Parks and the outdoors in Palmyra

Parks and the outdoors in Palmyra

1. See

   Palmyra Temple

   Despite being the location of the church's founding, no temple was built in the area until the year 2000. Even then, it was the first such Temple built in the entire state. Keep in mind that only members of the Church of Jesus Christ who are in good standing with the Church are permitted inside the Temple itself. The beautifully maintained grounds and gardens, however, are open to all.

2. See

   Sacred Grove

   The exact spot where Smith received his first vision is not known, but it was somewhere within the woods west of the farm. What is left of the grove is maintained by the church, open and free to anyone who wants to walk its trails. No guided tours.

   Daily dawn-dusk

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. Do Not mapped

   Erie Canalway Trail

   Stretching from Buffalo to Albany, the Canalway Trail offers hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing alongside the Canal. In Palmyra, the trail is well maintained, and allows inline skating in addition to the other modes of transportation. You can access the trail from Aqueduct Park or the Port of Palmyra Marina.

   Daily Dawn-dusk·Free

5. Eat Not mapped

   Happiness Garden

   China Garden

   Classic Chinese-American eatery with takeout and delivery, but only two tables. Fairly good reviews.

6. 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

7. See Not mapped

   Sexton Park

   Prospect Hill

   Much larger than Village Park, Sexton Park sits on Prospect Hill, a glacial drumlin much like Hill Cumorah to the south. It's a large wooded park popular with picnickers.

8. See Not mapped

   Swift's Landing

   Swift's Landing on Ganargua Creek is where John Swift started settlement of the town; today it's a quiet 17-acre park that sits between the Creek and the Canal.

9. See Not mapped

   Village Park

   The Village Park is in many ways the center of community activity in the village. Nearly every weekend it seems like there's something going on there, from outdoor movies to Farmers' Markets to bandstand concerts to community garage sales. Playground and picnic facilities available.

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