a lakeside vista will enjoy a trip to Webster, New York.

This town lies in the northeastern corner of Monroe County.

Take a stroll or drive around the picturesque districts of this town, named after the illustrious senator and statesman Daniel Webster.

It is a great way to take in even more of the area’s historic character.

Several of the houses in this region are more than a century old.

Downtown Webster has these notable landmarks and other excellent retail and eating options.

As your feet start to hurt from all that walking, choose from a large selection of eateries serving cuisines ranging from Mexican to Italian.

Various hiking routes crisscross the town of Webster, perfect for the area’s many nature enthusiasts.

If you need a breather, head to Webster Park for some spectacular views of Lake Ontario.

Discover the best things to do in Webster, New York, through this list below.

Take a Stroll around the Webster Arboretum

The grounds of Webster Arboretum

Debora Truax / Shutterstock.com

Around 40 acres of the Webster campus hosts the Webster Arboretum, home to beautiful gardens filled with herbs, flowers, ponds, and other water features.

This quiet setting can recharge your batteries and allow you to enjoy the scenery.

Relax in the shade of the gazebo or at the water’s edge, wander the maze’s various paths, and forget your troubles.

Many festivals occur at the Arboretum throughout the year, and the park’s lush splendor makes it a popular location for wedding photo ops.

The Webster Arboretum is a must-see for every ecotourist.

Explore Local History at Webster Museum and Historical Society

Start your exploration of Webster, which developed from an agricultural settlement in the late 1800s, at the Webster Museum and Historical Society in the town’s historic center.

Treasured artifacts from Webster’s early settlers and pictures, costumes, and memorabilia from a local school, community, and church organizations round out the Museum’s ever-rotating collections.

On the first floor of this intriguing Museum, you’ll see replicas of a general shop, drugstore, and lawyer’s office from when Webster was a transportation center for the region’s dried apple business.

Besides being the hub of the Rochester area’s canning industry, it was also home to the largest basket factory in the world.

Webster Museum and Historical Society even have a classroom that would have looked at home in the early 1900s.

There are enough double desks for 24 pupils in this room, a schoolmaster’s desk, and a library of vintage books and teaching tools.

Homeschoolers, students from private schools, and those attending the Webster School District public schools all travel to the Museum.

Swing Your Club at Webster Golf Club

Webster Golf Club features 36 holes of fun.

The golf club has two courses, the “east” and the “west.”

While both courses are long, the east one is often more complex.

The west course is less treacherous for amateurs and newcomers since it has fewer sand and water traps.

The fact that golf is just one of many activities available at Webster Golf Club is a welcome bonus.

The course also hosts weddings, anniversaries, and other festivities.

Go Swimming at Webster Aquatic Center

Webster Aquatic Center is a one-stop shop for all things aquatic, including open swim times, aqua classes, and competitive swim and dive teams.

The 800,000-gallon Olympic-size WAC pool has two movable bulkheads that simultaneously allow the pool for different purposes.

The seating capacity is 900 in the stadium layout.

The Webster Aquatic Center hosts several renowned swim competitions yearly, including the Eastern Zone Championship.

The WAC was selected as the Best Facility of the Year for 2012 by the Monroe County Sports Commission because it is one of the most bustling sports facilities in the area.

Catch a Hockey Game at Webster Ice Arena

You may get your ice skates repaired by experts and get other skating and hockey gear at Webster Ice Arena.

In 1999, the rink opened to the public.

Webster Kids Hockey, The Webster Skating School, and Webster Adult Hockey are just a few of the many events at the Webster Ice Arena (WAHL).

Enjoy ice skating or watch an ice hockey game.

The on-site Neutral Zone Cafe, a cafeteria, offers a variety of tasty treats.

Ride a Bike around Whiting Road Nature Preserve

Whiting Road Nature Preserve is around 240 acres large and is located in Webster, not far from Ontario Lake.

It has a web of paths that weaves in and out of various landscapes and habitats.

This four-mile circuit provides a pleasant tour through the nature center since it divides into smaller loops with colorful names.

Several trail intersections include colored markers and “you are here” maps to help you find your way.

These maps include mileage information, allowing you to create an interactive story.

Pet owners have access to garbage cans and plastic bags.

Whiting Road Nature Preserve may get crowded in any other way.

There’s a great variety of terrain for mountain cyclists, from narrow, twisty paths to rocky, rooty descents to extensive, open cruising paths.

Runners who like trails praise the mix of complex challenges, brief uphill sections, and relaxing flat areas.

No wonder owls frequent this area; it’s close to the meadows, with plenty of mice.

There’s a chance you could hear one if you listened closely enough.

If you happen to catch sight of a vast, quick, and utterly silent form that abruptly disappears into the woods and shadows, then you’ve found an owl.

Work Out at Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park

A mile-long concrete route winds around two big ponds at Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park (formerly North Ponds Park), making it ideal for a leisurely jog, bike ride, or stroll with minimal uphill or downhill.

It also makes for excellent winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Dog owners often use the park to take their pets for a stroll.

Eight workout stations are spaced along the route to accommodate participants of varying heights and fitness levels.

Spend some time appreciating nature on your walk around both ponds.

It’s also a great place to have a picnic with the family.

In Webster, near the intersection of Holt Road and NY-104, you’ll find Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park.

You may get to the main parking lot off of North Ave through the service road.

Head to the extreme north end to easily access the park’s fishing spots.

Grab a Good Read at Webster Public Library

In 1929, with only one room in the high school building, the Webster Public Library opened to the public with 657 books, 365 patrons, and a circulation of 6,246.

The library once stood in the Emil Reitz building on Main Street until moving to its current location in 1959.

The library is a sight with its stunning new design and additional 4,000 square feet.

