This suggested itinerary lists historic places related to pioneer women, wine tasting, national parks, women-owned restaurants, and more. Take your girlfriends, partners, family, or travel by yourself and learn more about the birthplace of the US suffrage movement.
Seneca Falls is a small town located in the beautiful Finger Lake region in New York state. It is mostly famous for the key role it played in the long journey of women’s right to vote as well as the famous residents who once lived there. It all started in July 1848, when 300 women and men gathered in Wesleyan Chapel to attend the first National Women’s Rights Convention. These historic two days where the beginning of the long journey of women’s right to vote. On the second day of the convention, 100 people signed the Declaration of Sentiments, a document declaring equal rights for women.
Seneca Falls today is offering several attractions related to this historic event, as well as other activities – all listed below. Falls street is basically the center of the historic town. Most of the historic attractions, restaurants, and stores are within walking distance.
Things To Do & Places To Visit
1. The Women’s Rights National Historical Park Visitor Center
136 Fall Street Seneca Falls, NY 13148.
The museum is dedicated to telling the story of the history of the Women’s Rights Movement in the US and how it all started in the small town of Seneca Falls.
The National Park Service operates the museum and preserves the other sites in the area associated with the 1848 First Women’s Rights Convention. It is an excellent source for maps, directions, to hear about the special events, and for a restroom stop.
In front of the visitor center, there is Elizabeth Cady Stanton Park. A small park with a nice view of the Seneca-Cayuga Canal.
Admission is free.
Click here for more information.
2. The Declaration Park and Waterwall
136 Fall Street Seneca Falls, NY 13148.
A green park which is located between the visitor center and the Wesleyan Chapel.
On its west side, there is a 100 feet long bluestone wall with the inscription of the Declaration of Sentiments and the 100 signatures.
The primary author of the Declaration of Sentiments was Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and it was modeled after the US Declaration of Independence. The document was signed at the M’Clintock House on the second day of the convention.
3. Wesleyan Chapel
136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, NY.
In here in 1848, the first national women’s rights convention took place. The first national gathering in the long journey of women’s right to vote.
Even before the Convention, this church was a meeting place for antislavery activity and free speech events.
Admission is free.
4. Elizabeth Cady Stanton House
32 Washington Street, Seneca Falls, NY.
In this house, Stanton lived and raised her children for 15 years.
Here she co-organized the Seneca Falls convention, co-wrote the Declaration of Sentiments, and led the first years of the women’s suffrage movement.
The house can be visited via a guided tour.
Click here for more information.
5. M’Clintock House
14 Williams Street, Waterloo, NY.
This was the home of Quakers Mary Ann and Thomas M’Clintock. At this place, the Declaration of Sentiments was signed in 1848.
A visit to this house will show an example of Quakers’ life in the 19th century and their essential role in the abolition and women’s rights movement.
The house can be visited in a guided tour.
6. National Women’s Hall of Fame
1 Canal St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148.
A museum and organization that celebrates American women’s achievements in all fields.
Their mission is “Showcasing great women… Inspiring all!”
From its foundation in 1969 till the end of 2020, 293 women were inducted into the Hall.
In August 2020, the museum moved to the historic 1844 Seneca Knitting Mill. The first floor showcases the exhibitions of the Women of the Hall.
A visit to the museum reveals their stories and supporting the museum’s mission.
Click here for more information.
7. When Anthony Met Stanton Statue
East Bayard Street and Spring Street, Seneca Falls, New York, 13148.
The statue commemorates a historic moment, the first introduction of the suffragist leaders Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton by Amelia Bloomer in May 1851 in Seneca Falls.
This moment led to a lifetime of friendship and partnership for the fight for women’s right to vote.
Click here for more information.
8. Ripples of Change Statue
East Bayard Street and Spring Street, Seneca Falls, NY, 13148.
The monument includes four statues of leaders from the Seneca and the Cayuga nations – Laura Cornelius Kellogg, Harriet Tubman, Martha Coffin Wright, and Sojourner Truth.
It was created by Jane DeDecker and dedicated on September 24th, 2021.
Read about it in detail here.
9. “It’s A Wonderful Life”
32 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, NY.
A common belief is that Seneca Falls inspired Frank Capra’s holiday classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life” and that Seneca Falls is the real Bedford Falls.
Visit the “It’s a Wonderful Life Museum” or stand on the bridge that Jimmy Stewart’s character jumped from in the movie, named now It’s a Wonderful Life Bridge.
If you are in the area during the second weekend of December, do not miss the annual event related to the movie.
Chill by the lake with your preferred beverage
Seneca Falls is located at the heart of the Finger Lakes region, named after the series of long thin lakes.
Around the area, there are more than 70 wineries, making it the perfect destination to chill by the lake with a special glass of wine or beer.
Around the lakes, there are scenic byways and wine trails.
Closed by Seneca Falls are the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, known as America’s first wine trail, and the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
All the wineries are family-owned businesses and offer wine tasting and shopping.
Here are some recommended ones that were co-founded or are managed by women:
- Buttonwood Grove Winery, co-founded by Melissa. 5986 State Route 89 Romulus, NY 14541.
