Historic places in Palmyra

Historic places in Palmyra

1. See

   Grandin Printing Shop

   Book of Mormon Historic Publication Site

   Even though Smith had moved away to Pennsylvania in 1827, it was at Egbert B. Grandin's print shop that the first edition of the Book of Mormon was printed in 1830. Today, the restored print shop houses a press, bindery, and even the shop where the first Book was sold. Free guided tours daily.

   Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM, Sun 12:30PM-9PM; close 2 hr earlier Nov-Mar

2. See

   Joseph Smith Farm

   The farm property has been restored to resemble what it would have looked like in 1830. You can start at the welcome center, with an introduction to the history of Joseph Smith's family and views of the whole farm complex. The Smith Frame Home (1825) still stands, and a replica of the 1818 Smith Log Home is nearby. Free guided tours daily.

   Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM, Sun 12:30PM-9PM; close 2 hr earlier Nov-Mar

3. See Not mapped

   Aqueduct Park

   So named due to the still-standing aqueduct that carried the original Erie Canal—Clinton's Ditch—over "Mud Creek" (part of Ganargua Creek), Aqueduct Park is a treasure trove for Canal buffs. For starters, the aqueduct itself is quite a sight. Modern Lock 29 is also here, for those who like to watch boats lock up and down. There's a man-made waterfall where the modern canal spills over into the creek. Also here is the historic Aldrich Change Bridge; though it no longer crosses the canal, it was built when the original canal was widened in 1840 (the widened canal allowed no room for the south-bank towpath through the village of Palmyra, so the bridge was needed for the mules to change sides).

   9AM-9PM

4. See Not mapped

   Erie Canal Depot

   Before 2011, the building between the Historical Museum and the General Store was known as the Tenant House and used for museum storage. But when they went to finish the interior, the museum staff discovered that the building had a story of its own to tell. Mule stables in the basement pointed the way: the building would become a museum documenting the village's canal history, with artifacts and exhibits explaining what life was like when Palmyra was the third-busiest port on the Erie Canal.

   Tue-Sat 10:30AM-4:30PM

5. See Not mapped

   Hill Cumorah Visitors Center

   Hill Cumorah, one of thousands of glacial drumlins found throughout the region, is said to be the location where Joseph Smith found the gold plates that he translated into the Book of Mormon. The elegant but modern visitors center is at the foot of the hill, and it contains a number of exhibits and displays related to the church and its history. Free guided tours daily.

   Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 1PM-5PM; close 2 hr earlier Nov-Mar

6. See Not mapped

   Hill Cumorah and Historic Sites

   The Smith family farm was over a mile south of the village, straddling the border between the Towns of Palmyra and Manchester; Hill Cumorah is another couple of miles south. Today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains a small visitors center at Hill Cumorah, along with an assortment of historical sites around the area. There is no admission fee for any of the sites, and staff members are always on hand to provide (free) guided tours.

   Mon-Sat 9AM-close; Sun 12:30PM-close; closing time varies seasonally

7. See Not mapped

   Historic Palmyra Museum Complex

   The complex encompasses five separate museums, each presenting a different aspect of life in old Palmyra.

   Single museum: Adults $3, ages 12-17 and seniors $2; Trail Ticket (all five museums): $7 and $5; Family Trail Ticket (2 adults, 4 teens): $14. Children under 12 free with adult

8. Eat Not mapped

   Mark's Pizzeria

   Mark's has dozens of locations throughout the Greater Rochester metro (and beyond!), but it got its start back in 1982 right here in Palmyra. Sadly, the original, historic building, along with three adjacent ones, burned down in May 2013. But Mark quickly bought 'em all up and rebuilt a bigger store, one that's still in keeping with the historic architectural character of downtown Palmyra. Is it the best pizza you'll ever have? No, but it's good, as is the rest of the extensive menu, and they'll deliver just about anywhere.

   Sun-Thu 10AM-10PM, Fri Sat 10AM-midnight·$5-10

9. See Not mapped

   Palmyra Historical Museum

   The flagship museum of the complex houses a number of permanent exhibits on local history and artifacts. Topics include the Erie Canal, the Underground Railroad, women's suffrage, and the Book of Mormon. Another exhibit details the unique connection Sir Winston Churchill had to Palmyra.

   Late Spring - Fall: Tue-Sat 11AM-4PM; Fall - Spring: Tue-Thu 10AM-5PM; or by appointment

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Palmyra (CC BY-SA 4.0).