The US Army Corps of Engineers built the Mount Morris Dam in the late 1940s to reduce flooding on the lower Genesee River. Today, the dam continues to provide flood protection along 67 miles of the Genesee River Valley from the village of Mount Morris to downtown Rochester where the river enters Lake Ontario. The US Army Corps of Engineers proudly promotes stewardship of public lands and waters. In fact, the 20 mile upstream section of the Genesee River is safe guarded by the Genesee River Protection Act of 1989, which allows the dam to hold back water only to prevent flooding. Typically, the Genesee flows freely through the dam without interference. However, when the dam is preventing flooding, the water backs up to fill Letchworth Canyon until it can be released at a rate that will not cause flooding downstream.
The Humphrey Nature Center houses many interactive exhibits that especially highlight the plants and animals, geology and river ecology of Letchworth State Park. A video through the gorge during each of the four seasons plays on a loop on the face of a large reconstruction of the gorge wall. There is also large classroom/meeting space in the building. Outside the Humphrey Nature Center you will find an outdoor classroom, butterfly garden, a bird observation station, and sustainable features such as solar panels and a cistern for collecting rainwater. There are trails that leave from the center that bring visitors to different points of interest such as Trout Pond, Inspiration Point Overlook and patches of old growth forest.
The William Pryor Letchworth Museum houses a collection relating to the Indian and pioneer history of the Genesee Valley as well as archeological and natural history displays. It is located in the Middle Falls Area of the park near the Glen Iris Inn. The museum itself was built in 1912 and was planned by William Pryor Letchworth to expand his original Genesee Valley Museum which was built in 1898.
The menu is a traditional American fare featuring standby classics, as well as more innovative dishes. We offer a broad beer and wine selection, showcasing local microbreweries and wineries from New York State, as well as a creative cocktail menu.