WAYNE COUNTY

County Offices
9 Pearl Street
Lyons 315-946-7470
https://web.co.wayne.ny.us/27/Departments

Chamber of Commerce
Lyons 315-704-3630
https://lyonsny.com/

With Lyons serving as the seat of government, rural Wayne County lies on the southern shore of Lake Ontario to form part of the boundary between the United States and Canada. With the historic Erie Canal traversing the county to the south, the villages of Clyde, Lyons, Newark, and Palmyra were all home to canal locks. Today, Wayne County is New York State’s top apple producing county and one of the nation’s most productive fruit-growing regions. A strong network of state highways ensures easy regional commutes, connecting with major thoroughfares to reach nearby Rochester and Rochester International Airport.

Services
Residents of Wayne County have access to state-of-the-art healthcare services and facilities anchored by the presence of Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, the second-largest affiliate of Rochester Regional Health System. Serving more than 100,000 patients each year, NWCH offers comprehensive services in a 120-bed community hospital just 40 miles east of Rochester. Specialties include cardiac care through Sands-Constellation Heat Institute, 24-hour emergency care, hematology/oncology through Lipson Cancer Care, a full spectrum of rehabilitation therapies, a Birthing Center, senior services, a Stroke Center, and general or advanced surgery. The hospital recently added a state-of-the-art da Vinci surgical robot for minimally invasive surgical care. NWCH has been recognized for several “Best Practices” and is designated as a New York State Department of Health Stroke Center. Should the need for highly advanced care arise, Rochester is nationally recognized for outstanding healthcare and research centers.

Wayne County residents enjoy access to first-rate educational opportunities on every academic level. Options for higher education begin close to home at a local campus center for Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC), conveniently located just off Route 88. In addition to academic support, a computer lab and library services, the center staff provides assistance and guidance with admissions, financial aid, placement testing, registration, and transfer options. The region surrounding Wayne County is home to public and private colleges that offer everything from two-year certificates and degrees to baccalaureate, master’s, doctorates, and professional programs. The Finger Lakes Region is home to Cornell University—one of America’s globally recognized Ivy League schools—as well as Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, Ithaca College in Ithaca, the State University of New York (SUNY) at Cortland, the nationally recognized Wells College in Aurora, and Keuka College on the shores of Keuka Lake. More than 20 institutions of higher education are encompassed in the Rochester Area Colleges Consortium, including the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Roberts Wesleyan University.

Lifestyle
Nestled between the cities of Rochester and Syracuse, Wayne County is known for its rural charm, vast apple orchards, and scenic beauty. The historic Erie Canal and Lake Ontario collectively offer more than 70 miles of waterfront recreational opportunities, with the Seaway Trail meandering through the north and the canal near the southern border. Still a major attraction today for its recreational and historic value, the canal greatly influenced the surrounding towns of Macedon, Palmyra, Newark, Lyons, and Clyde. Remaining as a centerpiece of tourism as well as the site of many community events, the canal is lined by lush parks, marinas, and multipurpose trails. Fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, and cycling are all popular activities.

Historic jewels abound in Wayne County, including Sodus Point Lighthouse Museum, the Hotchkiss Peppermint Building, the Hoffman Clock Museum, the 19th Century former county jail and adjacent sheriff’s residence, and any number of cobblestone structures. The Alling Coverlet Museum showcases the largest collection of hand-woven coverlets in America. Many attractions take advantage of the area’s abundant natural resources, including Autumn on the Erie, Blue Cut Nature Center, Huckleberry Swap in Rose, Zurich Bog in Arcadia, Finger Lakes waterfalls, and the recently developed Montezuma Audubon Center within the vast expanse of Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Chimney Bluffs State Park invites visitors to enjoy miles of hiking trails and unique views of large clay rock formations towering 150 feet above the lake. Sodus Point Beach Park along Lake Ontario is ideal for cooling off on hot summer days or strolling out on the pier to relax and watch boats traversing the channel. Local wineries are another draw to Wayne County, where breathtaking beauty combines with handcrafted wines and entertainment. With its welcoming small towns, strong sense of place, and scenic landscapes, Wayne County is a wonderful place to call home.

