Middleport New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Middleport, New York.
1. Cobblestone Universalist Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The Cobblestone Universalist Church, located at 46-48 Main Street, is a significant historical landmark in Middleport. Visitors can admire the unique cobblestone architecture that showcases the craftsmanship of early settlers in the region. The church stands as a testament to the rich religious heritage of this Erie Canal community.
2. Belva Lockwood Memorial
PIONEERING WOMEN'S RIGHTS
The Belva Lockwood Memorial honors one of America's first female lawyers and presidential candidates who had connections to the Middleport area. Visitors can learn about this remarkable woman who ran for president in 1884 and 1888 on the National Equal Rights Party ticket. The memorial serves as an educational site highlighting the importance of women's suffrage and equal rights in American history.
3. Main Street Lift Bridge
ENGINEERING MARVEL VIEWPOINT
The Main Street Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal is an engineering marvel that lifts vertically to allow larger ships to pass beneath. Visitors can observe the impressive mechanical operation when boats pass through, with walkways available at multiple levels for optimal viewing. The bridge represents the historical importance of the Erie Canal to Middleport's development since the canal's completion in 1825.
4. Thirty-Mile Point Lighthouse
LAKESIDE MARITIME HERITAGE
The Thirty-Mile Point Lighthouse, located north of Middleport, offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the Lake Ontario region. This historic lighthouse has guided ships along the treacherous shoreline for generations, standing as a sentinel against the sometimes turbulent waters. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the lighthouse keepers who maintained this important navigational aid throughout its operational history.
5. Margaret Droman Park
COMMUNITY RECREATIONAL SPACE
Margaret Droman Park provides a welcoming recreational space for both residents and visitors to Middleport. The park features grilling facilities for cookouts, though picnic tables are currently under repair following vandalism. Nature enthusiasts and families alike can enjoy the open green spaces while experiencing the small-town charm of this Erie Canal community.
6. Liten Buffel
BOUTIQUE WINE EXPERIENCE
Liten Buffel offers an exceptional wine tasting experience as one of Middleport's highest-rated attractions. Wine enthusiasts can sample locally produced vintages in a charming setting that showcases the agricultural bounty of the region. Visitors will appreciate the knowledgeable staff and the opportunity to purchase unique wines to take home as souvenirs of their visit to this quaint New York village.
7. Sunset Drive-In
NOSTALGIC OUTDOOR CINEMA
The Sunset Drive-In provides a nostalgic entertainment experience that harkens back to America's golden age of outdoor cinema. Visitors can enjoy current films under the stars from the comfort of their vehicles, creating memories that last a lifetime. The drive-in theater combines modern movie technology with the charm of a bygone era, making it a perfect evening attraction for families and couples visiting Middleport.
8. William Taylor House
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE SITE
The William Taylor House stands as a testament to Middleport's architectural heritage and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can admire the preserved historical details that showcase the craftsmanship and design aesthetics of its era. The house represents the prosperity that came to Middleport after the completion of the Erie Canal, which transformed this once-small settlement into a thriving canal community.
9. Medina Falls
HIDDEN NATURAL WONDER
Medina Falls offers a serene natural escape for visitors exploring the area around Middleport. Though forever in the shadow of the nearby world-famous Niagara Falls, this hidden gem provides a peaceful setting for photography and quiet contemplation. Travelers riding along the Erie Canal should take a few moments to enjoy the captivating views of this lesser-known but impressive waterfall.
10. Historic U.S. Post Office
FEDERAL ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The historic U.S. Post Office in Middleport is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. Visitors can appreciate the distinctive design elements that exemplify federal architecture from the era when the building was constructed. The post office continues to serve the community while standing as a physical connection to Middleport's past since the village's incorporation in 1872.
11. Shopping
LOCAL RETAIL THERAPY
Shopping in Middleport offers visitors a chance to explore unique local stores along Main Street where the village's rich canal history meets modern retail. Specialty shops like Canal Country Artisans and Middleport Antique Center provide distinctive souvenirs and collectibles that capture the essence of this historic Erie Canal community. Shoppers can stroll through the charming downtown area, stopping at family-owned businesses that have served the community for generations.
12. Dining
CULINARY CANAL EXPERIENCES
Dining in Middleport treats visitors to hearty meals at establishments like the Middleport Inn and Canalside Restaurant where local flavors and history combine. The village's eateries often feature fresh ingredients from nearby farms, creating authentic farm-to-table experiences in a charming small-town setting. After a day of exploring the Erie Canal and historic sites, travelers can relax with home-style cooking and friendly service that exemplifies the welcoming nature of this Western New York community.
13. Hiking
SCENIC TRAIL ADVENTURES
Hiking around Middleport offers outdoor enthusiasts access to the Erie Canalway Trail where walkers and cyclists can enjoy miles of scenic pathways alongside the historic waterway. Nature lovers can explore the diverse ecosystems while witnessing the engineering marvels of the canal's lock system that transformed transportation in the region. The well-maintained trails provide opportunities for bird watching and photography, with seasonal wildflowers adding splashes of color to the verdant landscape surrounding this quaint village.
14. Fishing
PEACEFUL CANAL ANGLING
Fishing in Middleport provides anglers with access to the Erie Canal's abundant waters where species like bass, pike, and panfish can be caught throughout the fishing season. The tranquil setting along the historic waterway offers both novice and experienced fishermen a chance to connect with nature while surrounded by the charm of this canal community. Local fishing spots near the Main Street Lift Bridge and nearby access points provide excellent opportunities for both shore fishing and small boat angling experiences.
15. Camping
RUSTIC CANAL-SIDE RETREATS
Camping near Middleport allows outdoor enthusiasts to experience the natural beauty of Western New York at nearby sites such as Golden Hill State Park and Four Mile Creek State Park. These camping destinations provide amenities for both tent and RV campers, with stunning views of Lake Ontario just a short drive from the village. After a peaceful night under the stars, campers can easily visit Middleport's historic attractions and continue their exploration of the Erie Canal region with a refreshed perspective.