Tours/Cruises/Sightseeing

• Walking Tours
• Driving Tours
• House Museums and Building Tours
• Guided Tours

ARCADE AND ATTICA RAILROAD

Scenic, historic train excursions. Home of the last operating steam train in New York State. Many special events. Private charters available. Open Memorial Day Weekend through December. Please visit their website for current dates and times.
ADDRESS
278 Main Street
Arcade, NY 14009
(585) 492-3100
Admission: $13/seat; $12 group rate over 20
Website: http://arcadeandatticarr.com

BELLA SERA YACHT CHARTERS INC.

Welcome aboard the Bella Sera, a 37-foot sailing sloop that can accommodate up to six passengers. We sail from the RCR docks in Wilson, NY most Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings for our spectacular sunset sail. Sit back and enjoy a one and a half hour sail on beautiful Lake Ontario.
ADDRESS
Wilson Harbor
57 Harbor Street
Wilson, NY 14172
(716) 839-4433
Email: captrick@adelphia.net
Website: http://www.sailinglakeontario.com

BUFFALO HARBOR CRUISES - MISS BUFFALO

Take a narrated sightseeing cruise and travel through three bodies of water, passing through the historic Black Rock Lock and Canal. Party cruises and private charters also available. Public cruises: July-Labor Day (call for reservations). Private charters: May-Sep (call for rates and dates).
ADDRESS
79 Marine Drive
Erie Basin Marina
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 856-6696
(800) 244-8684
Website: http://www.buffaloharborcruises.com

Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER EcoTours

Every weekend throughout the summer Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER leads you back to nature with an EcoTour. RIVERKEEPER provides a variety of hiking, biking, paddling, and boat tours, throughout Erie and Niagara counties, led by knowledgeable docents. Experience the beauty of the Buffalo and Niagara River ecosystems, watch for birds and wildlife in the heart of the City of Buffalo, and learn about what's happening along the water's edge. RIVERKEEPER offers tours for more experienced hikers, bikers and paddlers as well as family-friendly tours. Family-friendly tours are generally shorter in length, physically less strenuous, and are appropriate for children 5 years old and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult on all tours. Check their website for details.
ADDRESS
1250 Niagara Street
Buffalo, NY 14213
(716) 852-7483
Website: http://www.bnriverkeeper.org

BUFFALO TOURS

Buffalo is nationally known for its many Victorian and early modern architectural gems. Three of the greatest architects in American history - Richardson, Sullivan and Wright - all have signature buildings in Buffalo. Visitors and residents alike are invited to enjo any of the 50 self-guided audio tours and nearly 500 guided tours now offered by Buffalo Tours. Experience firsthand Buffalo's magnificent historic and architectural heritage. Most guided tours do not require reservations. Simply arrive at the indicated starting point a few minutes before the tour is scheduled to begin. Tours will take place rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather, call for cancellation information. Please visit their website for tour details.
ADDRESS
617 Main Street, Suite M108
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 852-3300
Admission: varies
Email: info@buffalotours.com
Website: http://www.buffalotours.org

Classic Cruises

Welcome to Classic Cruises operating on the Niagara River, Erie Canal, and Lake Erie waterways. Make a birthday, anniversary, or just any day into a special memorable event. You pick the destination and boat to match your mood! There's nothing like the ride of a wooden boat. The way she cuts through the water, the smell of varnish, glistening mahogany wood, and the rumble of a vintage motor all lend themselves to an unforgettable ride. Design your own vintage cruise - you set the length of time and destination. Seating capacity is limited due to the size of the boats and Coast Guard regulations to either 5 or 6 passengers.
ADDRESS
5 Austin Street
Rich Marine
Buffalo, NY 14207
(716) 946-7246
Admission: Pricing by the hour
Website: http://www.wnyclassiccruises.com

FORGOTTEN BUFFALO TOURS

The region's authority on unique landmarks, classic taverns, old world neighborhoods and "Nickel City" oddities presents Buffalo's original "Off The Beaten Track" tours. Tours allow "urban explorers" to eat, drink and laugh through history! Lead by the host of Off Beat Cinema, each tour will give you a sense why Buffalo Niagara is one of the most unique urban communities in the world.
ADDRESS
244 Potters Road
Buffalo, NY 14220
(716) 883-5211
Website: http://www.forgottenbuffalo.com

