If you’re anything like me, you’ll agree that one of the best parts about living in New York is that we have so many fascinating attractions that allow us to dive into our state’s history. But out of all of the Empire State’s historic towns, there’s one out in Western New York that we would highly encourage you to visit: Lewiston, New York.

Out in Niagara County just a half-hour north of Buffalo, the small town of Lewiston is packed full of history.
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Home to just over 16,000 residents, the small town of Historic Lewiston is a great place to escape away to when you're looking to leave cities like Niagara Falls, Buffalo or even Rochester. The town was officially formed in 1818, covering 64-square miles of land along the Niagara River.
The town is full of charming street signs that will point you in the direction of popular attractions and places to see.
Curtis Anderson/Flickr
It's all in the details! There are so many things to love about the town of Lewiston, but it's little characteristics like these that make visiting here all the more delightful.
Take a look around areas in town like Center Street and you'll find the road lined with historic buildings that are nearly 200 years old.
Curtis Anderson/Flickr
Well preserved for all to continue to see, you'll find more buildings than you'd expect in Lewiston that date back to the early 1800s! The beautiful buildings in town are a great reminder of just how long Lewiston has been around.
Still standing on Center Street, visitors can see the historic Frontier House that was built back in 1824.
Wikimedia Commons
Once one of the best hotels in the area, the Frontier House was added to the National Register of Historic places back in 1974. Over the years the historic building has served as many things (even a McDonalds) and has time and time again been reported as a place that's full of haunting spirits and ghosts. People on the property have had things go missing, heard strange sounds, seen doors unexpectedly close and have even seen actual spirits. Talk about a fascinating history!
When it comes to Lewiston's history though, the main reason you'll find people talking about this town is because it was one of the last stops on the Underground Railroad.
LindaDee2006/Flickr
An unforgettable time in history that this area of New York played a big part in, groups of residents in the town of Lewiston broke the law to help fugitive slaves safely make their way into Canada.

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On North Water Street right along the banks of the Niagara River, the Freedom Crossing Monument is a must-see when in Lewiston.
Stacy B/TripAdvisor
Pulling the emotion out of everyone who visits, seeing the Freedom Crossing Monument is something you must do before leaving town. Right near the monument you'll find the plaque (as pictured above), giving you a brief history of Lewiston's part in the Underground Railroad. To learn more about the Freedom Crossing Monument, be sure to check out our feature article.
Reminding you of our history everywhere you turn, you'll also find other monuments in town that pay homage to different parts of Lewiston's roots.
Bklyn4ever/TripAdvisor
Easy to spot along Portage Road, the Tuscarora Heroes Monument is meant to stand as a forever thank you to the Tuscarora Nation for saving the lives of residents in the War of 1812. The beautiful bronze statues are meant to depict two Tuscarora men helping a Lewiston woman and her baby escape the British attack.
Lewiston is also home to the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant, where you can pay a visit to the Niagara Power Visitors Center.
TRONOSKI Photography/Flickr
Lewiston is full of all sorts of history and interesting attractions, with the Robert Moses Power Plant being just one of them. The land itself that the power plant has been built on has quite the lengthy history that dates back to the very early 1800s, where the idea of building a power plant first began. From the Visitors Center you'll have a unique view of the power plant and get to indulge yourself in the history of these hydroelectric power plants.
Another great thing about this town? They even manage to turn historic structures into mouthwatering restaurants.
mike445/TripAdvisor
Right along the Lower Niagara River, The Silo is a restaurant that's been a part of the area's history for more than one hundred years. The silo was first built along the Niagara River to house coal for steamships, today it now functions as one of our favorite waterfront restaurants in New York State. To learn more about The Silo and why you want to visit, check out our feature article!
From the waterfront history to the Underground Railroad, there's so much you'll love learning about when it comes to Lewiston's roots.
mike445/TripAdvisor
Pictured above right near The Silo is the Historic Harbormaster Station along the Lower Niagara River. All along this stretch of the river you can find trails to walk along and stops that will teach you about the area's long history. If you're interested in learning even more about Historic Lewiston, visit the official Lewiston website.

Looking for other attractions that will teach you more about our state? Then you’ll want to read about these 10 Amazing Field Trips Every New Yorker Took As A Kid And Should Retake Now!Out

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The Silo and why you'll want to visit,

Sarah M. | November 21, 2022

What are some other historic towns in New York to visit?

If you enjoyed exploring Lewiston, New York, then you will be delighted to discover these historic towns in New York, too:

  • Ticonderoga: Right along the shores of Lake Champlain where Vermont is close you can see our friendly neighbor, visiting the town of Ticonderoga is nothing short of stepping back in time. With stunning views of the water, its historic locations like Fort Ticonderoga that bring people to this town. Known for being America's Most Historic Landscape, taking a trip to this fort will be exactly like stepping into the 18th century.
  • New Paltz. You may know New Paltz as being one of New York's best adventure towns, but you'll find that many people come here to learn more about the local history. Head over to the Huguenot Street Historical District, where you can find stone houses from the 18th century that are still in their original setting. One of our favorite historic points of interest in New Paltz is the Abraham Hasbrouck House. Built in 1735 by Colonel Abraham Hasbrouck in Kingston's Stockade District, this colonial stone house is now a registered landmark.
  • Lake Placid. With the large Olympic Ski Jumps towering over the tree line of the Adirondacks, it's hard not to instantly feel like you've been thrown back into time when visiting Lake Placid. The historic town has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and surrounds visitors with beautiful scenery and pieces of the past. Home to less than 3,000 residents, there's nothing like taking a getaway to this secluded town to learn more about its history. Oh, and during the holidays? Lake Placid is easily the best Christmas town in New York!

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Lewiston, NY 14092, USA