In many ways, the community of Hornell was built around the advent of the American railroad industry. Hornell once had four rail lines, the most prominent of which was the New York and Erie Railroad which arrived in 1850.

Over the next 120 years, Hornell became a major hub for the New York and Erie Railroad as its steam engine shop did the repairs for the entire Erie line. While the passenger rail system through the area has faded into history, Hornell continues to be a hub for railcar creation thanks to Alstom.

Since 2005, the Erie Depot Museum has worked to preserve the history of the railroad industry—the backbone of the Hornell community for so long—and the men and women upon which that industry was built. Explore historic train memorabilia including over 700 artifacts on display in the former Erie Railroad Depot.

“Hornell has been a railroad town since 1850 . . . and has derived much of its growth from the railroad men and women who have lived there.” - Reginald Stuart, The New York Times

Though the museum has limited seasonal hours, it is open to the public and the docents often have their own personal connection to railroad history. A tour typically lasts 45-60 minutes, though the stories some of the docents tell have been known to captivate folks for longer. Check the museum’s website for information on hours and special events.
Pro tip: This small museum relies heavily on volunteer docents and has limited hours, so please check ahead. If you are interested in a private tour, reach out to the museum directly.

Tucked idyllically among the forested hills at the northwestern edge of Steuben County, you’ll discover Stony Brook State Park with its three large falls and several smaller riffles cascading through the deep gorge.

With rustic cabins and over 100 tent and trailer campsites scattered throughout the woodlands above the gorge, Stony Brook is the perfect place to camp, hike, picnic, and more.

Not every campground has their very own waterfall.

Enjoy the peacefulness of time spent in the country while being close to so much fun. With cabins, luxury tents, and RV hook-ups, Sun Valley aims to please.

Learn more here.

Immerse yourself on extended hikes along the nearly 1,000 miles of wilderness footpaths that make up the Finger Lakes Trail. Or simply enjoy a little time slowing down, strolling paths and observing nature.
Just minutes from Route 36, the Finger Lakes Trail wanders through Klipnocky State Forest in Arkport and Bully Hill State Forest in Almond.
Another shorter loop trail that connect with the larger Finger Lakes Trail is the Kanakadea Park Trail. Kanakadea Park is also a great spot for fishing in the Almond Reservoir. Kanakadea Park Trail Klipnocky State Forest

The Canisteo River starts out west in neighboring Allegheny County and travels across Steuben County meeting up with the Tioga River just outside Corning. Along the way it passes through several communities including Arkport, Hornell, Canisteo, Addison, Cameron Mills, Adrian, and Rathbone. There are access points in Canisteo, Addison, Cameron Mills and Rathbone. Anglers fish the river for Brown trout, Smallmouth bass, and Rainbow trout.

Hornell has a number of excellent dining options, including Marino's, Paddy's Pub and Grill, Biggie's.

But Racalto's is a new restaurant located less than a mile-and-a-half from the Hampton Inn Hornell offering a diverse selection of culinary treats from Korean BBQ to Pastrami Reuben sandwiches, burgers to brisket wraps.

A fun (and tasty) seasonal activity for the whole family, blueberry picking is one of the best ways to get close to nature by going directly to the source where your food comes from. While the season dates vary year-to-year, blueberry season can start as early as late June and run into early September, but typically the best dates tend to run mid-July until early August. Having said that, it’s always best to check ahead.

There are two u-pick blueberry locations near Hornell: Stone Hill Blueberries and Blueberry Hill Farm.

Lion’s Will Studio

Do you dream of being a solo artist? Or have a band looking to drop an original track? While you’re here exploring the wonders of Finger Lakes Rustic and Wild, you can arrange for some studio time and record your own demo at Lion's Will Music shop in Hornell. Talk about going home with an original souvenir.

Learn more here.

Located on a winding country road in Canisteo, Cider Creek has been getting national attention for its delicious hard cider.

The most awarded farm cidery in New York State, they also offer excellent craft beers and wines from NYS farm breweries and wineries. Kevin Collins is not just creating some delicious innovative ciders, he’s also doing unusual collaborations with regional breweries and wineries.

“Find your way to Cider Creek Hard Cider in Canisteo. From Hammondsport, it’s a 40-minute drive on breathtaking country roads, passing wind turbines, silos and farmland, climbing and descending hills, to get to this growing famous by the month cidery.” — Malerie Yolen-Cohen, Huffington Post

This family farm often brings their wonderful goods to local Farm Market’s, but you owe it to yourself to swing by the small farm store for a real treat. We’re talking maple ice cream made from goat’s milk (rich, creamy, and oh so good).

The farm also sells meat, eggs, fibre, goat milk soap, kombucha, milk (goat and cow) goat cheese, and other products like local honey, flour, baked goods, plus bulk foods including sugar, herbs, and spices.

Hidden not too far off the Interstate, Stewart’s offers an assortment of delicious local goodies!

Check ahead, as the farm store is not open every day. Friday’s soft serve ice cream.

Slow down and savor delicious wines crafted by the Piatt family. Enjoy peaceful pastoral views of the Canisteo and Almond Valleys from the upstairs deck. Gather around the fire pit with friends sipping a glass of wine and sharing stories. Listen to live music or laugh out loud watching a touring comedian.

At Savor Vineyards and Wine you’ll feel like you’re with longtime friends as you experience country life with delicious wine and friendly people.

Visit the winery's website for details on hours of operation, as well as their entertainment schedule for the season.

Looking for quirky unusual finds? How about the World’s Largest Living Sign? Or, perhaps, a State Park voted #1 in the country!

Canisteo Living Sign
A trademark of the town since 1933 and recorded in Ripley's Believe it or Not! as the World’s Largest Living Sign, the Canister Living Sign is also found on the National Registry of Historical Places. Consisting of 260 Scotch Pine trees that spell out the name “Canisteo” on a hillside behind the local school, the sign was replanted in 2015.

Picnic Time
Another local favorite, FitzPatrick’s Farm Market offers some of the best farm-market products around (meats, cheeses, produce, jams and jellies) and the deli has some great to-go food for a picnic at nearby Stony Brook State Park.

Get Moving
Cyclists can enjoy the American Treasures Scenic Byway, a popular 51 mile point-to-point bike route stretching from Addison to Stony Brook State Park.

Grand Canyon of the East
Being voted the #1 State Park in the United States certainly does bring with it a heightened level of expectation. But every now and then you discover a place that deserves all the hype. Letchworth State Park is one such place.

Witnessing the sheer magnificence of the gorge can be transformative. Stand behind a rustic stone wall while gazing out on the expansive canyon as the Genessee River churns below, winding its way around the base of a mountainous stone bluff. Letchworth is a smorgasbord of outdoor activities, from hiking, paddling, fishing, and camping to trails intentionally designed to engage the senses.

Hampton Inn Hornell

The area’s newest hotel, located just off I-86 in Hornell, this accommodation offers an indoor pool, EV charging, pet-friendly rooms, fitness center, free hot breakfast and more.

Just minutes from Stony Brook State Park, Cider Creek Hard Cider, Railhead Brewing, Savor Winery, the Erie Depot Museum and within walking distance of Wegmans, this new hotel shines brightly in the Maple City.

Reserve your room here.

Best Western Maple City Inn

With a heated indoor pool and a complimentary hot breakfast that includes scrambled eggs, sausage, waffles, breads, muffins, danishes, juice, and coffee, Best Western Maple City Inn is more than just an overnight accommodation. It’s also a place for family fun.

Reserve your room here.