GRAND LADY CRUISES

Buffalo Niagara's only dinner cruise. Lunch and dinner cruise available to groups, individuals and exclusive charters. New for 2009! Grand Lady Cruises is excited to introduce our ecological discovery tours. These two-hour adventures explore the wildlife and natural wonders around Pirate and Strawberry Island in the upper Niagara River. Featuring state-of-the-art navigation equipment and an underwater camera, this experience is ideal for all ages, from middle school students to senior groups, and anyone interested in learning about the local environment.
ADDRESS
100 Whitehaven Road at Holiday Inn
Grand Island, NY 14072
(716) 774-8594
(888) 824-5239
Website: http://www.grandlady.com

HISTORIC BUFFALO RIVER TOURS OF THE INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE

The Industrial Heritage Committee Inc. proudly commences its 25th season of The Historic Buffalo River Tours this summer. The Historic Buffalo River Tours provide a sailors eye view of the grain elevators, industries and green space along the shores of the Buffalo River, and explain how the invention of the Grain Elevator shaped Buffalo's history and influenced modern architecture. Photographs, maps and video will be on display to further enhance this unique educational experience. If we're lucky, you might be able to watch ships unloading their cargoes of grain. Please visit the website for tour dates and information. The phone number listed is for reservations through Buffalo Harbor Cruises.
ADDRESS
79 Marine Drive
Erie Basin Marina
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 856-6696
Email: ihcdart@buffalo.com
Website: http://www.buffaloindustrialheritage.com

Liberty Excursions on Lake Ontario

Experience the adventure of sailing Lake Ontario! Liberty Excursions is pleased to present you an opportunity to sail aboard a shrinking piece of American history. As one of the few remaining wooden schooners to be found, Liberty can offer you an experience like no other. The season runs April 1 through the middle of October. Advance reservations for all excursions is strongly recommended.
ADDRESS
E. Main Street
Olcott, NY 14126
(716) 433-0410
Admission: $50 - $75 per person
Website: http://www.libertyexcursions.com

Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride

An interesting, 70 minue guided historical tour through America's past. You will explore the historic Erie Canal Locks 67-71 contructed in 1838, veiw ruins from an early industrail age, and your guide will rock in the mid-1800's, viewing stalactites, flowstone and other geological formations. You will also see artifacts left behind by the men who build the tunnel in the early days of the Erie Canal. Then you will ride in and underground boat. Visitors are awestruck as they take a ride that has been described as both "peaceful and eeire" as the boat glides through lifeless waters, illuminated only be small, sporadically placed eletric lights.
HOURS
Mon: 10:00am-5:00pm | Tues: 10:00am-5:00pm | Wed: 10:00am-5:00pm | Thur: 10:00am-5:00pm | Fri: 10:00am-5:00pm | Sat: 10:00am-5:00pm | Sun: 10:00am-5:00pm
ADDRESS
2 Pine Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 438-0174
Admission: $10 Adults; $6.50 Children (ages 4-12)
Website: http://www.lockportcave.com

LOCKPORT LOCKS & ERIE CANAL CRUISES AND THE LOCKPORT CANALSIDE

Experience this AAA Gem Attraction featured on the History Channel. Enjoy a unique narrated two hour cruise past many historic sites and "Flight of Five." Cruise includes being raised and lowered 50 feet in the only double set of locks on the Erie Canal.
Banquet and meeting rooms open year-round.
Cruise schedule varyies by season. Please visit website for details.
ADDRESS
210 Market Street
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 433-6155
(800) 378-0352
Admission: $15 adults; $8.50 children (4-10), AAA members $13.50
Website: http://www.lockportlocks.com

Mason Winfield's Haunted History Ghost Walks, Inc.

