The trip from Buffalo to Letchworth State Park is less than two hours, but the drive offers plenty of opportunities to slow down and experience more of Western New York along the way. The route passes through both familiar stops and places many travelers may have never experienced before. Since the drive is relatively short, there’s time to turn the trip into a small adventure before reaching the “Grand Canyon of the East.”
For visitors who want to spend more time exploring the park, Glen Iris Inn offers a historic place to stay right inside Letchworth. Once the home of park founder William Letchworth, the inn provides a unique way to experience one of Western New York’s most scenic destinations beyond a single afternoon visit.
6 Places to Stop on a Road Trip From Buffalo to Letchworth State Park
The drive from Buffalo to Letchworth State Park begins along the same route, with travelers heading south on I-190 and NY-400 before choosing between two routes leading toward the park. Both options take about the same amount of time, but each one passes through different Western New York communities with their own local attractions and stops worth exploring.
One route continues through Strykersville, Gainesville and Genesee Falls, with opportunities to stop in places like Varysburg, Silver Lake and Perry along the way. The other route heads through communities including Chaffee, Arcade and Pike before reaching Letchworth. Whichever direction you choose, the drive offers plenty of chances to add a few memorable stops before arriving at the park.
East Aurora, NY
Located just off NY-400, East Aurora is an easy place to pause before continuing south toward Letchworth State Park. Since both routes to the park pass by the East Aurora exit, the village is a convenient place to take a break, grab a bite or explore before continuing farther south.
Visitors can step back in time at Vidler’s 5 & 10, a longtime Main Street shop known for its unique collection of gifts, toys, candy and nostalgic finds. Book lovers can browse the shelves at The Bookworm, while history enthusiasts can explore the legacy of the Roycroft movement with a visit to Roycroft Campus. Before getting back on the road, grab coffee and pastries from Blue Eyed Baker or stop for a sweet treat at Rosie’s Handcrafted Ice Cream.
Route 1: Vaysburg, Silver Lake and Perry
After leaving Buffalo on I-190 and NY-400, this route continues south before cutting east across Western New York toward Letchworth State Park. While the drive itself is slightly shorter than the alternative route, some of the stops along the way require a small detour from the main road. For travelers who want to take their time and see more of the area, these stops offer a chance to add a few extra experiences to the trip.
Just north of North Java, Hidden Valley Animal Adventure in Varysburg is a 2.2-mile self-drive safari where guests get up close and personal with free-roaming animals. Visitors can also opt to park their cars and take the safari bus tour around the property. Food buckets to feed animals on the safari are available!
Further along the route, Silver Lake and Perry offer a mix of nostalgic attractions and local businesses. The Coca-Cola Barn Museum gives visitors a chance to see a collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia, while the Silver Lake Twin Drive-In Theatre brings a classic outdoor movie experience to the trip. At Charcoal Corral, the area’s main restaurant and attraction located next to the drive-in theater, visitors can stop for a meal while also enjoying entertainment options like mini golf, an arcade, concerts and giant inflatable play structures for the kids.
Right up the road is Perry, a quiet town near the Letchworth State Park entrance. Perry is home to Silver Lake Brewing Project, which serves up locally crafted brews. Another must-visit is the Books & Fields bookstore, which houses a charming collection of used and rare selections.
Route 2: Holland and Arcade
The second route from Buffalo to Letchworth State Park takes travelers slightly farther south before heading east toward the park. While the drive time is similar to the first route, many of the stops along this path are located closer to the main roads, making them convenient options for travelers who want to add a few experiences without going too far out of the way.
In Holland, racing fans can stop at Holland Speedway, a NASCAR-sanctioned track located just off Route 16. The track hosts races throughout the season, along with special events like Crash-A-Rama throughout the season. Check the track’s calendar to see if any races are scheduled before passing through.
A stop in Arcade is only a couple of minutes’ detour off this route. The village is home to the Arcade and Attica Railroad, located right on Main Street, which is one of the state’s only operating steam-engine passenger excursion ride trains remaining. The traditional steam-engine trips run for two hours and 20 minutes round trip, and themed rides are also available throughout the year.
Arcade also offers opportunities to experience the area’s agricultural roots and local businesses. At Arcade Center Farm, visitors can browse locally grown produce and get a taste of the region’s farming community. Those interested in antiques can spend time exploring Junk and Disorderly Arts & Antiques and Arcade Junction, both located on Main Street, before continuing toward Letchworth State Park.
Extend Your Visit with a Stay at the Glen Iris Inn
Originally the country estate of William Pryor Letchworth, the founder of the park, the historic inn has welcomed guests for more than a century. The Glen Iris Inn offers 15 guest rooms—11 standard rooms and four luxury suites—right in the heart of the park, steps away from the iconic Middle Falls overlook. With so many things to do near Letchworth State Park, rain or shine, extending your trip with an overnight stay gives you more time to explore.
Guests who need more space or prefer a more private setting can also choose from additional accommodations, including Pinewood Lodge, Pinewood Lofts, Caroline’s Cottage, The Stone House and the Chalet House. These options provide flexibility for families, groups or anyone looking to spend more time surrounded by the natural beauty of Letchworth.
Beyond accommodations, the inn is also home to Caroline’s Dining Room, where visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner during their stay. Named in honor of Caroline Bishop, a longtime companion and assistant to William Letchworth, the restaurant continues the connection between the inn’s history and its role as a gathering place within the park.