While New York City is New York State’s world city, Buffalo is its American city. Explore this location of landmark historical events, classic American architecture and popular natural sites.
The cityscape of Buffalo is like a museum of modern American architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, which he deemed “the opus,” is in the northern part of the city. Reserve a guided tour of the house to learn about Wright’s design, including the famous stained-glass window called the Tree of Life. Another Buffalo architectural classic is Louis Sullivan’s early skyscraper, the Guaranty Building, featuring ornate terra-cotta molding.
Buffalo’s park system is the work of another famous designer, Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Manhattan’s Central Park. Walk along the interconnected network of green space to reach the massive 350-acre (142-hectare) Delaware Park. Take a boat out on Hoyt Lake or ride in a horse-drawn carriage on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The southern end of the park has the 269-acre (109-hectare) Forest Lawn Cemetery, where former U.S. President Millard Fillmore is buried.
With Buffalo’s rich history, its museums are accordingly world-class. The Wilcox Mansion, the lavish home of a Buffalo lawyer, is the spot where Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated as president in 1901. Today, see the house’s preserved rooms and exhibitions on Roosevelt’s presidency. Take the kids to the Buffalo Museum of Science, which features over 700,000 objects presented in a colorful and engaging setting.
Niagara Falls, one of the most famous natural attractions in the U.S., lies just a half-hour drive north of Buffalo on the New York-Canada border. Experience the massive falls, with a walk through the Cave of the Winds just next to the falls, a ride on the famous Maid of the Mist along the bottom or a hike along trails in the 400-acre (162-hectare) park.
Reach Buffalo through its international airport or by making the 6-hour drive from New York City. Expand your experience of New York State outside of Manhattan in historic Buffalo.