Explore Buffalo, a nonprofit organization providing tours and other opportunities where guests can discover Buffalo’s great architecture, history and neighborhoods, has announced an extensive lineup of July events.
Masters of American Architecture
10 a.m. July 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30
Meet: Visit Buffalo Niagara Visitor Center, Washington & Clinton streets, Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
At the turn of the 20th century, Buffalo was the eighth largest city in America and the city’s businesses, organizations and citizens had the financial resources to hire the best architects and craftsmen and use the finest materials available. See signature works by some of America’s greatest architects on this downtown walking tour, and learn about the prominence of Buffalo on a national scale at the turn of the 20th century. Buildings included as part of this tour include: St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Patrick Keeley; Old County Hall, Andrew Jackson Warner; Guaranty Building, Louis Sullivan & Dankmar Adler; St. Paul’s Cathedral, Richard Upjohn; Ellicott Square Building, Daniel Burnham & Co.; Old Post Office, Jeremiah O’Rourke, William Akin & James Knox Taylor. Building interiors are featured wherever possible but access is not guaranteed; this depends on building availability, which can change with short notice such as during funeral services at the cathedrals.
Beaux-Arts Buffalo
1 p.m. July 1, 2, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
Meet: Spot Coffee, 227 Delaware Ave., Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
Join Explore Buffalo for a downtown walking tour of some of the best examples of the Beaux-Arts style in Buffalo! Popular in the late 19th and early 20th century, Beaux-Arts, which translates as “Beautiful Arts” and began in Paris, is characterized by elaborate detail and ornamentation, with many classical influences. The buildings seen on this tour exemplify Buffalo at the turn of the 20th century, when the city was the eighth largest in America and hosted the Pan-American Exposition. Many were designed by prominent local architectural firms, including Green & Wicks and Esenwein & Johnson.
On this tour, you will see exteriors and interiors of commercial buildings built in the Beaux-Arts style and learn about their history (note that more interiors are accessible on weekdays than on weekends). Many of these buildings have been meticulously restored in recent years to meet current needs, including the Electric Tower and Market Arcade.
Five Presidents in Buffalo
10 a.m. July 11, 18, 25
2 p.m. July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Meet: Visit Buffalo Niagara Visitor Center, Washington & Clinton Streets, Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
The home of two presidents, Millard Fillmore and Grover Cleveland, Buffalo has also played host to many American presidents for important speeches and other occasions, the most infamous being President McKinley’s visit to the Pan-American Exposition in 1901 that ended tragically with his assassination. Some of the presidential stories in Buffalo are often told, while others are less widely known. Join us on this tour to learn about five presidents who are particularly prominent in Buffalo history.
Olmsted’s Pocket Parks of Allentown
6 p.m. July 1, 10 a.m. July 18
Meet: First Presbyterian Church, One Symphony Circle, Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
The western part of Buffalo’s historic Allentown neighborhood, where the northern edge of Buffalo’s original border meets the old New York State Reservation line, is a neighborhood of small parks and secluded enclaves. Grand and humble Victorian homes grace these neighborhood green spaces, including Days Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1887, and Arlington Park, where Olmsted lived while designing Buffalo’s park system. Symphony Circle, a key link in Olmsted’s park and parkway system, is the starting point for this tour. Join Explore Buffalo for a walking tour of this charming area of Buffalo to learn more about its history while admiring its parks and homes.
Allentown Mob Tour
7 p.m. July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Meet: Cafe 59, 62 Allen St., Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explore Pass Holders Free
When Italian and Sicilian immigrants came to Buffalo, many of their local customs came with them – and so did the Mafia. Through much of the 20th century, the Allentown neighborhood was a hotspot for Mob activity. Do you want to know how a Rembrandt painting stolen from a French museum found its way to Buffalo? Or how one Buffalo mobster got the nickname “Lucky Pants?” Come on the Allentown Mob Tour to find out!
Come on this tour and receive a special deal for a free glass of beer or wine with the purchase of a sandwich or entree at Cafe 59, where the tour begins and ends! This tour meets in front of Cafe 59 at 62 Allen St. at the corner of Franklin Street. Street parking on Allen, Franklin and other nearby streets is available and free on weekends or after 5 p.m.
