Silo City
We’re all fascinated by the grain elevators that pepper Buffalo’s landscape. And now that Buffalonians have finally embraced the towering structures as a sight to see rather than an eye sore, we thought we’d share some of the best ways to get up close and personal with the silos – Silo City in particular.
First, it’s important to note that Silo City is private property, therefore wandering through the forest of silos here is really not an option. But when events are taking place at “Silo City” there are very few, if any restrictions on where you’re able to wander and explore (depending on the event). Below you’ll find guided tours, opportunities to explore on your own and events to attend among these remarkable Buffalo icons.
Silo City Vertical Tour / Photo courtesy of Explore Buffalo
Explore Buffalo’s Silo City Vertical & Silo City Grounded Tours
All summer long
Yes, that’s vertical – meaning you go up. And grounded for anyone with a fear of heights and/or awesomeness. Tours are offered multiple days throughout the week and at different times for $45 per person. Did we mention dinner on the docks is included in the sunset vertical tours? #silocitysunset
[Book Here: Vertical, Grounded]
Silo Fleas
Silo Fleas
Multiple times this summer
The Silo Fleas is Buffalo’s very own flea market, complete with 30 vendors, food trucks and the perfect setting – Silo City. Vendors set up shop between the grain elevators from 9am to 4pm on various Sundays throughout the summer (June 21, July 19, Aug 2, Sept 6). During this time, shoppers and visitors have the chance to explore the surrounding area from top to bottom. Let me tell you – it’s a two for one opportunity not to be missed!
Photo from BFLO Harbor Kayak’s Facebook
Silo City Paddle Tour
All summer long
This tour by BFLO Harbor Kayak offers the chance to kayak down the Buffalo River straight into Silo City while learning the history of Buffalo as it began on the river. Tours ($25) are offered at 9 and 11am on Saturday and Sunday mornings and last for about an hour and a half. For the early birds out there, the last Friday of each month they offer Sunrise tours leaving at 6am. Take off work now people. #worthit
[Book Here]
Elevator Alley Kayak Tour
All summer long
Another way to check out the silos from the river, this “urban adventure tour” collaboration between Elevator Alley Kayak and Explore Buffalo offers two and a half hours of guided exploration. Start at Mutual Riverfront park (41 Hamburg Street) and kayak to Canalside and back, seeing tons of good stuff along the way. Tours cost $35 ($30 for students and Season Pass Holders) and are offered throughout the summer.
Buffalo River History Tours
Buffalo River History Tours’ Silo City Tour
All summer long
On this tour you’ll start at Canalside and head out on a part boat, part walking tour exploring the Perot Malting Plant and Grain Elevators. Tours are available daily at 2:15 and last for about 2 hours. The cost is Adults $27 / Children $17.
[Book Here]
Explore Buffalo’s Silo Spin: Grain Elevators by Bike
See the silos by bike! This guided Explore Buffalo cycling tour allows you to see many of Buffalo’s grain elevators from various vantage points – history lesson included. It starts at River Fest Park on Ohio Street and makes a stop at Silo City. The tour costs only $15 and requires you to BYOB – bring your own bike!
[Book Here]
RELATED: 14 Ways to Get on a Boat This Summer
DIY Drive by
All summer long
Take adavantage of the great view from the water by renting (or BYOK) kayaks or water bikes (or paddle boards if you’re ambitious) and head down the river towards Silo City. Water toys are available for rent from BFLO Harbor Kayak at Canalside for $20-$30 per hour, Water Bikes of Buffalo for $15 per hour, and Elevator Alley Kayak (65 Vandalia St.) for $25 for a few hours. We like this option because it gives you the chance to stop at the docks at RiverWorks once they are completed and enjoy a bevy. Oh the possibilities.
Silo City Reading Series / Photo by Joel Brenden
Silo City Reading Series
Multiple times this summer
The Silo City Reading Series presented by Just Buffalo Literary Center offers opportunities to experience poetry, music and visual installations among the silos. Readings on July 17 and August 29 are free and open to the public and will take place at Silo City’s Marine A.
[More Info]
Photo by Michael W. Thomas
They Kill Things presented by Torn Space Theater
Two-week-long event
If unique, dramatic theater is your thing, check out Torn Space Theater’s two week run of “They Kill Things” at Silo City. To quote Tornspacetheater.com, “Shanahan takes on the classic western in his latest site-specific performance, a theatrical exploration into the rich aesthetic frontier that has become the hallmark of his Silo City productions.” The show runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7pm from August 13 – 22 and costs $15.
[Buy Tickets]
Inside the grain elevators at Silo City
Silo City Tapped
One time event
This one night only event taps into what makes Buffalo special – you know, beer, food, music, history. Did they pick a perfect location or what? The event on September 19, 2015 costs only $5 to attend and offers craft brews, food trucks, local bands, silo tours and free parking. Score.
SIlo City Photo Workshop / Credit: © David Woolf
Silo City Photography Workshop
One time event
This one is for the photographers out there who are into shooting urban decay and for anyone interested in exploring and learning about this urban environment. This unlimited access, three day workshop/photo opp will get you as close-up to the grain silos as you like, while learning a thing or two. Participation comes with a hefty fee, but also a couple lunches at South Buffalo favorites and refreshments on site. The workshop takes place September 24-27, 2015.
[Register Here]
> Find “Silo City” on a map
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