You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate all of the cool historical places Buffalo has to offer. Our city has some of the richest history, most beautiful buildings, and most interesting artifacts to explore. Don’t believe us? Here are nine of our favorite historical places, in no particular order:
- Cobblestone District
Historic Cobblestone District - Facebook
Historic Cobblestone District - Facebook The Cobblestone district was the hub of Buffalo’s manufacturing and industrial center and is still home to the world’s oldest working fireboat. Today, you can enjoy all that the Cobblestone District has to offer at one of the several bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues lining the cobblestone streets!
- Palace Theatre
Historic Palace Theatre Lockport - Facebook
Historic Palace Theatre Lockport - Facebook The Historic Palace Theatre is located a bit outside the city in Lockport, but worthy of a spot on this list nonetheless. The theatre was built in 1925 and was the first theatre in the United States with air conditioning. Outside, the building is constructed in an art deco/Italian renaissance style, and inside it boasts seating for 1,065 including a balcony.
- Market Arcade
Market Arcade - Facebook
Market Arcade - Facebook The Market Arcade was once the only covered shopping center in Buffalo, which earned its role as the main focal point during the Pan-American Exposition in 1901. Today, the Market Arcade features local small businesses and shops, artisan pop-ups, and more - maintaining its reputation as a unique shopping venue downtown.
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site - Facebook
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site - Facebook The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is a National Parks affiliated location. The home is where Teddy Roosevelt was sworn in as president in 1901. Visit the landmark for tours to get a glimpse back in time to one of the high points in Teddy’s life!
- Erie Canal
Debbie Hoffmann Markowitz - Facebook
Karen Williams Osterhoudt - Facebook Most people know that Buffalo is located in close proximity to the Erie Canal, but many don’t actually pay the site a visit. If you haven’t seen the canal up-close and personal, add it to your to-do list ASAP!
- Forest Lawn Cemetery
Forest Lawn Cemetery Buffalo NY - Facebook
Forest Lawn Cemetery Buffalo NY- Facebook It might seem odd to have a cemetery on a list of historic places to visit, but Forest Lawn is not your average burial ground. This beautifully designed and landscaped cemetery is the only one of its kind listed on the Register of Historic Places, and many greats have found their final resting place among the grounds at Forest Lawn.
- Colored Musicians Club Museum
The Historic Colored Musicians Club - Facebook
The Historic Colored Musicians Club - Facebook The Colored Musicians Club in Buffalo is the longest continually operating African-American musicians club in the United States. Pay it a visit to learn about the fascinating history of music and Buffalo culture!
- Buffalo Lighthouse
Buffalo Lighthouse - Facebook
Buffalo Lighthouse - Facebook The Buffalo Lighthouse is open to the public with tours also available. This is more than just a building with a light on top: the Buffalo Lighthouse holds historic artifact displays with stunning views of the Buffalo river and Buffalo Harbor. Definitely worth a visit!
- Guaranty Building
Sunghwan Yoon - Flickr
JasonParis - Flickr The Guaranty Building is arguably one of the most beautiful spots in Buffalo. This historical place was build in 1896 by famed architect Louis Sullivan. Its terra cotta detailing and stunning interior renovations are jaw-dropping, but don’t just take our word for it! Head to Church Street to see it for yourself.
Where is your favorite historical place in Buffalo? We know we missed quite a few, but there are simply too many to list. Drop a comment below with your honorable mentions. Bonus points if you share photos!
Historic Cobblestone District - Facebook
The Cobblestone district was the hub of Buffalo’s manufacturing and industrial center and is still home to the world’s oldest working fireboat. Today, you can enjoy all that the Cobblestone District has to offer at one of the several bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues lining the cobblestone streets!
Historic Palace Theatre Lockport - Facebook
The Historic Palace Theatre is located a bit outside the city in Lockport, but worthy of a spot on this list nonetheless. The theatre was built in 1925 and was the first theatre in the United States with air conditioning. Outside, the building is constructed in an art deco/Italian renaissance style, and inside it boasts seating for 1,065 including a balcony.
Market Arcade - Facebook
The Market Arcade was once the only covered shopping center in Buffalo, which earned its role as the main focal point during the Pan-American Exposition in 1901. Today, the Market Arcade features local small businesses and shops, artisan pop-ups, and more - maintaining its reputation as a unique shopping venue downtown.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site - Facebook
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is a National Parks affiliated location. The home is where Teddy Roosevelt was sworn in as president in 1901. Visit the landmark for tours to get a glimpse back in time to one of the high points in Teddy’s life!
Debbie Hoffmann Markowitz - Facebook
Karen Williams Osterhoudt - Facebook
Most people know that Buffalo is located in close proximity to the Erie Canal, but many don’t actually pay the site a visit. If you haven’t seen the canal up-close and personal, add it to your to-do list ASAP!
Forest Lawn Cemetery Buffalo NY - Facebook
Forest Lawn Cemetery Buffalo NY- Facebook
It might seem odd to have a cemetery on a list of historic places to visit, but Forest Lawn is not your average burial ground. This beautifully designed and landscaped cemetery is the only one of its kind listed on the Register of Historic Places, and many greats have found their final resting place among the grounds at Forest Lawn.
The Historic Colored Musicians Club - Facebook
The Colored Musicians Club in Buffalo is the longest continually operating African-American musicians club in the United States. Pay it a visit to learn about the fascinating history of music and Buffalo culture!
Buffalo Lighthouse - Facebook
The Buffalo Lighthouse is open to the public with tours also available. This is more than just a building with a light on top: the Buffalo Lighthouse holds historic artifact displays with stunning views of the Buffalo river and Buffalo Harbor. Definitely worth a visit!
Sunghwan Yoon - Flickr
JasonParis - Flickr
The Guaranty Building is arguably one of the most beautiful spots in Buffalo. This historical place was build in 1896 by famed architect Louis Sullivan. Its terra cotta detailing and stunning interior renovations are jaw-dropping, but don’t just take our word for it! Head to Church Street to see it for yourself.
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