Riverfront Renaissance
10 a.m. July 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 24, 27, 30, 31
7 p.m. July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Meet: Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, 125 Main St., Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
Buffalo grew from the water’s edge, as the Erie Canal and later the railroads brought unprecedented commerce and industry to the city. This waterfront walking tour will explore some of the oldest neighborhoods of Buffalo, many of which have gone through numerous transitions and are in the midst of yet another change as the city returns its focus to the water. The redevelopment of Canalside and new waterfront attractions are featured in this tour, along with the history of the opening of the Erie Canal and development of the grain elevator and other waterfront industry.
Elevator Alley Kayak Tour
9 a.m. July 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31
Meet: Elevator Alley Kayak at The Barrel Factory, 65 Vandalia Street, Buffalo, at the corner of Hamburg and Republic streets, across from Gene McCarthy’s. The tour will launch from Mutual Riverfront Park, a one-block walk from The Barrel Factory.
General Admission $40, Student Admission $35, Explorer Pass Holders $35
The best way to appreciate Buffalo’s many grain elevators is from the water! From a kayaking perspective, the massive scale of the grain elevators and silos will be even more awe-inspiring. Join us for a kayak tour of the Buffalo River and its grain elevators in partnership with Elevator Alley Kayak, who will provide the kayaks for this urban adventure tour. Learn about the history of the grain elevators in Buffalo and have many terrific photo opportunities on this guided kayak tour! Reservations required.
Millionaire Mile: Delaware Avenue Mansions
10 a.m. July 2, 8, 16, 22, 30
Meet: Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, 641 Delaware Ave., Buffalo. Parking is available in the TR Site’s parking lot accessible from Franklin Street or Delaware Avenue.
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explore Pass Holders Free
The richest of the rich in Buffalo put their wealth on full display on this section of Delaware Avenue, home to the grandest collection of mansions built in the city. Marvel at these grandiose monuments to the Gilded Age and enjoy the intriguing stories of the families who built them – many were related – on this tour of Delaware Avenue from North Street to Bryant Street (for the other half of “Millionaire Mile,” see the Delaware Avenue Midway tour). Interior access to some of the mansions will be included in the tour based upon availability.
Silo City: Vertical
10 a.m. July 2, 5, 10, 12, 16, 23, 26
Meet: 120 Silo City Row, Buffalo. Turn from Ohio Street onto Silo City Row and enter Silo City through the gate. Ahead on your right will be a small brick office building, where the tour will assemble. Ample parking is available on site.
General Admission $35, Student Admission $30, Explorer Pass Holders $30
Silo City: Vertical will take you to the top of the American and Perot grain elevator complexes. Approximately 2.5 hours in length, you will experience all of the history and mechanics of the grain elevator, as well as the malt production process in the Perot malthouse on this in-depth tour. A look at some of the regenerative projects ongoing at Silo City is included.
Please note that Silo City: Vertical is not recommended for those with a fear of heights. Participants in this tour must be physically able to go up approximately 100 feet (10 stories) of stairs and a short interior ladder to reach the top – and then come back down! The elevators have been out of commission for years, so stairs are the only way to go. No sandals or open-toed shoes are permitted on this tour. Reservations required.
Silo City: Grounded
10 a.m. July 3, 7, 14, 21, 24, 28
1 p.m. July 2, 10, 16, 23
Meet: Silo City, 120 Silo City Row, Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
At ground level, experience the monumental scale of the grain elevators constructed in Buffalo in the first half of the 20th century, and also see how they are now being repurposed. On this guided walk around the grounds of Silo City, you will enter the ground floor work areas of a flour mill, two grain elevators and a malthouse. You will also see new projects including “Elevator B.”
Best of Buffalo
10:30 a.m. July 2, 3, 6, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31
Meet: Visit Buffalo Niagara Visitor Center, Washington & Clinton streets, Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
Join us for a downtown walking tour of the best of Buffalo architecture and history! The buildings included on this overview tour help to tell the story of Buffalo’s rapid rise to prominence, from the opening of the Erie Canal to the 1901 Pan-American Exposition. Buildings seen on this tour were designed by both nationally and locally significant architects, including Louis Sullivan, Richard Upjohn, Louise Bethune and EB Green.
