This Road Trip Takes You To The Most Fascinating Historical Sites Around Buffalo
By Lea Monroe|Published October 31, 2018
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
From historic homes to former insane asylums, there’s quite an array of historical sites that are all located here within the Queen City. Putting all of our favorite sites into one fascinating road trip, from start to finish it’ll only take you one hour (and two minutes) of driving time and just over eighteen miles to complete this trip. So, what’re you waiting for? It’s time to set aside a weekend to cross all of these interesting places off of your Buffalo bucket list.
To view the full interactive road trip on Google Maps, click here.
One of the most fascinating historical sites that you'll ever visit in Buffalo, Hotel Henry was once an insane asylum and now you can spend the night here! What was once an eerie building whose halls you'd never want to walk, is now a modern and luxurious hotel that attracts visitors from all over the world. Like staying in a modern-day castle all while vividly feeling the history of the walls that are surrounding you, there's nothing quite like making a stop at this Queen City hotel.
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2. Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
Right on Delaware Avenue, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site gives Buffalonians the chance to look into an amazing piece of history. Dating back to 1840 from when it was an army barracks to 1901 when it was the place where a presidential inauguration happened, this one site has so much history packed into it that you'll love to learn about.
Another piece of history that's always exciting to visit, Shea's Performing Arts Center has been around since the 1920s when it was originally showing silent movies! A famous Buffalo landmark that's recognizable with its big, bright lights, Shea's is one of our favorite stops to make on Main Street and we couldn't recommend it anymore. From the eye-catching exterior to the beautiful gold and red interior that'll leave you speechless, there's no better venue to catch a show than at Shea's.
Buffalonians have been shopping at the Market Arcade since 1892, a truly timeless destination in our city. Modeled after London's Burlington Arcade, the shopping center continues to feature a variety of stores for people to explore all in one place.
After driving through the heart of the city, it only seems right to make a stop out along the waterfront. Taking you out to the shores of Lake Erie, the Buffalo Lighthouse was first built back in 1833. Group tours of the lighthouse can be scheduled, giving you an exclusive look at not only this piece of history but an exclusive view that isn't always open to the public.
What was once a grand railroad station has now turned into an abandoned building that the city is rallying together to breathe life back into. The Buffalo Central Terminal operated for 50-years between 1929 and 1979 and sits only a couple of miles outside of Downtown Buffalo. Today the Central Terminal Restoration Company has been working hard to put on unique events inside the terminal and making major necessary repairs so that the history of this station can be preserved for future generations.
Last but absolutely not least, Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House Complex is a piece of Buffalo's history that we never grow tired of visiting. Completed back in 1905, the house is one of Wright's most notable designs and an absolute pleasure to take a tour of.
