If you’re planning to visit us in April 2024 for the Total Solar Eclipse, you’re going to want to make time to see some of the best spots, most iconic attractions, and “totality awesome” areas in Rochester! We know time is short and it’s hard to know where to start, so consider this your guide to some can’t-miss locations that should “totality” be on your list:
I ❤ ROC SIGN AT PARCEL 5
An outdoor greenspace with a beautiful view of the Rochester skyline, the “I ❤ ROC” sign is a great place to stop during your visit. Grab a shot in front of the sign to commemorate your time in Rochester, then spend some time admiring the downtown area, sitting in the sunshine and enjoying the fresh air. Since its opening in 2021, Parcel 5 has been home to many free community events and become a favorite outdoor spot for locals. Visit and you’ll be in the heart of the city and steps away from other iconic attractions, including…
THE STRONG NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PLAY
Fun for families and friends of all ages, the Strong National Museum of Play is the place to let your inner child roam free. Talk a stroll down Sesame Street, bask in the indoor Butterfly Garden, unleash your pinball skills, and play your way through this amazing stop. The new outdoor Hasbro Game Park is part of the recent expansion at The Strong and features life-sized versions of favorite tabletop games including tributes to Monopoly, Dungeons & Dragons, the Game of Life, Scrabble and more.
EVENT: SOLAR SPECTACULAR - April Break week will feature a number of eclipse-themed activities including outer space-themed displays, obstacle course fun, moon rocks, and Arcade Challenges! On Monday, April 8 get ready for the eclipse with specialty crafts in the Play Lab and learn about the science and physics behind eclipses from astrophysicist Kamryn Griffith.
ROCHESTER MUSEUM & SCIENCE CENTER
At the RMSC, you can explore three floors of interactive science and history themed exhibits, with hands-on activities for kids young and old. Learn about topics like Rochester’s Underground Railroad, Female Changemakers, the science behind everyday devices, electricity and more through the museum's fascinating exhibits.
EVENT: ROC THE ECLIPSE FESTIVAL - During Eclipse weekend, the RMSC will be hosting a 3-day festival filled with music, food, live entertainment and fun that invites everyone to ROC the Eclipse. Details for the festival can be found in our recent blog here.
TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE GLASSES AT THE STRASENBURGH PLANETARIUM
During a total solar eclipse, eye protection is key! See the giant eclipse glasses being housed by the Strasenburgh Planetarium (at the RMSC) during your visit and pick up some human-sized glasses of your own to use during viewing. Remember: It’s never safe to look directly at the sun, so special glasses equipped with solar filters are key! Pick yours up early and come prepared.
If you’ve ever used a camera filled with Kodak film, you’ll want to make a stop here! Rochester is home to George Eastman, founder of the Eastman Kodak Company. Stop by the George Eastman Museum to tour his former home and learn about this extraordinary man and his contributions to the film industry.
EVENT: FOCUS, CLICK, TOTALITY! - This special event will showcase the historic gardens and grounds as a viewing area for the eclipse. Visitors will have the opportunity to view a display of pinhole cameras from the museum’s extensive collection and a selection of eclipse-related works in the Collection Gallery. Guests can walk into a camera with a mobile camera obscura on the grounds, make their own pinhole projector in the museum’s Discovery Room along with a number of other activities, food and drink options and more.
Lovingly known in Rochester as the “MAG,” the Memorial Art Gallery is home to over 12,000 pieces of art spanning the centuries through more than 5,000 years of art history. Stop by for a tour of the indoor galleries and rotating exhibits, enjoy a bite of brunch at the café Brown Hound Downtown, then walk the outdoor Sculpture Garden for larger-than-life outdoor art.
EVENT: ECLIPSE VIEWING - Witness a once in a lifetime celestial event right at the Memorial Art Gallery! Enjoy the eclipse at the Memorial Art Gallery. Expect eclipse merch, live music, and more! A string trio will be performing during the event.
Did you know that Rochester has a 96-ft waterfall in the middle of downtown? Visit High Falls to see the marvel and stroll along the paved outdoor footpath. Stop for a beer and delicious dinner at Genesee Brew House (part of the Genesee Brewing Company), which has been brewing since its founding in 1878. The rooftop and outdoor balcony are great places to enjoy a bite alongside beautiful views of the waterfall and downtown city skyline.
SUSAN B. ANTHONY MUSEUM & HOUSE
Rochester is known for its role in the women’s rights movement due to legendary figure Susan B. Anthony calling the city her home. Visit the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, still standing on Madison Street, where Anthony fought for the female right to vote and was arrested in the front parlor after illegally casting her ballot in the 1872 Presidential Election. Down the street, see the “Let’s Have Tea” Statue depicting Anthony’s close relationship with abolitionist Frederick Douglass and grab lunch at the 1872 Café, which still houses the actual ballot box where that famous illegal vote was placed.
GENESEE COUNTRY VILLAGE & MUSEUM
Explore Genesee Country Village & Museum, the largest and most comprehensive living history museum in New York State. Visitors will enjoy a truly historic experience when they view the eclipse from a 19th-century Historic Village.
EVENT: SOLAR SPECTACLE: A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE - Genesee Country Village & Museum is offering four days of celestial celebrations leading up to and during the total solar eclipse (April 5-8). Plan ahead and select them as your unique home-base for Eclipse Viewing Day – whether that is a private building in the Historic Village, one of their unique hospitality packages, or the South Field Drive-In/Festival Grounds option.
Be transported around the world while in Rochester as you experience up-close animal interactions with Masai giraffes, red pandas, African elephants, a southern white rhino, California sea lions, and many more.
EVENT: SENECA PARK ZOO ECLIPSE WEEKEND - Enjoy a range of on-site activities all included with Zoo admission including animal experiences, zoo programming, meet and greets and more.
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EVENTS
Beyond the events happening at some of our most iconic locations around Rochester, there are celebrations taking place all weekend long! Check out the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s Eclipse Spectacular and their Sensory-Friendly Eclipse Concert, Rochester Red Wings Solarpalooza Viewing Party, Eclipse Weekend at the Seneca Park Zoo, Total Eclipse of the Port at SUNY Brockport, a Toast to Totality at Casa Large Vineyards and so much more! For a full list of events, click here.
Explore even more things to do while you're in Rochester for the eclipse here and be sure to share your adventures with us on social media using #VisitROC. And if you’re feeling pressed to see it all, remember to #TakeTuesdayToo! Adding an extra day is a great way to extend your visit and avoid major traffic delays and crowds after the event takes place.