Perfect for both visitors and residents alike, this tour is an excellent introduction to Buffalo’s architectural heritage. This is an exterior-only tour; for building interiors, please see Explore Buffalo’s in-depth downtown tours – Masters of American Architecture and Beaux Arts Buffalo.
Scandalous Buffalo
10 a.m. July 3, 17
Meet: Spot Coffee, 227 Delaware Ave., Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
Join us for a tour of the scandalous side of Buffalo history! On this downtown walking tour, you’ll learn some of the darker stories of the Queen City’s past. Stops included on the tour include the site of a triple hanging in 1825 and the former location of a Ku Klux Klan office. You’ll also find out what happened to the assassin who shot President William McKinley at Buffalo’s 1901 Pan-American Exposition.
On this tour, you’ll learn about the role some of Buffalo’s lawmen played in maintaining civil order, including a popular anti-Prohibition mayor and the Erie County sheriff who became the only American president to have executed a prisoner by hanging. The architectural landmarks of downtown Buffalo provide a magnificent backdrop for these stories, many of which sound straight from a movie script – but they’re all true!
Scajaquada Creek by Bike
10 a.m. July 3
Meet: Scajaquada Trail Entrance, Wegmans Parking Lot, 601 Amherst St., Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
The storied Scajaquada Creek provides the setting for some of the most pivotal moments in Buffalo’s history. Learn about the long and varied history of those who worked and lived on its shores, and the neighborhoods and industries that thrived due to their proximity to it. Scajaquada Creek also plays an essential role in creating the water features of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Delaware Park. Hear about the origin of the Creek’s name, its place in the War of 1812, its naval history, the former shipyard and current efforts to improve its Pathway, revitalize the area and remediate the waterway.
Helmets are required for all tour participants. Each tour participant must have a bicycle in good working condition; participants are also required to sign a waiver before the tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 14 years old.
Lincoln Parkway
2 p.m. July 3; 10 a.m. July 9, 16, 24, 30
Meet: Statue of Abraham Lincoln in front of the Rose Garden in Delaware Park
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted to be the principle approach to the jewel of his Buffalo park system, Delaware Park, Lincoln Parkway is one of the most beautiful streets in Buffalo. The homes along Lincoln Parkway, constructed in the early part of the 20th century by some of Buffalo’s wealthiest families, represent a wide variety of architectural styles. This tour will be a “walk in the park” as guests explore the neighborhood and the stories of the families who have lived there!
Looking Up: Downtown Ceilings & Skylights
10 a.m. July 5
Meet: In front of Buffalo City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
Come ready to look up on this downtown walking tour! This tour will reveal the ornate ceilings and skylights found in many buildings throughout downtown Buffalo. While many people walk underneath them on a daily basis, the ceilings of many of Buffalo’s buildings are often their least-noticed feature. Join us on this tour to discover these beautiful works of art, many of which are hiding in plain sight! Some metered street parking is available nearby, or the Turner parking ramp is located next door to City Hall.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fontana Boathouse
1 p.m. July 7, 14, 21, 28; 11 a.m. July 16
Meet: 1 Rotary Row, Buffalo
General $10, Students $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
Join us for a tour of the only rowing boathouse designed by Frank Lloyd Wright! Originally designed by Wright in 1905 for the University of Wisconsin, the Boathouse was never built until its construction in 2007 in Buffalo along the shore of the Black Rock Channel. This was one of Wright’s favorite designs, as evidenced by his inclusion of the Boathouse in his now-famous Wasmuth Portfolio. Today the boathouse is being used for its original purpose as an active rowing facility, providing a unique opportunity to see one of Wright’s designs being used as originally intended. On the tour, you’ll learn about why it was never constructed in Wisconsin, and how it came to be built in Buffalo.
The tour includes both the exterior and interior of the Boathouse, providing an in-depth look at a masterpiece of Prairie Style design. While on the tour, enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Erie, the Niagara River and the Canadian shore from the Boathouse, so be sure to bring your camera!
Downtown Deco
1 p.m. July 7, 14, 21, 28
Meet: Visit Buffalo Niagara Visitor Center, Washington & Clinton streets, Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
This downtown walking tour focuses on downtown buildings built in Buffalo in one of the 20th century’s most distinctive architectural styles: Art Deco. Prevalent during the 1920s and 1930s, Art Deco is a unique style combining traditional motifs with modern imagery and materials of the Machine Age. Characterized by its use of bold geometric shapes, rich colors and lavish ornamentation, Art Deco buildings stand out for their beauty and symbolism.
