Buffalo is a vibrant city with many fun things to do. One of the most recent additions to its activity list is the Buffalo River Works. Once industrialized, this area has been updated to provide endless entertainment to locals and tourists alike.
The waterfront is the perfect place to visit for a day outdoors while the nearby restaurants offer delectable delights suitable for a special occasion or personal treat. The historic site around Buffalo River proves that, as cities grow, there’s plenty of room for change; in fact, beautiful things can come from embracing what makes a location different.
The History of the Buffalo River Works
The Buffalo River is lined with silos, grain elevators, and warehouses, all testaments to the booming industry that once took place there. For many years, the river was used to ship a variety of products, from chemicals to steel. Today, General Mills still uses the grain elevators in this area to store materials used in the nearby factory.
General Mills
A household name, General Mills is famed for its production of cereals and other food products:
- Häagen-Dazs
- Pillsbury
- Trix
- Lucky Charms
- Cheerios
The plant which uses the grain elevators has been in operation for over 100 years, employing some families for generations. Over time, the plant has made many improvements and upgrades to stay competitive.
Decline
Eventually, industries died or moved, leaving the Buffalo River with many empty buildings. In the 1950s, shipping routes changed, bypassing the area. The loss of both these sources of revenue led to a decline in the area’s prominence. However, in 2015, innovative entrepreneurs realized the location wasn’t a relic of the past — it was an opportunity to build something new.
Development
Over the past few years, the private sector has invested millions of dollars into renovating and repurposing the many buildings that litter the waterfront. The result? A gorgeous location that offers a unique experience to all who visit.
The River Works Today
The enormous amount of care and work that’s gone into the Buffalo River Works has created a vibrant space with so much to offer; there’s something for everyone packed into this corridor.
That includes learning about this area’s history. One of the many fun offerings is the History Tour, which is conducted by boat. You can learn all about the river while enjoying sunshine out on the water.
One of the area’s biggest attractions is the potential for live events. The newly built concert center means fans can spend the day on the waterfront, then watch their favorite musicians at night.
The outdoor ice rinks will also impress hockey enthusiasts and provide reliable access to an arena. Fans can cheer for their team during tournaments, then enjoy a beer after the game at the nearby beer garden.
Seasonal Activities
The rinks aren’t just for ice hockey — they’ll also serve for summer sports, such as roller hockey and lacrosse. This versatility means that no matter the season, sports fans will have something to get excited about.
Additionally, the rinks can be used in the winter for curling competitions, creating a new center for the sport. No longer will U.S. fans have to visit Ontario to get their curling fix — they can cheer on fans right at home.
Queen City Roller Girls
The Queen City Roller Girls are tough and beloved for it — after all, when it comes to roller derby, if you get knocked down, you have to get right back up. The Buffalo River Works boasts its own roller derby track, home of this high-energy team. If you love fast-paced sports and competition, you may be a Queen City Roller Girls fan.
Riverland & the Buffal-O Ferris Wheel
If you are looking for Buffalo Riverworks things to do, a trip to Riverland could be ideal. This outdoor entertainment complex offers locals and tourists plenty of fun activities and attractions, including the famous Buffal-O Ferris Wheel. This newly built wheel sits at the top of Stonehenge ruins of the old GLF silos, offering stunning views of Lake Erie and the enthralling city.
The 90-foot-tall structure has become a symbol of Buffalo Riverworks with its red, white, and blue colors. The Buffal-O Ferris wheel is not just any ordinary wheel. It is custom-designed with gondolas that can accommodate up to six people each. These gondolas are fully enclosed to make your ride as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, regardless of the weather.
Besides the Ferris wheel, Riverland has other great attraction sites and activities, such as bars and restaurants serving multiple dishes and drinks. If this does not excite you, consider strolling along the riverfront boardwalk as you catch the city’s fresh air. The Buffal-O Ferris wheel and Riverland rides are currently closed. However, the venue will be open to visitors of all ages this Fall.
