Location: Akron
Top Things to do in Akron
- 1. Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
- 2. Darien Lake Amusement Park
- 3. Kutter's Cheese Factory Store
- 4. Antique World Market
- 5. Akron Falls Park
- 6. Darien Lakes State Park
- 7. Kozy Kabin
- 8. Patriots and Heroes Park
- 9. Tillman Road Wildlife Management Area
- 10. The Clarence Historical Society and Museum
Top 10 Things to do in Akron, United States
Akron is a village in Erie County, New York, United States. The population was 2,868 at the 2010 census. The name derives from the Greek word ἄκρον signifying a summit or high point. It is part of the Buffalo–Niagara Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. Akron is located in the town of Newstead on the west and north slopes of a hill. NY 93 passes through the village.
Restaurants in Akron
1. Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
The 11,000-acre refuge is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester in western New York State.
Reviewed By Maurene_K - Dover, New Hampshire
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge was named for the Iroquois League, the Native American union that resided in the Northeastern United States. The league was originally made up of five nations: Cayuga, Oneida, Mohawk, Seneca, and Onondaga. The Tuscarora entered the union in the 1800's.
At the end of the last glacial period, Tonawanda, a huge lake, covered much of Western New York. Over time, the lake drained. Only a few swampy areas remained. Wildlife flourished in the diverse habitat created. The area escaped local development in 1958 when the federal government established the area as a national wildlife refuge.
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is located mostly in the rural towns of Alabama and Shelby midway between Rochester and Buffalo. The Visitor Center is in nearby Basom.
This refuge is the only National Wildlife Refuge in Western New York. It is said to be one of the best kept secrets of Western New York. I unearthed this secret in my National Wildlife Refuge Passport book as I planned some sightseeing Western New York en route to Ohio.
This is one of over 560 National Wildlife Refuges in the United States managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The National Wildlife Refuge System is the only network of federal lands dedicated for the specific purpose of wildlife conservation.
The 10,828-acre refuge serves mainly as nesting, feeding, resting, and staging areas for migrating waterfowl. The varied habitats support over 265 species of birds, over 40 species of mammals, plus reptiles, fish, amphibians and insects. Bald eagles have maintained an active nest on the refuge since 1986.
Management at this refuge tends to the needs of species of special concern that include the peregrine falcon, osprey, black tern, black duck, and American woodcock that use the refuge during part of the year.
The place to begin one’s visit is at the Visitor Center in Basam. There are several interesting interpretative exhibits, some of which are interactive. There are some stuffed animals and birds on display.
The Visitor Center has a wealth of printed material that includes a brochure with a map of the refuge, a brochure on the mammals in the refuge, a brochure on butterflies, and a brochure guide to the Kanyoo Trail, the longest trail in the refuge.
There are separate papers outlining the rules and boundaries for sport fishing, trapping, waterfowl hunting, Turkey hunting, upland small game hunting, and deer hunting. Since hunting is allowed at certain times of the year, it's advisable to check before you go, if you plan to hike.
There are several bodies of water. The largest are Mohawk Pool, Seneca Pool, and Oneida Pool. The three are clustered together and make up most of the western portion of the refuge. The Kanyoo Trail goes through the center of this area. The western half of the refuge is more for wildlife observation, photography, and hiking.
The eastern half of the refuge is mostly land with smaller ponds, marshy areas, and creeks. This area is more conducive to fishing, photography, and wildlife observation.
During my visit, I walked around near the Visitor Center near Mohawk Pool. Then, I went to the Ringneck Marsh Overlook in the northwestern part of the eastern half of the refuge. In my stay in that area at midmorning, no wildlife chose to show itself; however, it was still a worthwhile visit as it was scenic and quiet there.
The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is great place to enjoy the outdoors with an easy hike, fishing, wildlife observation, and photography. It’s uncrowded so one can really enjoy the peace and quiet of this sanctuary for nature.
For its scenic beauty and serenity in the outdoors, I rate this attraction a solid 5.
I highly recommend a visit here when in the Buffalo or Rochester areas. After my visit, it was about a 35-minute drive to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural NHS on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo. So, it’s not very far way.
There are also some New York State wildlife management areas nearby.
