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Stone-Tolan House

4.6
·20 reviews·Rochester, United States

Step into 19th-century Rochester at the Stone-Tolan House, a historic tavern and homestead offering a glimpse into early American life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for tours

CrowdLow
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picture yourself living in 1792

Stone-Tolan House

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for tours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into 19th-century Rochester at the Stone-Tolan House, a historic tavern and homestead offering a glimpse into early American life.

4.6
(20 reviews)

"A beautifully restored old home museum, great for learning Rochester's history."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Guided Tours

Docents offer engaging historical insights, especially for kids! :bustsinsilhouette:

Explore the Grounds

The historic apple orchard offers a lovely backdrop for photos. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic Tavern

The Historic Tavern

Ground Floor

Imagine early settlers gathering here! This space offers a glimpse into Rochester's past as a vital stop.

Restored Homestead

Restored Homestead

Entire House

Explore the meticulously preserved rooms of this 19th-century home, showcasing period furnishings.

Apple Orchard Grounds

Apple Orchard Grounds

Exterior

Wander the grounds of this historic site, once home to an apple orchard, offering a peaceful escape.

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Planning Your Visit

Step Back in Time

Discover Rochester's early history at the Stone-Tolan House, a beautifully restored 19th-century homestead. Learn about its role as a tavern and its significance in the settling of the area. Perfect for history buffs and curious minds.

Plan Your Visit

Check the Stone-Tolan House website for current hours and tour availability. Group tours are popular for school field trips, so booking in advance is recommended for a smoother experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ideal for tours
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for grounds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One of my favorite spots in the Rochester area! #rochesterny #585 #rochesternewyork #explorerochester
@archies__archive
4.5K likes • 41.4K views

Book Guided Tours

Docents offer engaging historical insights, especially for kids! :bustsinsilhouette:

Explore the Grounds

The historic apple orchard offers a lovely backdrop for photos. :camerawithflash:

My absolute favorite places in Rochester NY from a local of 23 years
@zoespoor
1.7K likes • 58.6K views
Field Trip 2025 Restaurant Good Luck x Stone-Tolan House Lively Run Feta wrapped in Banana Leaf Grilled and Served with Cipollini Onion Jam, Seasonal Pickles and Jen’s Artisan Sour Dough Grilled Squash Blossom Farm Radicchio and Mini Crunch Lettuces with Shaved Fennel, Romano Beans and Herb Vinaigrette Marinated Grilled Bedient Farms Leg of Lamb with Charred Cucumber-Tomato Salad Roasted Pe...
tableforone_rochester
66 likes • 2.6K views

Check for Events

Special events and historical reenactments can add extra magic to your visit. :sparkles:

Welcome to the Stone House 🏠 We’re so lucky to get to restore this beautiful original homestead!!
thestonehousereno
8.3K likes • 403.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Guided Tours

Docents offer engaging historical insights, especially for kids! :bustsinsilhouette:

Explore the Grounds

The historic apple orchard offers a lovely backdrop for photos. :camerawithflash:

Check for Events

Special events and historical reenactments can add extra magic to your visit. :sparkles:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(20 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Stone-Tolan House for its historical significance and the engaging tours led by knowledgeable docents. Many highlight its value as an educational site, particularly for school field trips and families. The well-preserved nature of the home and its grounds are frequently mentioned as positive aspects, offering a tangible connection to Rochester's past.

"Came here for a 1st and 2nd grade field trip as a chaperone. Our guide was great at keeping the kids interested and everyone learned a lot about the history of the home"

Caileigh Phillips

"Worth the visit! so much history about the settling of Rochester"

Debra LaBar

"I came to Stone-Tolan house with my class for a field study. The docents who gave us an educational tour were excellent with my young students, very knowledgeable about the history of the home and land, and completely flexible about what we would focus on as we learned about this historical site."

Maggie Moriconi

What People Like

Engaging guided tours
Historical significance
Well-preserved home

What People Dislike

Limited hours
Can be crowded during school tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Stone-Tolan House is located in Rochester, NY. While specific public transport details can vary, it's often accessible by car. Many visitors mention it as a local spot in Rochester, suggesting it's well-integrated into the city's accessible areas. TikTok+1

Information on dedicated parking is not widely detailed, but as a historical site, it's likely to have some visitor parking. It's advisable to check their official website or call ahead for the most current parking information.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official Stone-Tolan House website for the most up-to-date information on tour times and days. They are often open for tours on specific days of the week.