Amazing Foods
A variety of restaurants have sprung up along the river, ensuring that visitors have a wide range of menus to choose from. Whether you’re craving pizza or pot roast, there’s something in the River Works to tickle your tastebuds.
Since the area is still growing, there’s also the promise of more eateries to come. Locals are encouraged to keep up with the newest developments so they can be the first to try a new restaurant. After all, the best part of living in such a vibrant area is knowing the best places to snag a bite.
THAWFEST
THAWFEST is one of the most significant events in Buffalo Riverworks annually. It commemorates all things winter and lasts several days, featuring numerous fun activities, from craft beer to live music. Visitors to the THAWFEST can participate in different winter sports, including ice skating, curling, and broomball.
If you are not a big fan of these events, you can enjoy other outdoor activities like art exhibitions, stand-up comedy, and live music performances. Food enthusiasts at THAWFEST will love the range of food trucks available. Local vendors also serve mouth-watering delicacies, with traditional winter favorites like grilled cheese sandwiches and hot chocolate on offer.
Kayak Rentals
Being right on the waterfront means the opportunity to enjoy the river itself. As a result, there are many kayak and paddleboard rentals available. You can go alone and partake in a day of quiet adventure or bring a group along for a day of fun memories.
Or you can make it a date with a tandem kayak. No matter how you choose to paddle, you’re sure to have a great time.
Art Galleries
If you’re not much for getting your feet wet, you can instead take a tour of the gorgeous art the River Works has to offer. Buffalo has many art galleries to visit, so it’s no wonder that art also has a huge presence here.
Even some of the remaining industrial rubble has been repurposed into art. For example, you’ll want to see Medusa, a rebar-and-concrete fixture that embodies the area’s history and the renewed vision for the future.
Rock Climbing
Who says silos have to hold grain? These towering, empty structures have been reimagined as rock climbing walls for daring adventurers to conquer. There are options both inside and outside the buildings, allowing you to climb in the shaded interior or outside in the sun. Additionally, you can choose the height based on your experience:
- 50 feet for high difficulty
- 40 feet for medium difficulty
- 35 feet for low difficulty
Unique Brewery
The very first establishment in the new Buffalo River Works was none other than the RiverWorks Brewery, which is located inside a group of refurbished silos. Here you can enjoy locally brewed beer and ales, as well as the unique architecture created by the “six-pack” of cylindrical buildings.
Sit Back and Enjoy a Cold One at the Beer Garden
Connected to the RiverWorks Brewery is a delightful beer garden, affectionately known as Stonehenge, by the staff because of the industrial columns that create a unique and charming atmosphere. With ample seating and a stunning view of the Buffalo River, it’s the perfect place to gather with friends.
At the Riverworks beer garden, you can enjoy a fantastic selection of craft beer, wine, and cocktails. They offer an extensive range of local and regional brews featuring a variety of styles, from rich stouts and refreshing pilsners to hoppy IPAs. The outdoor and indoor seating areas are perfect for any weather, and there’s something for everyone with their array of food options, including tacos, sandwiches, and pizzas.
What sets the beer garden at Buffalo Riverworks apart is its location. Situated near the Buffalo River, it offers breathtaking water views that add to the already inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re meeting friends after work or relaxing on a lazy afternoon, this charming setting is sure to impress.
Elevate Your Lifestyle with Ellicott Development Properties near Buffalo Riverworks
Looking to explore all that Buffalo, NY, has to offer? Look no further than Ellicott Development! Whether you’re hoping to start a business, relocate, or simply plan an unforgettable vacation, our team can help make it happen. And if you’re looking to experience the magic of Buffalo River Works, we’ve got you covered there too. As a property management company, we have a variety of properties available in the area, perfect for enjoying all the vibrant life of Buffalo River Works has to offer. From spacious townhouses to luxurious apartments to cozy family homes, we’ll work with you to find the perfect fit. Ready to learn more? Contact us today at 716-854-0060 or send us a message to schedule a viewing!
Featured Image: Atomazul / Shutterstock