Take a walk on the spiritual side. Author and researcher Mason Winfield's "haunted history" tours of village streets are good-natured fun and serious research. History, architecture, mystery, parapsychology...GHOSTS! The Niagara Frontier will never look the same. Ghost walks in: Allentown, Theater District, East Aurora, Lewiston, and Williamsville.
ADDRESS
21 South Grove Street, Suite 240
East Aurora, NY 14170
(716) 655-6663
Admission: $10
Website: http://www.masonwinfield.com

Motherland Connextions

Offering Underground Railroad tours, slideshows and mobile classrooms that make heritage tourism exciting. Understand the Underground Railroad by following the footsteps of those brave and hearty souls who took the secret passageways north to Canada. Please visit the website for details.
ADDRESS
471 Hyde Park Boulevard
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
(716) 282-1028
Website: http://www.motherlandconnextions.com

OPEN-AIR AUTOBUS OF BUFFALO

Open air bus tours with 360 degree views of historical and architectural attractions. Campaign for Greater Buffalo offers neighborhood walking and bus tours. Scheduled and group tours by appointment.
ADDRESS
561 Forest Avenue #3
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 854-3749
Admission: $10-$25
Website: http://www.openairbuffalo.org

Sail Buffalo Sailing School

Learn to Sail! Sail Buffalo Sailing School and Club Boat Share offers Buffalo's only nationally accredited sailing education (ASA), unlimited access to sailboats for club members, ongoing educational opportunities, and a place for you in the sailing community. At Sail Buffalo our goal is to train people to be safe, confident sailors, and provide on-water access, continuing education, and social networking to our club members.
ADDRESS
485 Michigan Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 432-6589
Email: info@sail-buffalo.com
Website: http://www.sail-buffalo.com

SAILING ON MOONDANCE

Two hour rides around Buffalo harbor and the lake. Seasonal: May thru September.
ADDRESS
2 Templeton Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 854-7245
Admission:  $23.00
Website: http://www.moondancecat.com

SEVEN SEAS SAILING SCHOOL

See the Buffalo skyline from a Seven Seas sunset sail or cityscape lake excursion. Sailboat rentals and lessons for ages 12 and up. Seasonal: May-Sep 30. Call for reservations.
ADDRESS
284 Fuhrmann Boulevard
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 880-5154
Website: http://www.sevenseassailing.com

Spirit of Buffalo

Sail back in time aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, rediscover old world sailing on Classic 73 foot sailing vessel. Join the crew and hoist the sails, or just sit back, relax and take in the experience. Revel in the moment as our magnificent red sails capture the wind and the Spirit sails off to a place time forgot. The Spirit of Buffalo sails daily out of the Historic Buffalo Harbor. Seasonal; May-Oct; Call for reservations and availability.
ADDRESS
One Naval Park Cove
Erie Canal Harbor-Central Wharf
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 796-7210
Admission: Public Day & Evening Sails $28 adults, $18 children 12 and under.
Website: http://www.spiritofbuffalo.com

VISITOR HOSPITALITY SERVICES

The Niagara region's leading sightseeing tour operator serving area visitors for over forty years. Offering daily, scheduled sightseeing tours of Buffalo (seasonal); Niagara Falls, NY; and Niagara Falls, Ontario. Overnight packages, group tour programs, step-on guide services, and other receptive services available.
ADDRESS
3466 Niagara Falls Boulevard
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
(716) 694-3600
(800) 695-1603
Email: info@visitorhospitalityservices.com
Website: http://www.visitorhospitalityservices.com

WHIRLPOOL JET BOAT TOURS

Passengers ages six and up will enjoy this 45 minute white water adventure through the Niagara Gorge. Experience history, scenery, excitement and the thrill of a lifetime. Book online for discounts. Open daily May-October. Departure times vary and are subject to change. Reservations required.
HOURS
Mon: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Tues: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Wed: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Thur: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Fri: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Sat: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Sun: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
ADDRESS
Water Street Landing
115 South Water Street
Lewiston, NY 14092
(888) 438-4444
Admission: Adults $56, children ages 6-13 $47. Price does not include applicable taxes.
Website: http://www.whirlpooljet.com