The Webster Public Library features public access computers, an excellent children’s area, and a great adolescent room with soft music.

It also has a café atmosphere and sections dedicated to several subjects, including female empowerment.

Many different kinds of toys, as well as science kits, take-home crafts, trains, and more, are available for children.

Moreover, the library personnel provides excellent service.

See One of Webster’s Oldest Buildings at Harmony House

You’ll find the stately-looking Harmony House on East Main Street, one of the oldest structures in the area, at over a century old.

It was originally home to one of the country’s largest granges.

The inside woodwork of this building is beautiful, and various community groups still use it.

Barbershop harmony, a distinctively American art form, flourished in the area from the late 1800s through the 1920s.

Webster Grange built the first version of Harmony House in 1899, at the height of the barbershop harmony fad.

The Chorus of the Genesee is a world-class barbershop group that calls it home now.

It features a complete kitchen and bar, a dining area, and a historic theater for rehearsals.

Enjoy Beer at Barry’s Old School Irish

A visit to Barry’s Old School Irish pub is in order if you need a location to have a few beers with your dinner.

The restaurant has a more limited menu than others, yet each item is of superior quality.

Its drink menu, on the other hand, is not little.

Namely, they have the best collection of Irish whiskey in town.

The bar focuses on adults looking to have a good time with their pals rather than children.

According to Google and the Irish Post, Barry’s Old School Irish Pub is one of the top Irish pubs in the United States.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Since Webster is a suburb of Rochester, New York, you can expect many more activities geared toward tourists in this bigger, more bustling city.

While it is primarily famous for its music culture, you’d be surprised to learn that most of its points of interest aren’t related to music.

Here are other things to do near Webster, New York.

See Exotic and Cute Animals at Seneca Park Zoo

Entrance arch of Seneca Park Zoo

Mzq9821, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Seventeen minutes from Webster is Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester.

This weekend is your chance to see more than 90 types of animals on 15 and a half acres of beautiful terrain.

When it opened in 1893, the Seneca Park Zoo only had a few tame animals, such as deer and birds.

Lion cubs at Seneca Park Zoo

Zooper12, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Since then, it has been well-known across New York and abroad for pioneering work in creating more natural and comfortable environments for its animals.

Elephants, polar bears, orangutans, sea lions, and rhinoceroses are some animals at the Seneca Park Zoo.

Learn about how they care for the animals by watching them in action!

Penguin at Seneca Park Zoo

Seneca Park Zoo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Admire Local Talent at ARTISANworks

When looking for an excellent gallery showcasing artists from Rochester and the surrounding area, ARTISANworks is a top choice.

It’s only a 14-minute drive from Webster.

Anybody can walk in and look around at their own pace, as the building is open to the public.

Visitors to ARTISANworks frequently put their skills to use while they’re there, displaying both works in progress and completed pieces for the public.

It’s a fantastic technique to gain insight into many artists’ creative procedures.

It’s one Rochester destination that any art lover should check out.

Various audiences may take tours at ARTISANworks since the venue offers several options.

Several would appeal to older audiences, as well as those of college age and younger.

Weekends are the most convenient time to take a public gallery tour.

Explore Outer Space at RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium

If you’re interested in astronomy or anything beyond Earth, visit the RMSCStrasenburgh Planetarium in Rochester, 17 minutes from downtown Webster.

It is well-known for its spectacular presentations, which focus on the stars and the cosmos and aim to teach, enlighten, and enchant the public.

For many, the highlight of a visit to the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium is undoubtedly one of the star displays.

A star projector displays an image of the galaxy as it would look on a clear night, complete with planets, the sun, and over 8,000 stars.

The RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium also hosts laser displays every Saturday night if you’re in town.

Against the big and dazzling interior sky, beams of light dance and shine in time to the music.

The RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium also hosts various exciting events and exhibitions, such as films about global exploration, simulations of space missions, interactive displays, and free access to the telescope.

Step Back in Time at George Eastman Museum

Exterior of George Eastman Museum

Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com

George Eastman Museum is in the magnificent residence he had constructed in the Colonial Revival style and completed in 1905.

When Eastman founded the Eastman Kodak Corporation, it was instrumental in professionalizing and popularizing photography.

You can find the museum in Rochester, 17 minutes from Webster.

The University of Rochester received his estate after his death and gave the home to the Museum.

What was a private residence is now the George Eastman Museum.

Garden at George Eastman Museum

Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com

It’s an exhibition about the guy and his era, and about photography in general.

It has one of the world’s first film archives and is famous for being the oldest photographic Museum.

The video and photographic materials in the library have been considerably expanded thanks to generous donations.

Don’t leave without seeing the stunning grounds while you’re here!

Books in George Eastman Museum

VisualArtStudio / Shutterstock.com

Catch a Baseball Game at Innovative Field

To see a thrilling baseball game, check out Innovative Field in Rochester, 18 minutes from Webster.

It opened in 1996 and became the new ballpark for the city’s professional baseball team.

It’s a cutting-edge pleasure to visit, with its 10,840 seats, fresh green turf, and 24 by 32-foot TV scoreboard.

Groups from various sports have called Innovation Field home over the years.

We’re talking about the Rochester Rattlers of lacrosse, the Rochester Raging Rhinos of soccer, and the Rochester Red Wings of Minor League Baseball.

Now, only the latter play at Frontier Field. See what’s going on at the stadium tonight if you’re searching for something to do.

Final Thoughts

Webster’s hundreds of acres of parks and natural space are available all year round, satisfying the demands of nature lovers.

It’s a lovely spot to relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy the tranquility of the lakeside setting.

For a quick weekend getaway, use this list of the best things to do in Webster, New York, as your guide.

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