20 Attractions to Explore Near Griffis Sculpture Park

Nannen Arboretum is a 53-acre arboretum located in the village of East Aurora. Founded in 1922, it is home to some of the oldest trees in Western New York. The arboretum is home to over 1,000 species of trees, shrubs, and woody plants, with collections of oaks, maples, and conifers being particularly abundant. It also features a wide variety of plants native to the region, including wildflowers, ferns, and grasses. The park also boasts a butterfly garden, vegetable garden, and a pond.

The Glen Burn Trail is a 3.5-mile trail located in East Aurora, New York, near the Nannen Arboretum. The trail passes through a variety of terrain including woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. It is well-marked and includes a variety of vegetation and wildlife, such as birds, wildflowers, and deer. The trail also provides access to an observation platform, a picnic area, and several small bridges over streams. The trail is open year-round and is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

Holiday Valley Resort is an award-winning resort located in Ellicottville, New York. It is the largest ski and snowboard resort in the western New York region and features a full range of skiing, snowboarding, tubing and other winter activities. During the summer, Holiday Valley Resort offers golf, hiking, biking, zip lining and other outdoor activities. Visitors can also take advantage of the resort's waterpark, shopping, dining, lodging and family-friendly entertainment.

The Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building in Cattaraugus, New York, is a museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the county’s rich history. Established in 1868, the museum features several exhibits highlighting local history, including military artifacts, agricultural equipment, and domestic tools. The museum also houses the Cattaraugus County Historical Society, which was founded in 1867, and provides a variety of educational programs and events.

Rock City State Forest is a 4,000-acre nature reserve located in the Adirondack region of New York. Established in 1969, the forest is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, with a vast array of trees, plants, and wildflowers to explore. Visitors to the forest can find a variety of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, hiking, and biking. The forest also features a wide variety of rock formations and outcrops, including a number of caves and crevices to explore.

Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area, located in western New York, is an outdoor paradise boasting breathtaking scenery and plenty of recreational opportunities. It spans over 4,000 acres, making it one of the most expansive natural regions in the state. Camping, canoeing, hiking, fishing, and hunting are all popular activities in the area. Visitors can explore the stunning scenery of the Zoar Valley Gorge, which offers some of the most beautiful views of the region.

The New York and Lake Erie Rail Road (NY&LERR) is a historic railway route linking the towns of East Aurora and Buffalo, New York. The railway opened in 1868 and was later extended from East Aurora to Rochester via the Rochester and State Line Railroad. During its heyday, the NY&LERR served as a vital transportation route for freight and passengers, providing an important link between East Aurora and the nearby city of Buffalo.

The Salamanca Rail Museum in Cattaraugus, New York, is a museum that celebrates the history of railroading in the region. Founded in 2000, the museum showcases a variety of railroad artifacts, including a historic locomotive and caboose, both of which date back to the early 20th century. Visitors can also explore a variety of interpretive exhibits that explain the railroad industry’s impact on the local economy and the region’s culture.

The Seneca Iroquois National Museum is a one-of-a-kind learning center located on the Allegany Territory of the Seneca Nation of Indians in Salamanca, New York. Founded in 1971, the museum is dedicated to educating the public on the history, culture, and art of the Seneca and Iroquois people. The museum is open all year and houses a variety of exhibits, programs, and resources which include artifacts, oral histories, audiovisual programs, and traditional arts and crafts.

Sprague Brook County Park is a beautiful park located in Erie County. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities including camping, horseback riding, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. It is also home to a number of wildlife species such as white-tailed deer, beaver and blue heron. Visitors can rent cabins or campsites for overnight stays and make the most of the park's amenities, including a picnic area with grills and fire rings and an amphitheater.

Red House Lake is an artificial lake located within Allegany State Park in Red House, New York. Fish species present in the lakes are brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. There is a state owned beach launch located 6 miles south of Salamanca. No motors are allowed on the lake.[3]

Cuba Lake is located in Allegany County, New York and is a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy its tranquil waters. It is 4 miles long and 0.8 miles wide, and its deepest point is 25 feet. The lake is fed by both Cuba Creek and Ischua Creek, and its picturesque shoreline is composed of wooded hills, sloping valleys, and rugged cliffs.

The Arcade and Attica Railroad, located in Wyoming County, New York, is a historic and charming heritage railroad that offers visitors a journey back in time through the picturesque landscapes of rural Western New York. With its vintage locomotives, meticulously restored passenger cars, and scenic routes, the railroad provides a nostalgic and immersive experience for train enthusiasts and families alike.

Allegany State Park in Cattaraugus County, New York is a stunning 65,000-acre wilderness that is popular with outdoor adventurers and nature lovers alike. It is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, offering guests ample opportunities to explore its forests, meadows, streams, and ponds. Visitors can also enjoy a multitude of activities, ranging from camping and fishing to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Thunder Rocks, located in Cattaraugus, New York, is a unique geological formation that features an array of intriguing shapes and structures. Carved into a hillside, the rocks range in size from tiny pebbles to large boulders, and are composed of a variety of minerals including quartz, mica, feldspar, and garnet. The rocks were formed more than 300 million years ago during a period of intense tectonic activity, and are believed to have been created by thunderbolts from the gods.

Eternal Flame Falls is a unique spot in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Located in Chestnut Ridge Park, it is one of the only natural locations in the world where a burning flame can be seen cascading down the falls. The flame is believed to be fueled by a natural underground gas source, and it has been burning for over 100 years. The area around the falls is popular for picnicking, hiking and camping, and people come from all over to witness this natural phenomenon.

With more than 860 acres of rolling terrain with spectacular views of Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and the surrounding countryside. It features a variety of amenities, including a play area, picnic pavilions, miles of trails, a toboggan run, and a lake beach. It also has a large parking lot and a visitors center with educational exhibits. In addition, the park is home to historical attractions such as the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, as well as a great variety of flora and fauna.

Emery Park in Erie County is a wonderful outdoor destination for families and nature-lovers alike. The park features scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and lakeside views. There are also several recreational activities available including swimming, fishing, boating, biking, golfing, tennis courts, and playgrounds. During the summer months there are often concerts and festivals at Emery Park, providing an exciting atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy.

The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels is a historic Catholic church located in New York. The current structure was built in 1911 and is a replica of the original, which was built in 1845. The Basilica serves as the spiritual home of the Seneca Nation of Indians, who have been worshipping there since the 1940s. The Basilica contains several works of religious art, including a pair of statues of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and an elaborate stained-glass window depicting the life of Jesus.

Quaker Lake is a lake located south of Coldspring, New York. Fish species present in the lake are rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and black bullhead. There is a state owned carry down launch located in Allegany State Park off NY-280.[2] The state park also offers a swimming area and facilities on the lake.