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Orchard Park, located just outside of Buffalo, was founded in 1803 by Quakers who were trying to escape the “corrupting influences” of the outside world. In 1811, Quaker families built a log meeting house in which to hold their Society of Friends meetings. This was the first church structure of any denomination built in Erie County. In the 1820s, they built a brand new meeting house, which still stands.
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The town grew as many non-Quaker families began to settle in Orchard Park. Improved transportation came to the town with the railroad in 1883 and the establishment of an electric trolley line between Buffalo and Orchard Park in 1900. The history of the town can be explored at the Orchard Park Historical Museum and the Pedaling History Bicycle Museum, the largest antique bicycling memorabilia museum in the world.
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The original settlers came to Orchard Park for its natural, unspoiled beauty and rolling countryside. Chestnut Ridge Park is the oldest park in Erie County and is well known for its popular toboggan slides and ski slope. World-famous Niagara Falls is close by.
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Erie County offers bountiful opportunities to enjoy winter sports such as skating, skiing, and sledding. In the warmer months, you can enjoy leisurely bike rides and hikes, or golfing at one of the three local courses. If you like to watch major league sports, you can cheer on four-time AFC Champions, the Buffalo Bills, who play in Orchard Park’s own Ralph Wilson Stadium.
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Orchard Park’s Symphony features an outdoor concert series in the summer, and each year the town holds a Quaker Arts Festival. The city of Buffalo is just a short 20-minute drive away, where you can take advantage of the theatre district and Kleinhan’s Music Hall, where the Buffalo Philharmonic performs. Or you can watch the Buffalo Bisons AAA baseball team, the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, or participate in any number of recreational water activities available on Lake Erie.