- Hosmer Winery, co-founded by Maren Hosmer. 7020 State Route 89 Ovid, NY 14521.
- Long Point Winery, co-owner and CEO Rosemary Barletta. 1485 Lake Road, Aurora, NY 13026.
- Lucas Vineyards, founded by Ruth Lucas and her family. 3862 County Road 150, Interlaken, NY, 14847.
- Six Mile Creek Vineyard, co-owner Amy Renodin. 1551 Slaterville Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850.
- Swedish Hill Winery, managed by the Peterson family – co-founded by Cindy and co-managed today by her daughter in law, Jean. 4565 State Route 414, Romulus, NY 14541.
- Belhurst Estate Winery. The original owner who built the house was Carrie Harron Collins, and it changed several owners over the years. 4069 West Lake Road, Geneva, NY.
State Parks near Seneca Falls
- Cayuga Lake State Park
2678 Lower Lake Road Seneca Falls, NY 13148.
Lying on the shore of Cayuga Lake will present an expansive view of the lake, wide-open lawns, swimming beach in addition to cabins, tent sites, and more.
For more information, check the park’s website.
- Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
3395 Routes 5 & 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY 13148.
Home for numerous migratory birds flying along the Atlantic Flyway. At the refuge, there is a visitor center, observation towers, nature trails, and guided tours during the spring and fall migrations.
For more information, check the park’s website.
- Taughannock Falls State Park
1740 Taughannock Blvd. Trumansburg, NY 14886.
There are several trails to view the spectacular falls as well as campsites, cabins, nearby beach, A multi-use trail-hiking, cross-country skiing-winds past sledding slopes and natural skating ponds. During the summertime, there are tours through the gorge and summer concerts along the lakefront.
For more information, check the park’s website.
Places To Stay
Within a mile in the downtown area:
- 3’s a Charm – Relax After Wine Touring, Shopping & Site Seeing
Managed and owned by Irene Sawall Barber, a comfortable vacation home in a quiet area.
Check Availability
- VanCleef Homestead Bed and Breakfast
86 Cayuga Street Seneca Falls, NY 13148.
Located in one of the earliest federal style homes in the Seneca Falls Historic District, built by Lawrence VanCleef in 1825. In 2006, the house was renovated and converted to a cozy Bed and Breakfast by Carol and Brent Gibbs. There are 3 different rooms that can fit from 1-5 guests. The common area has a pool, lounge, and dining area where complimentary breakfast is served daily.
Check Availability
- Barrister’s Bed & Breakfast
56 Cayuga Street Seneca Falls, NY 13148.
This welcoming and cozy Bed & Breakfast is managed by Diane and ken and located in a historic house dated from 1860. There are several rooms with queen and king beds.
Mostly suitable for singles and couples.
Check Availability
- The Gould Hotel
108 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, NY 13148.
This elegant boutique motel is located in a beautiful historic building dated back to 1920. There are rooms with queen beds, king beds suitable for singles or couples, and some rooms with two full beds that will fit a party of four. Continental breakfast is served every morning.
Check Availability
Few miles from the downtown:
- Hampton Inn Seneca Falls
1950 Balsley Road, Seneca Falls, NY 13148.
Indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a daily hot continental breakfast are offered daily in this hotel. Kings, queens, and double queen beds rooms are available.
Check Availability
- Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham
1966 Route 5 & 20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148.
This nice motel is located on the road between Seneca Falls and Waterloo. It offers rooms with single or double queen beds with sitting areas.
Check Availability
July:
- The annual commemoration of the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention is a three days celebration of women’s rights movement legacy.
December:
- “It’s A Wonderful Life” Festival – a celebration of the holiday season-themed after the famous movie “It’s A Wonderful Life”
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Places To Eat
Women-Owned Restaurants
- Cafe 19
Owned by Seneca Falls native and chef Casey Galloway, Cafe 19 (named after the 19th Amendment) offers breakfast, lunch, pastries, celebratory cakes, pies, beverages, and catering. The cafe is decorated with suffrage movement colors and showcases portraits of notable suffragists on the wall.
20 E. Bayard St. Seneca Falls, NY
- XIX Café
Open for breakfast and lunch. Owner and chef – Casey Galloway.
20 E Bayard St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
More info on the website
- Penny’s Place
A family-owned American diner, serving daily breakfast and lunch. It was founded by Penny Siblosky and managed by her sons since her retirement.
2109 route 5&20 liberty plaza, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
More info on the website
Other options in the area
- Avicolli’s Pizza
Italian restaurant serving daily lunch and dinner.
170 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
More info on the website
- 84 Fall
Tapas bar serving dinner daily and Sunday brunch. Closed on Mondays.
84 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
More info on the website
Shopping
Seneca Falls’s main street is Falls St, which offers some local shops within the small radius of Falls and State St.
- Do not miss a visit to WomanMade Products, that offers a collection of women’s art and craft.
- Fifteen minutes’ drive from Seneca Falls is Waterloo Premium Outlets, which offers a large collection of known brands.
