Posted in Buffalo January 18, 2018 by

The Historic Small Town Near Buffalo That Everyone Should Visit At Least Once

We love exploring the history in and around the Queen City. While some of the most notable places are within the city limits, it’s never a bad idea to venture outside of county lines to discover more! This is one historic small town near Buffalo that everyone should visit at least once. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll keep coming back for more.

Medina, NY is technically a village, but that's neither here nor there. This place is full of rich history just waiting to be explored!
David Wilson - Flickr
As soon as you enter into the village hub, you'll notice a shift in atmosphere that's almost palpable. Without even getting out of your vehicle, it's easy to see why this quaint village tops our list of must-sees.
Medina is known for a few major things. First, the Erie Canal, which runs through the village and gave local businesses their rise at the start of the 20th century.
ckowalik - Flickr
Today, locals and visitors can enjoy bike and running paths along the canal as it meanders its way through town.
Another highlight of this historic small town: The Medina Railroad Museum.
David Wilson - Flickr
This is one of the largest railroad and toy train museums in all of New York State. In addition to being able to view the trains and models on display, you can also take a ride on a "Blues and Booze Excursion" or bring the kids for "A Day Out With Thomas the Train" for a truly memorable experience!
A bit more about the history of Medina: there are notable buildings almost everywhere you turn in this small town.
Doug Kerr - Flickr
First up: the Earliest Church, dubbed by Ripley's Believe It Or Not as "The Church In The Middle Of The Street."
Another place worth noting in Medina is the Newell Shirt Company, known by most locals as simply "the shirt factory."
Keith Ewing - Flickr
This building has been renovated and converted into a boutique hotel worth resting your head at! Downstairs, you will find a meadery and indulgent cafe to make your stay complete.
Medina Sandstone abounds in several of the buildings you will see as you enter this historic small town.
Doug Kerr - Flickr
It is one of the things this village is known for, after all! Medina Sandstone can also be seen in our own city in the buildings of the Richardson Olmsted Complex!
We could go on and on about the attractions here, but you simply need to visit this historic small town near Buffalo to truly understand how cool it is.
Hart House Hotel - Facebook
If these reasons weren't enough to convince you already, we are certain you will find dozens more once you enter Medina's Historic District!

Medina is located less than an hour’s drive northeast of Buffalo, so there’s no excuse not to take a trip up to explore this charming village, even if it’s just a quick afternoon excursion.

Have you been to Medina to witness the history firsthand? We love this village and can’t wait for an excuse to head back to take in more! Share your stories and suggestions for other fantastic historic small towns near Buffalo in the comments below.