The Court Street corridor of downtown Buffalo, from Lafayette Square to Niagara Square, puts the Art Deco style on grand display. Buildings featured on this tour include Buffalo City Hall, Rand Building, Industrial Bank Building, Michael Dillon Federal Courthouse Walter J. Mahoney State Office Building and the lobby of the Hotel Lafayette. While visiting these Art Deco gems, you will learn about Buffalo during the 1920s and 1930s when these buildings were being built.
Silo City: Vertical Sunset
6 p.m. July 7, 14, 21, 28
Meet: 120 Silo City Row, Buffalo. Turn from Ohio Street onto Silo City Row and enter Silo City through the gate. Ahead on your right will be a small brick office building, where the tour will assemble. Ample parking is available on site.
General Admission $45, Student Admission $40, Explorer Pass Holders $40
Join Explore Buffalo for a special sunset edition of their most popular tour, with dinner at the end of the tour along the Buffalo River as the sun sets on the Buffalo River. Silo City: Vertical will take you to the top of the American and Perot grain elevator complexes. Approximately 2.5 hours in length, you will experience all of the history and mechanics of the grain elevator, as well as the malt production process in the Perot malthouse on this in-depth tour. A look at some of the regenerative projects ongoing at Silo City is included.
Please note that Silo City: Vertical is not recommended for those with a fear of heights. Participants in this tour must be physically able to go up approximately 100 feet (10 stories) of stairs and a short interior ladder to reach the top – and then come back down! The elevators have been out of commission for years, so stairs are the only way to go.
Elevator Alley Kayak Sunset Tour
6 p.m. July 6, 13, 27
Meet: Elevator Alley Kayak at The Barrel Factory, 65 Vandalia St., Buffalo, at the corner of Hamburg and Republic streets, across from Gene McCarthy’s. The tour will launch from Mutual Riverfront Park, a one-block walk from The Barrel Factory.
General Admission $40, Student Admission $35, Explorer Pass Holders $35
The best way to appreciate Buffalo’s many grain elevators is from the water! From a kayaking perspective, the massive scale of the grain elevators and silos will be even more awe-inspiring. Join Explore Buffalo for a kayak tour of the Buffalo River and its grain elevators in partnership with Elevator Alley Kayak, who will provide the kayaks for this urban adventure tour. Learn about the history of the grain elevators in Buffalo and have many terrific photo opportunities on this guided kayak tour!
Tour participants must be able to kayak approximately four miles, from Mutual Riverfront Park to Canalside and back. Reservations are required for this tour as a limited number of kayaks are available. The minimum age for this tour is 14 years old.
East Aurora
10 a.m. July 8
Meet: Roycroft Power House, 39 South Grove St., East Aurora
General Admission $15, Student Admission $10, Explorer Pass Holders $5
Join us for a walking tour of the charming Village of East Aurora to discover its rich history and many connections to the Arts & Crafts movement! Elbert Hubbard, one-time partner of John Larkin of Buffalo’s Larkin Soap Company, was one of the chief promoters of the Arts & Crafts style in architecture, furniture, stained glass, wallpaper, and other hand crafts in the United States. The base of Hubbard’s operations was the Roycroft Campus in the Village of East Aurora, where this tour begins and ends. The tour will include interior visits to the Hubbard Museum, featuring an engaging variety of handcrafted antiques, as well as the Baker Memorial Church, featuring a complete set of color-rich stained glass windows by the Tiffany Company. At the end of the tour, the Roycroft Inn is the perfect place for an optional lunch (not included in the tour price).
Brick by Brick: Residential Allentown Revealed!
10 a.m. July 9, 11; 6 p.m. July 19
Meet: Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, 641 Delaware Ave., Buffalo. Parking is available in the TR Site’s parking lot accessible from Franklin Street or Delaware Avenue.
