Batavia was only a junction of the old Genesee Road and Tonawanda Creek Indian trails when Robert Morris bought more than 3 million acres in western New York from Massachusetts in 1797.
Things to do in Batavia
Genesee Country Village & Museum
The museum occupies 600 acres and has some 70 19th-century structures that have been moved from their original sites, restored and authentically furnished. Costumed villagers portray 19th-century daily life, while craftspeople demonstrate spinning, weaving, cooking and other skills and crafts. An art gallery displays some 700 works of wildlife and sporting art by nationally-acclaimed artists including John James Audubon and Frederic Remington. A nature center features more than 5 miles of interpretive trails crossing 175 acres of woodlands and meadows. Call (585) 538-6822 for more information.
1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford, NY 14020
Holland Land Office Museum
Holland Land Office Museum, 131 W. Main St., is in the original 1815 Holland Land Co. office. Exhibits deal with the early history of Genesee County, with emphasis on the Holland Purchase. Call (585) 343-4727 for more information.
131 W. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020
Le Roy House Museum and Jell-O Gallery
Le Roy House Museum and Jell-O Gallery was built in the early 19th century. Seven rooms are furnished in period, including a basement kitchen and a children's playroom. An exhibit about Jell-O, the dessert food invented in Le Roy in 1897, is presented in another building on the property. Call (585) 768-7433 for more information.
23 E. Main St., Le Roy, NY 14020
Six Flags Darien Lake
This entertainment complex features more than 100 rides, live shows and attractions with five roller coasters, including Superman-Ride of Steel, one of the Northeast's tallest coasters. Highlights also include The Big Kahuna, an extreme tubing experience where passengers twist and splash along a triple-dip, spiraling slide and speed through a section of closed, dark track before bursting into the sunshine in a cool catch pool. The Tornado, a six-story giant funnel water attraction; Looney Tunes Seaport kids area; and Hook's Lagoon water park. Call (585) 599-4641 for more information.
9993 Allegheny Rd., Darien Center, NY 14020
Victorian Doll Museum and Chili Doll Hospital
Victorian Doll Museum and Chili Doll Hospitalhas more than 2,000 identified dolls made of bisque, china, wax, tin and vinyl. Also displayed are toys, Victorian memorabilia, a puppet theater, a circus and a Noah's Ark. A doll hospital also is featured. Call (585) 247-0130 for more information.
4332 Buffalo Rd., North Chili, NY 14020