6 Best Things To Do In Brockport, New York

things to do in brockport new york
Matthew
Matthew 
Updated
| 4 min read

Brockport isn’t very big. In fact, it’s so small that it’s not even technically a city but a village in the town of Sweden, NY. But that doesn’t mean that Brockport is boring. Actually, it’s the complete opposite. Its long history and natural charm have made Brockport one of New York’s hidden gems for people that enjoy a quiet day away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

1. Learn about Brockport's history at the Emily L. Knapp Museum and Library of Local History

Brockport Cold Store Co. Building
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael C. Byrnes used under CC BY-SA 4.0

After you visit Brockport (and inevitably fall in love with it) you’ll want to learn what made it so charming, and there is no better place to do that than at the Emily L. Knapp Museum and Library of Local History. Here, you can dig deep into the archives through the Fulton History database and read historical newspapers that date back to the founding of Brockport. Then pop into the Seymour Library’s local history room and view area plot maps, local history titles, and other Brockport historical information. The museum also has a number of events that it puts on that focus on specific important events in the village’s history. Whether you’re a glorified historian or just a fan of Brockport, you’ll be wowed by what you learn at the Emily L. Knapp Museum and Library of Local History.

Emily L. Knapp Museum and Library of Local History

Address: 49 State Street, Brockport, NY 14420

Website: Emily L. Knapp Museum and Library of Local History

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2. Go back to school at Brockport State University of New York

Hartwell from the air after the snow.

Posted by The College at Brockport State University of New York on Monday, 27 March 2017

It won’t take long for you to realize why the Brockport State University of New York ranks in the top 25% of America’s best public colleges. Enjoy a beautiful campus that rivals the best schools in the nation, take in a lecture on a topic you’ve always wanted to study, attend a fine arts production such as music performances, dance concerts, and art exhibits, or explore the downtown Brockport district with other tourists and students. And we can’t forget about the athletic program that features 23 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, from men’s football and basketball to women’s gymnastics and soccer, plus many many more. One day at Brockport State University and you’ll be a Golden Eagle for life.

Brockport State University of New York

Address: 350 New Campus Dr, Brockport, NY 14420

Website: Brockport State University of New York

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3. Get some fresh produce at the Farmers' Market

Farmers' Market
Source: Needpix

Anybody will tell you that when it comes to fruits and vegetables, nothing beats the freshness of a farmers’ market. The Village of Brockport Farmers’ Market is top notch when it comes locally grown produce and is a great place to meet new and interesting people and get involved with the community. This farmers’ market has become a great way for the village of Brockport to market their local agricultural produce and products and to stimulate activity of Brockport’s downtown business district, so it’s easy to see why it has become a large and important part of Brockport.

The Village of Brockport Farmers' Market

Address: Market St., just off of Main St., Brockport, NY 14420

Website: Farmers’ Market

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4. Enjoy the outdoors at Corbett Park

Posted by Preserve Corbett Park on Tuesday, 5 July 2016

Corbett Park was named in 1975 in honor of John and Patrick Corbett, who once owned a substantial amount of land around Smith Street in Brockport. At 9.7 acres (3.92 hectares), it is Brockport’s largest park. It contains an open pavilion for picnics, grills in a forested area, three tennis courts, a basketball court, paved walking, path and an open area that leads to the Erie Canal. Who knows, you may even get lucky and be greeted by some deer that live in the area. So have a romantic picnic with that special person in your life or let the kids loose to burn off some of that energy. No matter who’s involved, everybody will enjoy a day at Corbett Park.

Corbett Park

Address: Clark St, Brockport, NY 14420

Website: Corbett Park

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5. Add to your collection at Jill's Antiques & Collectibles

Posted by Jill's Antiques & Collectibles on Tuesday, 9 August 2016

Opened in 1994, Jill’s Antiques & Collectibles has become well known and respected in Brockport. This charming shop contains very interesting and unique inventory, making it likely that you’ll find something to add to your personal collection, no matter how odd or difficult it may be. Items include furniture, artwork, books, tea settings, vases, pottery, tools, jewelry, toys, postcards, bottles, photographs, and much much more. Jill’s Antiques also carries Antique Improver products to make those old items look like new again. Plus, if you don’t have enough cash or the room to buy everything all at once, you can even buy online and have it shipped directly to you. So whether you’re interested in learning about the past, enjoy old-time styles, or are looking to relive some old memories, Jill’s Antiques & Collectibles will certainly please.

Jill's Antiques & Collectibles

Address: 65 Main St S, Brockport, NY 14420

Website: Jill’s Antiques & Collectibles

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6. Take an art class at A Different Path Gallery

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Have you ever walked through an art museum and thought to yourself “I could paint that?” Well, now is your chance to prove it. A Different Path Gallery is a place for people to take art classes and master the craft of painting and pottery, and then have that artwork displayed in the gallery for others to see and potentially purchase. This may be for the tourist that lives semi-close to Brockport as the classes typically take four weeks but that doesn’t mean that tourists from far away can’t still visit the gallery and just take in the beautiful artwork. There are also many themed exhibits scheduled throughout the year, such as “Animals in Art,” “All You Need is Love,” and “Remnants, Remains & Memory.” So put your money where your mouth is and prove that you have what it takes to get your artwork in a museum.

A Different Path Gallery

Address: 27 Market St, Brockport, NY 14420

Website: A Different Path Gallery

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Small village with lots to offer

Brockport - Main Street Historic District
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user LtPowers used under CC BY-SA 3.0

It won’t take very long for you to experience the charm and history of Brockport and, once that happens, you’ll be hooked for life. With beautiful parks, large farmers’ market, locally owned businesses, and one of the best universities in the country, Brockport is New York’s hidden gem.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Matthew Klatzke is a 30 year old American from Michigan residing in Canada where him and his wife are expecting a baby. Following his passion of writing, Matthew has begun a rewarding career in the...Read more

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