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free, TR Site Members Free
This walking tour of North Pearl and Franklin streets in the historic Allentown neighborhood focuses on residential architecture of the mid-19th century. Two of Allentown’s most intriguing residential streets, North Pearl and Franklin streets feature brick mid-Victorian homes designed in the Italianate and Queen Anne styles. Located between Main Street and Delaware Avenue, these streets attracted professionals who wanted to combine comfortable suburban living with proximity to the boom of Buffalo’s commerce. Join Explore Buffalo for this neighborhood walking tour to see excellent examples of these architectural styles and learn about the history of the homes and individuals who built them.
Erie Canal Bus Tour: Lockport to Brockport
11 to 4 p.m. July 9
Meet: Erie Canal Discovery Center, 24 Church St., Lockport
General Admission $75, Explorer Pass Holders $70
We’ve all heard of the Erie Canal and probably can sing a verse or two of the Erie Canal song, but do you know how significant the Canal was in the growth of the nation? On this tour, you will learn just how important the Canal was as you travel along its route from Lockport to Brockport through towns that grew up along its banks. Begin with a visit of the Erie Canal Discovery Center in Lockport then walk a very short distance to view one of the Flight of Five locks that has recently been restored.
Board the bus and enjoy a box lunch prepared by Lockport’s Scripts Cafe and drive along as close to the canal as possible. We will travel through the canal towns of Gasport, Middleport, Medina, Albion, Holley and Brockport. In Medina, take a short walking tour of historic Main Street guided by a town historian. In Brockport, tour the magnificent Morgan-Manning Mansion. Heading back to Lockport, end the trip with a treat at Lake Effect Ice Cream in Lockport. So relax and enjoy a day trip back into history.
West Side Mob Tour
10 a.m. July 10, 24
Meet: Providence Social, 490 Rhode Island St., Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders FREE
Buffalo’s West Side was once a hotbed of mob activity and government surveillance as law enforcement tried to make a dent in the criminal underworld, often with little success. Find out how the mob succeeded at eluding the government men for decades on this entertaining tour. This tour is adapted from Mike Rizzo’s book “Gangsters and Organized Crime in Buffalo.”
Larkin District
11 a.m. July 3
Meet: St. Clare Roman Catholic Church, 193 Elk St., Buffalo NY
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders FREE
The Larkin District, or Larkinville, is the reborn former home of the Larkin Soap Company. In the early 1900s, the Larkin Company was one of the largest mail order companies in the country, and one of its executives, Darwin D. Martin, was responsible for bringing Frank Lloyd Wright to Buffalo. Today, the former Larkin factories and warehouses have been brought back to life and the area is bustling with activity once again. Join Explore Buffalo to explore the Larkin Company’s past while enjoying the revitalized neighborhood.
City of Light Bus Tour
1 p.m. July 8, 23
Meet: Buffalo Seminary, 205 Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo
General Admission $40, Explorer Pass Holders $35
At the end of the 19th century, Buffalo was a major American city in the forefront of technological progress. It was a busy inland port and a railroad hub with heavy industry and state-of-the-art electricity – all of which brought great wealth to the city. These economic and technological developments culminated in 1901 when Buffalo hosted a spectacular world’s fair: the Pan-American Exposition. Experience Buffalo through the eyes of the narrator of Lauren Belfer’s historical novel, City of Light, which is set in Buffalo at the dawn of the 20th century.
Old First Ward
6 p.m. July 8; 1 p.m. July 23
Meet: Mutual Riverfront Park, 41 Hamburg St., Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
The First Ward is the neighborhood adjacent to the Buffalo River, located in the shadows of the grain elevators that employed many of the neighborhood’s residents. On this tour, you will learn about how the growth and development of the neighborhood was closely tied to the rise of the grain trade at Buffalo’s harbor. A neighborhood with a proudly Irish heritage, the First Ward has been the birthplace and home to some of Buffalo’s most famous citizens, including Michael Shea, Jimmy Slattery and Fingy Connors. Come on this tour to learn their stories and many more! The tour will end at Gene McCarthy’s Tavern and Old First Ward Brewing, the perfect place to enjoy a pint after the tour. Street parking is available on Hamburg and South streets by the park; please do not use the parking lot for the Waterfront Memories & More Museum.
