Rochester NY History Tours: Top 5 Picks for Exploration

Rochester, New York, is a great place packed with stories from the past, almost calling out for you to find them. Thinking about getting to know the city’s background a bit better? You might be trying to locate some experiences that bring those old tales to life. In a city so full of milestones, how do you pick the really good tours? Don’t worry; that could be a lot less complicated. I went and did some searching, checking out different tours to bring you what are, pretty much, the top five historical tours in Rochester. Each one has something interesting to give you, to see some highlights and hear some great narratives. We’re talking famous spots and tucked-away secrets that are all definitely worth looking into. So, I am suggesting to read on and see what makes each tour worth it, so, in a way, you can decide which one is speaking your language for a memorable look into Rochester’s history.

1. Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

When you talk about Rochester’s past, you almost have to bring up Susan B. Anthony. Very possibly the best way to feel the impact that Anthony had is taking a tour through the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House. Located at 17 Madison Street, this was more or less where she lived, thought, and ultimately got arrested for trying to vote in 1872. Visiting this house doesn’t just show you her living space, you know, but in a way, puts you right in the middle of her everyday life. Guides walk you around, painting pictures of Anthony’s life, work, and impact on the women’s rights movement. The items and rooms have been very well saved, giving you such a detailed look into the nineteenth century and the hard times Anthony faced. It’s all incredibly interesting and truly emotional for anybody interested in how things went down in civil rights. Usually, the tours can be about an hour, that is a very good amount of time to see the spot and really digest all you’re hearing. Honestly, this place really makes you stop and consider the fights that took place so we could get to where we are now.

Tickets are around $18 for grownups, $15 for people over 60 and students, and $10 for the younger ones ages 5 – 18. The tour times will vary, that could be good to confirm on the internet before scheduling the trip. Be ready to feel deeply affected, especially considering everything Anthony did while living there and the events occurring within the building.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Susan B Anthony House Tickets)

Read our full review: Susan B Anthony House Full Review and Details

2. Mount Hope Cemetery Tours

Alright, now for a walk among resting spots. Mount Hope Cemetery gives you the chance to get familiar with the lives of some noted Rochester folks who now reside permanently in the city, but it’s actually something to enjoy. As it happens, being one of the country’s first rural cemeteries means there is just a ton to wander through, full of landscaping and sculpture. Scheduled tours frequently highlight people like Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, and even Kodak’s founder, George Eastman. So it gives guests both a look at landscaping history with the personal histories of those famous local figures. Tours do happen throughout the year, though very popular during Halloween for, as a matter of fact, ghost story-style evenings.

You have a lot of options about actually visiting. You could always meander by yourself with maps obtained right from the cemetery office, and that might just suit your schedule or maybe even preference. But still, for the ultimate engagement and details, nothing is much better than using an official tour. Dress in comfy clothes because walking across the somewhat hilly grounds, and in a way you may discover things as beautiful as they are sad.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Mount Hope Cemetery Tours Tickets)

Read our full review: Mount Hope Cemetery Tours Full Review and Details

3. Genesee River Boat Tour

Switch up the classic historical tour style with the Genesee River Boat Tour. The tour presents the industrial growth of Rochester while you just cruise, a pretty big difference. You may glide past old factories, and lift bridges which actually stand as proof of Rochester’s part in making the Erie Canal a success. Very often, the narrations supply some local anecdotes, a way of thinking about all the moments that basically form the city, from early manufacturing to the lives affected back then. I am suggesting to look up the schedules; tours usually work from spring until fall.

For the ones finding it really delightful to do some sightseeing as you relax on the water, this one gives you unusual perspectives. From that angle you feel removed from it all, which in turn, provides some space to understand and basically soak everything in.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Genesee River Boat Tour Tickets)

Read our full review: Genesee River Boat Tour Full Review and Details

4. Rochester City Walking Tour

How about using your feet for seeing bits of Rochester? Local groups like the Landmark Society often set these outings, which actually spotlight the most important buildings and areas of the town. This particular version allows the visitors an informative method of seeing how the historic occasions went down and seeing some great sights concurrently. Your guides generally live here, with what is like, intimate insight not only in major historical markers but less widely known elements, too.

It’s a smart idea to research ahead, since themes might differ by day of the week; some concentrate totally on architecture, whereas others zoom in a lot closer on local stories and what that’s actually done for the town. Remember the weather when choosing a date because of the fact that most taking place take place outside, without options to move around due bad climates.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Rochester City Walking Tour Tickets)

Read our full review: Rochester City Walking Tour Full Review and Details

5. Campbell-Whittlesey House Museum

Take a real step backwards in time during any trip at the Campbell-Whittlesey House Museum. Right in the center of Rochester is found this marvelously cared-for Greek Revival building. When looking at the building, it’s quite plain this once was home, and a very nice display illustrating exactly how successful families lived around 1835 is also very much apparent. With a guide walking you about, you are almost bound get knowledge regarding local events and happenings relevant back then. They keep unique tours all around special dates which enhance seeing even far beyond architecture into personal events of residents throughout certain timelines.

Verify hours ahead as it does often follow a slightly varied scheduling than daily during various stretches; to really make all of it genuinely pop go by once any of the specific celebrations occur throughout distinct parts these days for distinct memories that bring stories and previous occurrences into present-day awareness and reflection. That basically renders old storytelling both individual also enlightening simultaneously.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Campbell-Whittlesey House Museum Tickets)

Read our full review: Campbell-Whittlesey House Museum Full Review and Details