The Erie Canal flows directly through the middle of Spencerport and has been the lifeblood of the village for over a hundred years. In the 19th century, tired drivers liked Spencerport because it was a perfect spot to change mules for the last 12-mile pull along the canal to Rochester. In the beginning of the 21st century, canal travelers will find a vastly different scene than those mule drivers saw, and will be pleasantly surprised to find a picturesque but modern village.
A dock near the canal bridge, pump holding tanks for boats, 40
feet of boardwalk linked to a gazebo and entertainment area, a handicapped-accessible fishing pier, hiking trail and easy access to food and supplies make Spencerport a destination for canal travelers.
For further information check out: New York State Canals and Canalway Trails
Visitors will find a variety of gift shops and boutiques, restaurants, a coffee shop, grocery store, jewelry store, laundromat and much more within walking distance of the canal docking area.
In addition to these amenities, visitors will find themselves within a few miles of several well-maintained golf courses, public parks, a library, and more. Northampton Park, located off Route 31 in Ogden, boasts acres of rolling hills and hiking trails, picnic areas, and skiing and sledding in the winter. Located within Northampton Park is Springdale Farm, a working farm owned by Heritage Christian Homes and operated by developmentally challenged adults. Springdale staff offer tours and many special events such as a sheep-shearing event in the Spring, and a giant corn maze in late summer and early fall. Springdale is also home to the Riedman Robotic Milking Center.
Pineway Ponds Park is just a few minutes walking distance North from the canal area and offers a playground, picnic areas, fishing, ball fields and courts, and a skate park.
Just a short 1.5 mile drive north from Spencerport on North Union Street brings you to Ridge Road, also known as Route 104. Historically known as Parma Corners, this intersection was the crossroads of two Native American trails and soon became an important commercial hamlet as settlement occurred in the early 19th century."The Ridge," as Ridge Road is often referred to locally, extends about 5 miles across the southern end of the Town of Parma. It is currently home to a mix of commercial businesses and privately owned residential homes. Among the activities available along the Ridge are indoor, outdoor and miniature golf facilities. Automobile service stations and sales dealerships abound, and car afficianados will find a wide variety of new, used and classic cars for sale along the road. Retail businesses are well represented in the various flea markets, specialty clothing boutiques, antique shops, furniture stores and other establishments offering everything from dolls to food and lodging. Sprinkled throughout the area are several historic sites, homes and buildings. All are privately owned, but are visible from the road.
Two miles north of the Ridge on Route 259 is the Parma Town Hall and Historian's Office where one can find more information on Parma's past. Become a "Ridge Runner" on your next trip through western Monroe County and explore the wide variety of activities and sites to see along the Ridge Road in South Parma.
The Spencerport Fireman’s Carnival is held annually in June and begins with the popular “kiddie parade” on Wednesday evening. On Thursday evening, the Fireman’s Parade features area fire departments in full regalia accompanied by marching bands, classic cars and other local groups. The parade is followed by two nights of carnival rides, games and food.
Concerts on the Canal are held every Sunday afternoon in June, July and August beginning at 6:30 pm at the Clyde Carter Memorial Gazebo along the scenic Erie Canal. Concerts are free, although food is available for purchase from local vendors. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the sounds of jazz, swing and more. Call the Village of Spencerport at 585-352-4771 or more information on the concert series.
Spencerport’s Canal Days celebration takes place the last weekend in July and is a two day festival featuring arts and crafts, music, water events on the canal, a classic car show, a spectacular fireworks display, a street dance and much more. Canal Days began in 1981 and continues to draw thousands of visitors every year.
The Village of Hilton, located within the Town of Parma, annually hosts the Hilton Apple Fest on the first weekend of October. This festival evokes the memories of days gone by with its celebration of the annual apple harvest. Craft and food vendors, an apple pie contest, music, games and entertainment combine with spectacular fall foliage to create a memorable autumn weekend.
Join us in Spencerport for an old-fashioned Christmas on the Canal the second Sunday after Thanksgiving. The event features concerts by local choirs, dance performances, children’s activities, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and a candlelit caroling stroll through the Village at dusk. Make Spencerport, Ogden and Parma a destination on your next trip through Western New York. We'll be glad to see you!
Photos courtesy of Paul Boccacino and the Canal Days Committee.
Browse through our photo gallery for more images of our town and village.