COMMUNITIES

Newark Village, Arcadia Town
Village Hall
315-331-4770
https://www.villageofnewark.com/

Town Hall
315-331-1222

Chamber of Commerce
315-331-2705
http://newarknychamber.org/

As one of Wayne County’s commercial centers, Newark Village is alive with cultural, recreational, and shopping opportunities. The village claims the lion’s share of the county’s retail stores and services including a community hospital that serves a regional population. Proud of its history as a “canal community,” Newark nestles against the Erie Canal along Van Buren Street and offers boaters a lovely park—the T. Spencer Knight Canal Port. Extending from the park west to Stebbins Road is a 1.5-mile section of the New York State Canal Trail System with spectacular waterfront views. Many hikers, cyclists, joggers, and cross-country skiers continue on the trail as it winds through surrounding farms, woodlands, and neighboring municipalities. Arcadia Town surrounds the village, adding many options for new and older homes in a country setting near urban amenities. The small hamlet of Fairville just outside of Newark is home to many fine farm markets and Christmas tree nurseries.

Lyons Village/Town
Village Hall
315-946-4531
https://lyonsny.com/

Town Hall
315-946-6252
https://lyonsny.com/

Chamber of Commerce
315-704-3630
https://lyonsny.com/

Nestled beside the historic Erie Canal, Lyons enjoys an advantageous location midway between Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes. Serving as the seat of Wayne County government, Lyons is graced by the impressive 1854 domed courthouse that overlooks the charming Village Park with its bandstand and fountains. Surrounded by a quaint business district, the park is the site of the farmer’s market and many annual festivals including Pumpkin Palooza, Peppermint Winter Holiday, and Peppermint Days. Just a block from the village square, the Museum of Wayne County preserves and interprets the area’s rich history. The same Erie Canal that once made this area so prosperous still draws residents and visitors to waterfront recreation including boating and fishing. Once known as the Peppermint Capital of the World, Lyons preserves the Hotchkiss Peppermint Building along with grand architecture and colorful murals.

Ontario Town, Marion Town, Walworth Town
Ontario Town Hall
315-524-3441
https://www.ontariotown.org/

Marion Town Hall
315-926-4145
https://www.townofmarionny.com/

Walworth Town Hall
315-986-1400
https://townofwalworthny.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
315-524-5886
http://ontarionychamber.org

Noted for its early iron ore industry, Ontario is now home to a nuclear power plant on the shore of Lake Ontario. This progressive town also features two industrial wind turbines and has been selected by the Wayne County Industrial Development Agency as the site for the Wayne Industrial Sustainable Park. Yesterday’s agricultural activity is rapidly being replaced by business and industry, including a strong optics sector that has expanded from nearby Rochester. Located just 15 miles east of Rochester and 40 miles west of Syracuse, these once-rural communities are drawing newcomers to a blend of country and suburban living in close proximity to cosmopolitan advantages. Many new developments and subdivisions have sprung up across the landscape, providing quality homes at affordable prices. A number of major retailers are located with a 10-mile radius, including the stores and shops of Webster Towne Center.

Palmyra Town/Village, Macedon Town/Village
Palmyra Town Hall
315-597-5521
https://www.palmyrany.com/

Palmyra Village Hall
315-597-4849
https://www.palmyrany.com/

Macedon Town Hall
315-986-5932
www.macedontown.net

Macedon Village Hall
315-986-3976
http://www.macedontown.net/

Chamber of Commerce
315-331-2705
http://newarknychamber.org/

Southern Wayne County features a number of “canal towns” that remain close to Rochester yet completely removed from urban bustle. Palmyra claims the distinction of “Queen of Canal Towns,” noted for the famous Alling Coverlet Museum and several sites of historic significance to the Church of Latter Day Saints including the Joseph Smith Farm. Macedon is expanding in residential and commercial sectors but abundant open space still remains. Local highlights include the Macedon Academy building and historic Erie Canal locks, although the Lumberjack Festival and Long Acre Farms are also major attractions. The quaint village of Macedon plans events that bring friends and family together including Christmas on Main Street, the Community Concert Series at Canal Park, Movie Night in the park, History Walk and Cemetery Walk, and Autumn on the Erie. Newcomers to this area will discover quaint shopping districts, fine antiques, Victorian architecture, and friendly hometown communities.

