Buffalo Niagara is home to several significant historical events and figures. Discover our amazing historical institutions, ranging from the Revolutionary War era to the Civil Rights Movement. History buffs will be elated to travel through time and examine how the Buffalo region has become what it is today.
The Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village features tours of local historic buildings and hands-on exhibits about life in previous centuries.
Visit the Buffalo History Museum. Even the building is an artifact—it’s the only remaining permanent structure from the Pan American Exposition in 1901.
Any WWII buffs on board? Don’t miss the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, the largest inland park of its kind in the nation.
The Buffalo Transportation/Pierce Arrow Museum features automobiles manufactured right here in Buffalo. Visit the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Filling Station while there.
Take a two hour boat ride along the Erie Canal with Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises. Then visit the interactive exhibits at the Erie Canal Discovery Center.
History comes alive at Old Fort Niagara, featuring a real 18th century fortress with original stone buildings and fortifications.
More than one hundred years ago, history was made on Delaware Avenue. The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is a must-see site in Buffalo.
Plan to stop at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum to see a number of historic documents from the world’s largest private collection.
Tour the home of a former president when you visit the Millard Fillmore Museum. Then check out the Elbert Hubbard-Roycroft Museum, a Craftsman-style home built in 1910.
More options:
Celebrate the rich history of African Americans at the African American Cultural Center. Stop by in the evening to see a production at the Paul Robeson or Ujima theatres.
Learn about Buffalo’s past as the western terminus of the Erie Canal at Canalside and take the Buffalo River History Tour.
The Buffalo Niagara region played a vital role in the escape of former slaves. Learn all about it with the Freedom Crossing: The Underground Railroad in Greater Niagara exhibit at the Castellani Art Museum.
The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum is a tribute to the industry, with an original, antique Herschell Carrousel visitors can ride on-site.
Rev. J. Edward Nash helped organize the Niagara Movement, a forerunner to the NAACP. See his home and artifacts at the Nash House Museum.
Tour the one hundred year old Original American Kazoo Company and make your very own kazoo!
The Riviera Theater and Performing Arts Center is on the National Register of Historic Places. Don’t miss the 1926 Mighty Wurlitzer organ.
Things to Explore on the Historical Treasures Tour
Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum
Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises
Old Fort Niagara
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum North Hall
Buffalo Central Terminal
Millard Fillmore House
Elbert Hubbard/Roycroft Museum
African American Cultural Center, Inc.
Ujima Theatre
Canalside Buffalo
Buffalo River History Tours
Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
Nash House Museum
Original Kazoo Company, Factory, Museum, and Gift Shop
Riviera Theatre
All Itineraries
Explore themed activities and find the itinerary that’s right for your group.
Earn Your Badges: Scout Tour
The Buffalo Niagara region is a badge-seekers paradise—scouts honor! With zoos, aquariums, parks, and preserves there are plenty of opportunities to interact with nature. Discover the history of the Buffalo Niagara region by touring one of several historical educational centers. By the time your scouts leave, their sashes will be full of badges!
Historical Treasures Tour
Buffalo Niagara is home to several significant historical events and figures. Discover our amazing historical institutions, ranging from the Revolutionary War era to the Civil Rights Movement. History buffs will be elated to travel through time and examine how the Buffalo region has become what it is today.
Art, Architecture & Culture
Whether you’re seeking inspiration or jaw-dropping sights, Buffalo Niagara is home to an impressive array of cultural and architectural wonders. Be prepared to be amazed by the world-class level of craftsmanship and artful masterworks that reside in our region.
Nature’s Splendor Tour
Professional greenthumb? Leisurely ornithologist? Home to a legendary Frederick Law Olmsted park system and Niagara Falls State Park, Buffalo Niagara is a nature lover’s dream come true. Rolling hills, cavernous gorges, waterfront vistas, and a rich ecology combine to create the beautiful landscape of this region.
Spirit of the City Tour
Get a feel for what the Buffalo has to offer and connect to the soul of the city. Explore the city’s diverse offerings, and find the best of what each neighborhood has to offer—from the heart of downtown to the shores of Lake Erie.
Houses of Worship Tour
For generations, believers and non-believers alike have been inspired by the art enshrined in Buffalo’s houses of worship. Radiant stained-glass, paintings that have no equal, magnificent sculpture and ornamentation, handmade bricks, terra cotta and tile work—and it’s all there for you to enjoy.
All Wright All Day
Scouts can learn about geology, astronomy, ornithology, and paleontology while fulfilling requirements for various badges at the Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center.
Makin’ Memories: Family Fun Tour
For kids and kids at heart, fun awaits in Buffalo Niagara. From the fireworks blasting high above the baseball diamond to the roar of lions and tigers, or a live reimagining of fairy tale favorites, we’ve got a treasure chest full of enjoyment for every member of the family.
“Toss the Textbooks” Interactive Student Tour
Close up the books and get hands-on with interactive education experiences. Home to pioneers of science and trailblazers of innovation, and rich with American history, Buffalo Niagara makes learning an active experience for young minds.
Buffalo Technical Tour
Pioneers of all things from auto parts to beer, medicine to kazoos, we’re here to showcase our skills to every interest. Get your gears moving and generate some brain power by seeing how things are made right here in Buffalo Niagara!
Spirit of the Seasons Tour
Behold winter’s majesty in true Buffalo Niagara fashion by experiencing the sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday season. Find gifts for your loved ones, take in the decorations presented by several of our cultural institutions, and ring in cheer with live renditions of holiday classics.
Gardening Tour
Buffalo hosts the largest garden event of its kind in the country, and our Botanical Gardens reside in a Frederick Law Olmsted designed park—just one of several parks designed by him in the area. Prepare to be amazed by the flora and fauna of the Buffalo Niagara region!