While not always mandatory, booking tickets or tours in advance is recommended, especially for group visits or during peak seasons, to ensure availability and a smooth experience. Reddit

Admission fees can vary. It's recommended to visit the Stone-Tolan House's official website for the most accurate and current pricing information for tours and general admission.

Yes, guided tours are a highlight, with knowledgeable docents who are excellent at engaging visitors, including children, and sharing the history of the home and land. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors can explore the beautifully restored 19th-century homestead, learn about its history as a tavern and early settlement site, and wander the grounds, which include a historic apple orchard. Reddit

Absolutely! The docents are known for being great at keeping children interested and making history engaging for young students during field studies. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. It's best to inquire upon arrival or check the Stone-Tolan House's guidelines regarding interior photography to ensure you comply with their rules.

The Stone-Tolan House is significant as one of Rochester's earliest taverns and homes, situated near important Native American paths, offering insights into the region's settlement history. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the historic house, especially with its period architecture, and the surrounding grounds, including the apple orchard, offer picturesque opportunities for photography. Reddit

While exterior photography is generally welcomed, interior photography rules may apply. It's always a good idea to confirm with staff on-site to avoid any issues.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Stone-Tolan House is a gem for families looking for an educational and engaging outing. The docents are exceptionally skilled at making history come alive for children, ensuring they remain captivated throughout the tour. Reddit The hands-on nature of exploring a real 19th-century home, combined with stories of early settlers, makes learning fun and memorable.

Tips for families:
* Book a guided tour: This is where the magic happens for kids. Reddit
* Explore the grounds: The historic apple orchard offers space for kids to move around and imagine life in a different era.
* Check for special events: Sometimes historical reenactments or family-friendly activities are scheduled.

📚 History Enthusiasts

For those with a passion for history, the Stone-Tolan House offers a deep dive into Rochester's origins. As one of the area's earliest taverns and homes, its significance in the region's settlement is profound. Reddit The meticulously restored interiors and the knowledgeable guides provide rich context about 19th-century life, trade, and social dynamics.

Key highlights for history buffs:
* The tavern room: Visualize the bustling atmosphere of early travelers and locals. Reddit
* Architectural details: Appreciate the preservation of original features and period craftsmanship.
* Contextual history: Learn about the house's strategic location and its role in the development of Rochester.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Rochester's Past

The Stone-Tolan House is more than just an old building; it's a portal to Rochester's formative years. Originally built as a tavern around 1820, it served as a crucial gathering place for early settlers and travelers. Its location near the intersection of two well-traveled Native American paths, which later became major routes, underscores its strategic importance in the region's development. Reddit

Visitors can explore the restored interiors, which offer a tangible connection to 19th-century life. The house showcases period furnishings and architectural details, allowing guests to imagine the daily routines and social interactions that took place within its walls. The dedicated docents play a vital role in bringing this history to life, making the experience educational and engaging for all ages. Reddit

Beyond the house itself, the grounds contribute to the historical ambiance. Once part of an apple orchard, the exterior offers a peaceful setting to reflect on the area's agricultural past and the evolution of Rochester from a frontier settlement to a thriving city. It’s a place where history feels palpable, offering a unique perspective on local heritage. Reddit

Educational Experiences for All Ages

The Stone-Tolan House is a fantastic destination for educational outings, particularly for school groups. The docents are highly praised for their ability to captivate young audiences, tailoring tours to keep students engaged and fostering a love for history. These field trips provide a hands-on learning experience that complements classroom studies, making historical concepts relatable and memorable. Reddit

For families, the house offers a chance to explore history together. The interactive nature of the tours, combined with the visual appeal of the historic home and its surroundings, makes it an enjoyable outing for children. It’s an opportunity to spark curiosity and provide a different kind of learning experience outside of traditional schooling. Reddit

Even for adults, the depth of historical information provided by the guides is impressive. They offer insights into the social, economic, and cultural aspects of early Rochester, enriching the understanding of the region's heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious, the guided tours offer a comprehensive and insightful look into the past. Reddit

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