Clyde Village, Galen Town, Savannah Town, Rose Town, Butler Town
Clyde Village
315-923-3971
www.clydeny.com

Galen Town Hall
315-923-7259
https://towngalen.digitaltowpath.org:10476/content/

Savannah Town Hall
315-365-2811

Rose Town Hall
315-587-4418

Butler Town Hall
315-594-2719

Chamber of Commerce
Lyons 315-704-3630
https://lyonsny.com/

Located in Galen Town, Clyde Village nestles along the Erie Canal in a setting surrounded by several natural and historic features. Much of the land in this area still supports agricultural activity and the housing choices range from vintage properties shaded by mature greenery to modern construction. Residents enjoy a friendly close-knit atmosphere, an outstanding school system, four-season recreational activities, and first-rate support services. Wayne Hills Country Club is a local treasure and a hidden jewel for the golf enthusiast while the area’s rural landscape features attractions from Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge to antique dealers, specialty shops, and wonderful wineries. Butler Town, Rose Town, and the hamlet of North Rose expand the options for country living in quiet rural settings. The Rose area is well known for producing some of the finest apples in the nation, while Savannah Town’s unique location near the Montezuma wetlands made it ideal for the new Montezuma Audubon Center.

Sodus Town/Village, Sodus Point Village
Sodus Town Hall
315-483-6934
https://www.sodusny.org/

Sodus Village Hall
315-483-9821
https://www.sodusny.org/
Sodus Point Village
315-483-9881
https://www.sodusny.org/

Chamber of Commerce
315-576-3818
https://www.sodusny.org/

Sodus Bay has often been called the crown jewel of Lake Ontario, a resort community that features fine restaurants, picturesque marinas, wide beaches, and quaint shopping. Fruit orchards and historic cobblestone structures dominate the landscape, contrasting with waterfront facilities and activity. Route 104 spans the township while a 20-minute drive along Route 14 through Lyons leads to Interstate 90. Newark amenities are available to the south via Route 88. While expanded services and amenities are minutes from home, the Sodus area offers fine schools and Sodus Community Health for primary care, laboratory services, and preventative care. Other highlights in this area include the Preston-Gaylord Cobblestone Farmhouse, first-rate recreational opportunities, and an abundance of affordable housing options with settings that include scenic country landscapes.

Wolcott Town/Village, Red Creek Village, Huron Town
Wolcott Town Hall
315-594-9431
http://www.townofwolcottny.org/

Wolcott Village Hall
315-594-9501
https://www.wolcottny.org/

Red Creek Village Hall
315-754-6201
https://www.wolcottny.org/

Huron Town Hall
315 594-8074
https://townhuron.digitaltowpath.org:10083/content

Chamber of Commerce
315-530-7171
https://www.wolcottny.org/

Nestled in the far northeastern corner of Wayne County, Wolcott Town borders panoramic Lake Ontario along New York State’s Seaway Trail. Wolcott Port Bay dominates the northern border of town, providing campgrounds, fishing services, lodging, and restaurants. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the old-fashioned charm of the downtown district, crowned by a replica of the world-famous statue of Venus. Quaint local shops, magnificent Victorian homes, carriage barns, farm markets, and acres of apple orchards are just a few of the picturesque images that grace the area. Waterfront attractions like Sodus Bay, The Finger Lakes, and The Erie Canal are all just minutes from home. Bordering the eastern edge of Sodus Bay, the Town of Huron features the spectacular Chimney Bluffs, one of the county’s most photographed sights.

Williamson Town
Town Hall
315-589-2038
https://town.williamson.ny.us/

Chamber of Commerce
315-589-2857
http://www.williamsonchamberofcommerce.com/

Taking for its slogan “The Core of Wayne County,” the town celebrates its pride each year at the Williamson Apple Blossom Festival. Rich in history and agricultural heritage, the Williamson area is located on the south shore of Lake Ontario for unparalleled access to waterfront enjoyment and recreation. The historic hamlet of Pultneyville once served as a bustling lake port and terminal on the Underground Railroad. Today this quiet, scenic harbor preserves its unique and colorful history along with fine New England-style architecture, an antiques shop, an art gallery and local museum, an upscale restaurant, and eateries. In addition to long-standing agribusiness enterprises and abundant farm stands and markets, Williamson showcases a quaint historic district where businesses are housed in turn-of-the-century buildings. Nearly 300 businesses in Williamson are owned by local residents, with another bustling commercial corridor along State Route 104.