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2. Darien Lake Amusement Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 715 reviews
For generations, Darien Lake has been a destination for families to create memories that will last long after vacation is over. With 45 attractions, a 10- acre water park and a variety of live shows and entertainment options- all just steps away from an onsite lodge, modern lakeside cabins, all new luxury guest houses and an extensive campground with glampsites and traditional campsites, guests will rediscover time together when they visit Darien Lake. Darien Lake has added millions in new attractions, entertainment, park and accommodations upgrades over the past two years to give guests limitless fun and unbeatable value.
Reviewed By ob1gr81 - Chicago, Illinois
Just finished a trip to Darien Lake on my annual amusement park tour and while the park had some very nice rides, THEY ONLY RUN ONE TRAIN ON THE RIDES. This was kind of shocking to me on some of their larger attractions as it would help with capacity. Here is the breakdown of what I thought were the 2 best rides:
Ride of Steel – Easily the best ride at the park and used to be called Superman Ride of Steel when it was under Six Flags ownership. If you ride only one ride at this park, this is it. Lots of airtime and it is a good length of a ride. The day before my friend and I arrive, we were told that the wait was 90 mins for this ride so running 2 trains would have alleviated the line somewhat. Riding in the back was a great time and was my preferred spot.
Viper – The first roller coaster with 5 inversions was much more enjoyable than I would have guess. It is a 35 year old Arrow coaster and Arrow’s are not know to have the most comfortable rides. For an Arrow, this ride was surprisingly smooth from the front. The annoying part of this ride is the first “drop” of 10 feet before going down the real hill. The back of the coaster was much more rough so stick more towards the front for a better ride.
Everything else in the park is just average and not worth going out of your way for. Food options are also pretty bad and seem to be all of the fried variety. Bring your own food if you plan on staying the day and want to feel good about yourself at the end of the day.
Darien Lake was nice to visit with a couple of good rides, but overall it is an ok park.
3. Kutter's Cheese Factory Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Amy K - Corfu, New York
Kutters cheese has been a treat for as long as I can remember. Trips there with my Dad will always be so special to me. There is something called Cheese Curds. I'm not sure if it is unique to Kutters, however it will put string cheese and baby bels to shame. These little nuggets of wonderful "scaps" are delish and come in many different flavors. Some are mild and some very pungent. But they scrape the barrel to make them, so of course you can get regular chunks or slices too.
4. Antique World Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Howdy2014 - Stoney Creek, Canada
We are Canadians who have been going to this flea market for 40+ years. During the good weather, they have the outdoor flea market. We also go to the indoor buildings in the cold weather. My grandson (11) loves the indoor buildings especially for military items as he loves history.
5. Akron Falls Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By heracr - Strykersville, New York
it is the most beautiful park i ave been to other than letchworth,so much to see and do.easy access,beautiful scenery even if your just passing thru its a must to stop and see.
6. Darien Lakes State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By JuneNY
my friend and I were wrapping up a short road trip and decided to check out this park. We didn't get out of the car, just drove around and checked the place out. Several campers were in the campgrounds, even though it is October. (lots of evidence of New York States glorious fall color) I hope to come back someday for geocaching purposes!
7. Kozy Kabin
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Amy K - Corfu, New York
Nora is taking a little break, But you can still get Local Honey and wood from her. My grand daughter cannot get enough of the honey spread. She expects it every Christmas and birthday. She is 5. The honey is Raw
8. Patriots and Heroes Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By efs4170 - Buffalo, New York
Private financed park focused on celebrating America's heroes, from World War II through the current conflicts, 9-11 event, and 1st responders. Great teaching site.
9. Tillman Road Wildlife Management Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 738debbie - Clarence, New York
This is located within the town of Clarence. Those who take care of the paths and the area in general have done a wonderful job. I visited this area just to take a walk and I was very pleased with the silence and the woods and all the many paths to walk. An escape from the everyday and a five minute ride from home. I'd suggest bug spray during the season. And also rain gear if it should rain. You can spend an hour here without realizing it! And I go there often.
10. The Clarence Historical Society and Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Clarence Historical Museum features artifacts and collections about the Town of Clarence New York as the first town in Erie County in 1808. These artifacts include one room schools, toys,local business,and old farming equipment. Unique to our museum is the original Wilson Greatbatch workshop where he invented the Implantable Cardiac Pacemaker. This exhibit has his prototypes and testing equipment
Reviewed By Beverly9405 - Clarence Center, New York
This is a must stop if you're interested in one of the oldest towns in the WNY area. The museum is filled with artifacts, many of which have been donated by residents, and gives visitors a wonderful opportunity to view the history of this area.
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