Rochester Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Rochester

Rochester is a major city in Upstate New York, situated on the southern shore of Lake Ontario and bisected by the Genesee River. Serving as the seat of Monroe County, it is the fourth-most populous city in New York State. Geographically, the surrounding landscape features glacial hills, waterfalls, and gorges formed by ancient ice sheets. Over the centuries, Rochester has acquired notable nicknames highlighting its dominant regional industries, including the Flour City, the Flower City, and the World's Image Center.

Originally utilized as a hunting territory by the Seneca tribe, the area was settled in the early nineteenth century to harness the water power generated by the cataracts of the Genesee River. The completion of the Erie Canal aqueduct over the river in 1823 triggered rapid commercial expansion, establishing Rochester as one of the country's first boomtowns. Initially driven by flour mills and extensive plant nurseries, the local economy later transitioned into a manufacturing and technological powerhouse, fostering major corporations such as Eastman Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb.

Beyond its industrial roots, Rochester holds a significant place in American history as a center for social reform movements. The city served as a key hub for abolitionist activity, where Frederick Douglass published his newspaper, and played an important role in the Underground Railroad. It was also central to the women's suffrage movement through the leadership of local figures like Susan B. Anthony. In modern times, the region remains a focal point for science, research, and higher education, supported by prominent schools including the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Visitors to the city can experience a rich array of cultural and historical attractions. Highlights include the National Susan B. Anthony Museum and House and the George Eastman Museum, which holds the world's oldest photography collection. Families can visit The Strong National Museum of Play, while music enthusiasts enjoy events connected to the renowned Eastman School of Music and the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Near the downtown center, the historic High Falls district features an 80-foot waterfall along the Genesee River, setting the scene for a developing state park.