Medina New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Medina, New York.
1. Medina Railroad Museum
LARGE TRAIN COLLECTION
The Medina Railroad Museum features one of the largest toy train layouts in the country and tells the story of local railroad history. Visitors can explore historic railcars, view vintage artifacts, and enjoy themed train rides throughout the year. The museum's immersive exhibits offer families and train enthusiasts an unforgettable experience in Medina.
2. Erie Canal Culvert
UNIQUE CANAL TUNNEL
The Erie Canal Culvert in Medina is the only place where you can drive a car under the Erie Canal. This quirky engineering marvel highlights the ingenuity that shaped the region's transportation history. It's a must-see for visitors interested in the legacy of New York's waterways.
3. Medina Falls
SCENIC WATERFALL SPOT
Medina Falls is a 40-foot drop on Oak Orchard Creek, framed by lush greenery and the imposing Erie Canal bridge above. Visitors can enjoy a short walk to panoramic viewpoints that showcase both the waterfall and the historic canal infrastructure. It's a peaceful location for photography, nature walks, and appreciating Medina's natural beauty.
4. Historic Downtown Medina
CHARMING MAIN STREET
Downtown Medina offers a picturesque collection of restored 19th-century sandstone buildings and unique local storefronts. Strolling along Main Street gives visitors a sense of the town's vibrant past as a bustling canal community. Events, guided tours, and boutique shopping make it a lively destination year-round.
5. Bent's Opera House
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
Bent's Opera House is an iconic Medina landmark that now serves as an arts and event center. Having undergone extensive restoration, it hosts music performances, community gatherings, and local theater. Guests can admire its architectural grandeur while attending memorable cultural events.
6. The Cobblestone Museum
UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE MUSEUM
The Cobblestone Museum preserves the region's distinctive architectural heritage with a collection of historic cobblestone buildings. Tours take visitors through structures that date to the early 1800s, showcasing artifacts from pioneer life. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into both local craftsmanship and rural New York history.
7. Orleans County Heritage Village
LIVING HISTORY EXHIBITS
Orleans County Heritage Village offers an immersive experience into 19th-century village life. Visitors can explore historic buildings, period gardens, and well-curated exhibits that detail the region's development. Special events and demonstrations provide interactive learning for all ages.
8. Amish Shops
AUTHENTIC COUNTRY CRAFTS
Medina's Amish Shops give visitors a chance to purchase handcrafted goods including furniture, quilts, baked items, and seasonal produce. The shops, located in and around Medina, offer authentic treasures and showcase rural craftsmanship. Touring these businesses is a relaxing way to experience local culture and take home unique gifts.
9. Sandstone Architecture Tour
ICONIC BUILDING MATERIAL
Medina's Sandstone Architecture Tour highlights the town's impressive collection of buildings made from local sandstone. Guided and self-guided tours feature homes, churches, and public structures that display intricate stonework. This heritage material tells the story of Medina's industrial past and architectural legacy.
10. Culvert Road Tunnel
DRIVE UNDER THE CANAL
Culvert Road Tunnel is a local curiosity where visitors can drive beneath the Erie Canal, a rare engineering feat. The small stone arch tunnel is a reminder of the area's innovative spirit during canal construction. It's a quick, quirky stop that delights both kids and adults.
11. Shopping
LOCAL SHOPS AND MARKETS
Shopping in Medina centers around the vibrant Main Street, where visitors can explore boutique stores like Blissett's Specialty Shop, Brushstrokes Studios, and The Book Shoppe. The Canal Village Farmers Market offers fresh produce and handmade goods, while vintage shops provide antiques and unique finds. This diverse shopping scene ensures everyone leaves with memorable souvenirs.
12. Dining
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Dining in Medina is a delicious journey, with popular restaurants such as Zambistro, Fitzgibbons Public House, Sourced Market & Eatery, and Avanti's featuring on local menus. Visitors can enjoy farm-to-table fare, homemade pastries, and diverse cuisines from casual cafes to elegant dining rooms. Downtown's eateries are known for friendly service and creative dishes using local ingredients.
13. Hiking
SCENIC TRAILS & PATHWAYS
Hiking in Medina is best enjoyed along the Erie Canalway Trail, which offers miles of scenic walking and cycling routes adjacent to the historic canal. The Oak Orchard Creek area provides tranquil nature trails with birdwatching and wildflowers. Both locations are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking peaceful, accessible excursions.
14. Fishing
LOCAL ANGLER HOTSPOTS
Fishing enthusiasts in Medina can cast lines in Oak Orchard Creek and the Erie Canal, both renowned for bass, trout, and pike. Oak Orchard Marine Park is a popular launch site with amenities for a full day by the water. Seasonal events and easy access make fishing here a favorite pastime for locals and visitors alike.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR STAYS & NATURE
Camping near Medina is available at local facilities such as Medina/Wildwood Lake KOA and nearby Oak Orchard Creek campgrounds. Campers enjoy amenities ranging from RV hookups to lakeside tent sites, with recreational activities including swimming, boating, and organized events. These campgrounds provide a relaxing retreat surrounded by scenic Western New York landscapes.