Buildings & Baseball: Family Fun Day
11 a.m. July 10, 24, 31
Meet: Coca-Cola Field, One James D. Griffin Plaza, Buffalo
Adult General Admission $20, Adult Explorer Pass Admission $15, Child Admission $10
Come early before a Buffalo Bisons game to take a family-friendly tour of downtown Buffalo! This walking tour of downtown will give children an introduction to some of our city’s most beautiful buildings, including the Ellicott Square Building, Guaranty Building and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Along the way, learn some fun facts about each building’s design, construction and history.
By coming early for the game, you’ll be able to find a great parking place downtown. After the tour, there’ll be plenty of time to get lunch at the stadium before the first pitch at 1:05. It’s the perfect way for a family to spend a day downtown!
Included with this tour is the Bisons game ticket, and a copy of the Explore Buffalo downtown children’s workbook for each child.
Victorian Views by By bike
2 p.m. July 10
Meet: First Presbyterian Church, 1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo
Residential construction during the late 1800s was marked by an extraordinary degree of detail as part of the Victorian style. Join Explore Buffalo for a bike tour of three primarily residential avenues that put the Victorian style on full display in stunningly beautiful homes.
You’ll be amazed by the variety of ornamentation found on Richmond, Lafayette and Linwood avenues as you take a leisurely bike ride along these bike-friendly streets that also connect with the Olmsted park and parkway system. This tour is approximately four miles in length, with frequent stops along the way.
Religious Arts Center Speaker Series
7 p.m. July 13
Meet: Buffalo Religious Arts Center, 157 East St., Buffalo
Admission $10 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Religious Arts Center and Explore Buffalo.
Chet Fery: Chet is the founder of Bread Time Stories and More. Often called “The Bread Man,” he began his hobby of baking bread and giving it away over 14 years ago. He estimates he has given over 60,000 loaves of bread, created over 65 recipes and generated over 100 inspirational “Bread Time Stories” which he shares with audiences across the region.
He grew up on the streets of Buffalo in a neighborhood called “Kaisertown.” The red brick paved streets were lined with large wood frame houses with covered porches. His grandparents lived on the first floor of his house and his aunts, uncles and cousins lived just a street away. He speaks of the many places of kindness he experienced as a child that provided a foundation for his life.
All lectures are on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. at the Buffalo Religious Arts Center, 157 East St., Buffalo. Parking is available in the parking lot at the corner of Amherst and East streets or on the street. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for an opportunity to briefly tour the collection, housed in the former St. Francis Xavier Church. The Religious Arts Center will close at 9 p.m. following the lecture. Check out the Religious Arts Center on Facebook!
Elmwood Villages Albright Estate
6 p.m. July 14
Meet: Elmwood Avenue Spot Coffee, 765 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
In the heart of the thriving Elmwood Village are treasures and secrets waiting to be rediscovered on this walking tour. Twelve acres surrounded by West Ferry Street and Cleveland Avenue were once the lavish estate of John J. Albright, famous industrialist and philanthropist who is the namesake of our renowned art gallery’s 1905 building. After the Albright mansion was demolished, the property was developed into some of the most attractive residential real estate in the city. Guests will walk these tree-lined blocks to see remaining signs of the Albright Estate, learn more about this historic district and how it developed into a residential neighborhood.
Paddles + Pints: Social Mixer Night
6 p.m. July 15
Meet: Elevator Alley Kayak, 65 Vandalia St., Buffalo
General Admission $45, Romance on the River Special: $80 for 2, Explorer Pass Holders $40. There is no discounted price for bringing your own kayak for this tour.
Join Explore Buffalo for a unique twist on the usual Elevator Alley Kayak Tour, as we end the tour with a pint of Old First Ward beer at Gene McCarthy’s Tavern! This tour is a Social Mixer Night – a great opportunity to meet new people while enjoying the best of Buffalo’s waterfront!
The best way to appreciate Buffalo’s many grain elevators is from the water! From a kayaking perspective, the massive scale of the grain elevators and silos will be even more awe-inspiring. Join Explore Buffalo for a kayak tour of the Buffalo River and its grain elevators in partnership with Elevator Alley Kayak, who will provide the kayaks for this urban adventure tour. Learn about the history of the grain elevators in Buffalo and have many terrific photo opportunities on this guided kayak tour!