House Museums and Building Tours

BUFFALO CITY HALL OBSERVATION DECK

To see "Windows on Buffalo", take an elevator to the 25th floor and walk up 3 flights for a spectacular view of the Queen City! Dedicated in 1932, City Hall is an Art Deco masterpiece with outstanding murals in the grand lobby. Also see the magnificent skylight in the Common Council Chambers on the 13th floor.
HOURS
Mon: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Tues: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Wed: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Thur: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Sat: | Sun:
ADDRESS
65 Niagara Square
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 852-3300
Admission: FREE
Website: http://www.city-buffalo.com

COLONEL WILLIAM BOND HOUSE

This 1824 National Register Home was constructed one year before the opening of the Erie Canal and stands as one of the oldest houses in Lockport. It has 12 furnished Empire style rooms. Closed holidays.
HOURS
Mon: Closed | Tues: Closed | Wed: Closed | Thur: June - Dec only 1 p.m.-4 p.m. | Fri: June - Dec only 1 p.m.-4 p.m. | Sat: June - Dec only 1 p.m.-4 p.m. | Sun: July & August only 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
ADDRESS
143 Ontario Street
Niagara County Historical Society, Inc.
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 434-7433
Website: http://www.niagaracounty.org

DARWIN D. MARTIN HOUSE COMPLEX

Constructed between 1903 and 1905 as the home of Darwin and Isabelle Martin, the Martin House exemplifies Frank Lloyd Wright's "Prairie House" ideal and ranks as one of his finest residential works. Tours at the Martin House underscore how Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural genius is illustrated in timeless themes evident in his remarkable design: family, friendship, the meaning of home, and the American spirit as told through the story of Darwin D. Martin's patronage of America's greatest architect.
ADDRESS
125 Jewett Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 856-3858
Website: http://www.darwinmartinhouse.org

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT'S ROWING BOATHOUSE

In 1910, at the age of 43, Frank Lloyd Wright traveled to Europe to present what would become his most beloved collection of structure illustrations: the Wasmuth Portfolio. One of these famous drawings was something Wright called "Boathouse for the University of Wisconsin Boat Club." Twenty years later, the architect included this same boathouse in an international exhibition of six of his greatest works. The boathouse idea was obviously a favorite of Wright's, featuring design elements seen in other local treasures like the Martin House and the Larkin Building - large vertical piers supporting horizontal planes. Sadly, it was never constructed. It was one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most significant projects that had never come to fruition - until now. Completed in 2007, the Rowing Boathouse is open to the public for tours.
ADDRESS
Foot of Porter Avenue next to West Side Rowing Club
1 Rotary Row
Buffalo, NY 14201
(716) 362-3140
Website: http://www.wrightsboathouse.org

GRAYCLIFF ESTATE

Designed in 1926-27 as the summer home of Isabelle R. and Darwin D Martin. Set high on a cliff overlooking Lake Erie, Graycliff foreshadows the brilliance that would reach its fullest expression at Fallingwater. Currently undergoing restoration, a variety of guided tours are available (see website). Given a five-star rating for tourist destinations by Frank Lloyd Wright Guidebook. Open year-round (Apr-Nov; more limited in winter months); free parking and gift shop; call for reservations; ask about special in-depth and package tours. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year's Day.
ADDRESS
6472 Old Lake Shore Road
Derby, NY 14047
(716) 947-9217
Admission:  $15-$40
Website: http://www.graycliff.bfn.org

HULL FAMILY HOME & FARMSTEAD

Distinctive cira 1810 Federal-style house is Erie county's oldest, currently under restoration and development as a living history experience interpreting WNY's pre-Erie Canal frontier settlement and family life. Open for wide variety of annual special events and groups by appointment; public tours Sundays 1-4 p.m. June-September.
ADDRESS
5976 Genesee Street
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 681-6451
(716) 407-0504
Website: http://www.hullfamilyhome.org

MILLARD FILLMORE HOUSE

A National Historic Landmark house, which President Millard Fillmore helped build and lived in from 1826-1830. It contains furnishings and artifacts connected with Millard Fillmore's life. Beautiful rose and herb garden. Jun - Oct, Wed, Sat, Sun, 1pm - 4pm. Closed holidays. Special tours can be arranged by phoning (716) 652-4985.
ADDRESS
24 Shearer Avenue
East Aurora, NY 14052
(716) 652-4985
Website: http://www.millardfillmorehouse.org

