Rochester is a city in the state New York, located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. It was founded in the early 19th century, where Rochester quickly grew into a bustling industrial hub, thanks to the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825. The waterway transformed the city into a major transportation and trade center, attracting a lot of immigrants from Europe. The city’s early economy was driven by flour mills, earning it the nickname Flour City. Later, it became known as the Flower City due to its flourishing nursery and seed industry.

From the 1900s to today, Rochester has experienced significant transformations. In the early 20th century, the city thrived as an industrial powerhouse, home to major companies like Eastman Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb. These corporations drove economic growth and innovation, particularly in photography and imaging technologies. However, the latter half of the century saw a decline in manufacturing, leading to economic challenges and population loss. Despite these setbacks, Rochester has reinvented itself as a center for education, healthcare, and technology. The presence of institutions like the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology has revitalized the city.

You can head out on a sightseeing tour in the commercial downtown Rochester, which is concentrated around Main Street and State Street on both sides of the Genesee River. You will see a mix of architecture in these streets, and there are some notable buildings like the Times Square Building. It is an art deco skyscraper from 1929-1930 at 79 meters with the so-called Wings of Progress as top decoration. Close by is the art deco style Reynolds Arcade Building fra 1933, and a bit north along State Street is the Kodak Tower from 1914. It was built as part of the Eastman Kodak Headquarters.

Speaking about Eastman Kodak, one of the attractions in Rochester is about one of the most significant figures in city’s history, George Eastman, the founder of Eastman Kodak Company. His contributions to photography and film revolutionized the industry and left a lasting legacy in the city. The George Eastman Museum, located in his former home, is the world’s oldest photography museum and one of the oldest film archives. It offers visitors a glimpse into the history of photography and the life of one of Rochester’s most influential residents.

The Susan B. Anthony Museum & House is another house museum in Rochester. This historic home was the residence of the famous women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony and is now a museum dedicated to her life and work. On a visit you can learn about Anthony’s role in the women’s suffrage movement, and you can see the room where she was famously arrested for voting in the 1872 Presidential Election. If you are looking for art, the Memorial Art Gallery, affiliated with the University of Rochester, houses an impressive collection of art spanning 5,000 years.

The Strong National Museum of Play is a popular choice for families with kids of all ages. The focus of the museum is the history of play, and exhibits are themed to video games, television shows, comic books, train rides, and much more. It is the place to explore things like the eGameRevolution. You can continue to the Rochester Museum & Science Center with interactive experiences within technology and science like simulators and a world of light. There are also local and regional themes like the industrial revolution at the museum.

If you want some nature and natural beauty, there are choices as well. The Genesee Riverway Trail is a path along the Genesee River leading toward parklands south of downtown Rochester. You can enjoy the natural beauty of Highland Park, which was designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The park is home to the annual festivals like the Lilac Festival, which showcases hundreds of varieties of lilacs. The park also features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and the Lamberton Conservatory.