Brewing Buffalo Bus Tour
1 p.m. July 16, 30
Meet: Gene McCarthy’s, 73 Hamburg St., Buffalo
General Admission $60, Explorer Pass Holders $55
Join Explore Buffalo for a four-hour bus tour to learn about the history of brewing in the Queen City while visiting four craft breweries for interior tours and product samples. Each local brewery will offer the opportunity to sample their unique craft beer.
Brewing in Buffalo has continually evolved from its beginnings in the early 1800s to its present-day revival. At its peak in the early 1900s before Prohibition, Buffalo’s brewing industry included nearly 30 independent breweries producing millions of gallons of beer each year. Today, Buffalo’s brewing culture is returning, with the opening of numerous craft breweries around the city. An Explore Buffalo docent will provide an overview of this history as the tour moves from stop to stop.
Hidden Gems of the Delaware District
2 p.m. July 16; 6 p.m. July 26
Meet: Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, 641 Delaware Ave., Buffalo
Parking is available in the TR Site’s parking lot accessible from Franklin Street or Delaware Avenue.
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
Take a walk around the block on Linwood Avenue, Bryant Street, Oakland Place and Summer Street to discover beautiful gardens and spectacular homes in a wide variety of architectural styles just off Delaware Avenue. Many of the families who built these homes are well-known in Buffalo history, such as the Goodyear family, while others are less well known but equally intriguing. Join Explore Buffalo to learn their stories and discover the many hidden delights of this neighborhood!
Central Park & Parkside by Bike
10 a.m. July 17
Meet: Parkside Lodge, 84 Parkside Ave., Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
Join Explore Buffalo for a bike tour through two of Buffalo’s most picturesque neighborhoods. You’ll pass by the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Darwin Martin House as you bike the Olmsted-planned curving streets of the Parkside neighborhood. Crossing over the Belt Line Railroad, you will also explore the prestigious Central Park neighborhood, including Depew and Morris avenues, where you will see the former homes of famous Buffalo families such as the Kittingers and Oisheis. Returning to Olmsted’s Delaware Park, you’ill rediscover the park’s former quarry.
Helmets are required for all tour participants. Each tour participant must have a bicycle in good working condition; participants are also required to sign a waiver before the tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 14 years old.
Columbus Parkway
2 p.m. July 17
Meet: Statue of Christopher Columbus in Columbus Park, on Porter Avenue. Ample on-street parking is available on Columbus Parkway or other nearby streets.
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
The Columbus Park area of the Prospect Hill neighborhood is rich in history and architecture with a spectacular view of Lake Erie and wonderful lake breezes. The elegant homes that line the entrance to the Peace Bridge tell the story of some of Buffalo’s wealthiest citizens in an area defined by the Erie Canal, Olmsted’s Front Park, and Fort Porter. Hear about the healing spring waters that ran through the area causing it to became a travel destination for many and the beautiful hotels that catered to those travelers. Known as Doctor’s Row, this neighborhood became home to generations of Italian-American families including the founder of our Columbus Day holiday. Come stroll the area and learn about its incredible history and the current challenges the neighborhood faces to preserve its heritage in face of the Peace Bridge expansion.
Buffalo River Nature Kayak Tour with Buffalo Audubon Society
6 p.m. July 19
Meet: Elevator Alley Kayak, 65 Vandalia St., Buffalo
General Admission $40, Student Admission $35, Explorer Pass Holders $35
The Buffalo River has rapidly transformed in recent decades from an industrial river to a natural landscape. Wildlife and vegetation have quickly returned to the river’s banks as industry has left, providing for a scenic kayak tour as the industrial remnants contrast with the returning greenery and animals. Join Explore Buffalo for this unique experience to learn more about and see in person the river’s transformation. The evening hours of this tour will provide the best opportunity to see wildlife along the river. This tour will be guided by the Buffalo Audubon Society.
This tour of the Buffalo River is provided in partnership with Elevator Alley Kayak, who will provide the kayaks for this urban adventure tour. Be sure to bring your camera for the many terrific photo opportunities on this guided kayak tour! Reservations are required.
Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
10 a.m. July 21
Meet: Innovation Center, 640 Ellicott St., Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
Learn about the upcoming multi-million dollar additions to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, including the UB Medical School and John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital. This route includes interior visits at the Hauptman-Woodward Institute, UB’s Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and other buildings along Buffalo’s “medical corridor.” This tour is made possible by the support and cooperation of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.