NASH HOUSE MUSEUM

The former residence of the Rev. J. Edward Nash, the pastor of the Michigan Avenue Baptist Church. Many of Rev. Nash's sermons and letters that are a crucial part of Buffalo's African-American community history were written here and are on display for viewing. Open tours by appointment.
HOURS
Mon: Closed | Tues: Closed | Wed: Closed | Thur: 11:30am-4pm | Fri: Closed | Sat: 10am-4pm | Sun: Closed
ADDRESS
36 Nash Street
Buffalo, NY 14204
(716) 856-4490
Website: http://www.nashhousemuseum.org

Roycroft Campus Corporation

Visit the National Historic Landmark Roycroft Campus. Re-discover the practices of Elbert Hubbard and the Roycrofters during the early 1900's Arts & Crafts Movement. Regularly scheduled guided educational outdoor walking tours are available July through September. Call for reservations. $10 per person goes towards restorations.
HOURS
Mon: 10 am - 5 pm | Tues: 10 am - 5 pm | Wed: 10 am - 5 pm | Thur: 10 am - 5 pm | Fri: 10 am - 5 pm | Sat: 10 am - 5 pm | Sun: 10 am - 5 pm
ADDRESS
31 South Grove Street
East Aurora, NY 14052
(716) 655-0261
Admission:  $10 per person. Donations go towards restorations.
Website: http://www.roycroftcampuscorporation.com

SHEA'S HISTORIC TOURS

Shea's Performing Arts Center is a major cultural institution that has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975. Designed by C.W. and George L. Rapp of Chicago, Shea's features an interior of Neo-Spanish Baroque design. Shea's Grand Lobby features a reproduction of the original rendering done by Tiffany Studios for Rapp & Rapp. The intricately ornamented ceiling and spectacular chandeliers fully reflect Tiffany's rendering, one of the only four Tiffany-designed theatres still in existence. Come and tour our historic theatre, one of the finest in the country. Please call in advance to make reservations.
ADDRESS
646 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 847-1410
Admission: Adults $8, Seniors and Students $4, Groups of 20 or more $4.
Website: http://www.sheas.org

ST. JOSEPH'S R.C. CATHEDRAL

During each tour, experience the full "palette of tonal color" from the 5,300 pipe 1876 Hook & Hastings Centennial Organ of the U.S. Tours Wednesday & Friday at 1pm
ADDRESS
50 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 854-5855

The Rich-Twinn Octagon House

Listed in the National Register of Historic Sites and built in 1849, this is the only octagon house erected in Erie County during the nineteenth century. The Greek Revival home is beautifully restored and completely furnished with period pieces.
ADDRESS
145 Main Street
Akron, NY 14001
(716) 542-4270
Website: http://www.newsteadhistoricalsociety.org

THEODORE ROOSEVELT INAUGURAL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Theodore Roosevelt began his presidential journey here. All new state-of-the-art exhibits and a dramatic guided tour offer a museum experience unlike any other. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and emotions surrounding this pivotal moment in our nation's history and learn how the enduring legacy of one of America's greatest presidents affects our lives today.
HOURS
Mon: 9 am - 5 pm | Tues: 9 am - 5 pm | Wed: 9 am - 5 pm | Thur: 9 am - 5 pm | Fri: 9 am - 5 pm | Sat: 12 pm - 5 pm | Sun: 12 pm - 5 pm
ADDRESS
641 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 884-0095
Admission:  $10 adults; $7 seniors/students; $5 children 6-18; children under 5 FREE; $25 family
Website: http://www.TRsite.org

VAN HORN HISTORICAL MANSION

A historic 1800s mansion, this lovely restored home is on display during a walking tour. Tours are given on Sundays from 2-4pm, closed December-February
ADDRESS
2165 Lockport-Olcott Road
Burt, NY 14028
(716) 778-7197
Website: http://www.olcott-newfane.com/html/van_horn_mansion.html