North Tonawanda: Lumber City
10 a.m. July 21, 22, 23, 24
Meet: Carnegie Art Center, 240 Goundry St., North Tonawanda
General Admission $10, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
Hear some fascinating history about North Tonawanda and its location on the Erie Canal on this walking tour! How did it become associated with lumber? And what years did it surpass Chicago as the Lumber Capital of the World? Walk streets named after early land owners and influential citizens. Pass late 19th century and early 20th century homes with interesting architecture, and learn a little about their former residents. Admire the stained glass skylight at the Carnegie Art Center. View the graves of the Herschell Family in an historic cemetery, and stop briefly inside the Allan Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum. Also stop at the earlier Herschell-Spillman Motor Company Complex, now transformed into the 21st century canalside residential Remington Lofts.
Mr. & Mrs. Grover Cleveland
6:30 p.m. July 21
Meet: At the statue of Grover Cleveland outside Buffalo City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, at the northeast corner of the building facing Niagara Square.
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
One of Buffalo’s most famous citizens, Stephen Grover Cleveland is still often overlooked or casually dismissed by the history books. With a meteoric rise from Sheriff of Erie County to President of the United States within just a few years, Cleveland made his mark not only on Buffalo but also on the nation. Cleveland’s career was not without its fair share of scandal, both in Buffalo and in the White House. His White House wedding to Buffalo’s Frances Folsom was the talk of the town for more than one reason. Join Explore Buffalo on this entertaining tour as we trace the life of Buffalo’s President, Grover Cleveland and his First Lady.
Harbor Highlights by Bike
2 p.m. July 24
Meet: Whipple Truss Bridge at Canalside, next to the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park, 1 Park Cove, Buffalo
General Admission $15, Student Admission $5, Explorer Pass Holders Free
See the incredible transformation happening all along the city’s Outer Harbor waterfront on this tour! Join us to explore Buffalo’s Outer Harbor along trails that were recently built, providing a scenic journey from the 1833 Buffalo Harbor Lighthouse all the way to Tifft Farm Nature Preserve. The tour will start by taking the new Bike Ferry from Canalside to the Outer Harbor to visit the 1833 Lighthouse and discuss Lake Erie and harbor built of Onondaga limestone. From there, the tour will bike through and discuss the history and current wildlife preserve at Times Beach.
The tour will continue on to Wilkeson Point Park, talk about the Buffalo River, Inner Harbor, and the original sea wall, now Fuhrmann Boulevard, before moving on to the Industrial Heritage Trail to discuss shipping on the Erie Canal and Great Lakes, along with history and evolution of the grain industry in Buffalo. Next will be the Small Boat Harbor and exciting new prospects for the former Freezer Queen site, Gallagher Beach and the new Buffalo Harbor State Park. The tour will proceed to Tifft Nature Preserve with a look at Buffalo’s future, as the new Solar City project is located on the former Republic Steel site behind Tifft Nature Preserve. The tour will end by taking the Bike Ferry back to Canalside.
Bring $2 exact change to take the Bike Ferry across the Buffalo River from Canalside and then return.
Silo Spin: Grain Elevators by Bike
10 a.m. July 31
Meet: Riverfest Park Lodge, 249 Ohio St., Buffalo
Following the invention of the grain elevator in 1842 by local merchant Joseph Dart, Buffalo quickly became one of the largest grain ports in the world. Towering grain elevators and silos were built lining the Buffalo River for the storage and transfer of grain. Many of these grain elevators still stand, and Buffalo today remains home to the largest collection of grain elevators in the world. On this guided cycling tour, you will see many of Buffalo’s grain elevators from a variety of vantage points and learn about their history. Be sure to bring your camera!
Helmets are required for all tour participants. Each tour participant must have a bicycle in good working condition; participants are also required to sign a waiver before the tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 14 years old.
Please note that advance reservations are encouraged but not required for walking tours. All credit card payments must be made in advance. Advance reservations with a credit card can be made online until the tour starting time. Cash or checks only are accepted at the start of the tour. If you make an advance reservation, please print your confirmation email, or be prepared to show it on your phone.
For more information and reservations, please visit www.explorebuffalo.org or call (716) 245-3032.
