Newark: The Heart of Wayne County

Located along the Erie Canal, the Village of Newark is a welcoming community that offers all of the services and amenities of a larger city while still having a small town feel. Newark is rich in history and art, with beautiful murals around town and even a clock museum in their library! Music and festivals are a big part of life in the village, including weekly local concerts in the parks throughout the summer, wine, artisan, and food festivals, and an annual color run on the trail. For the adventurous cyclist, Newark is also the perfect launching point for a road ride north to Lake Ontario, or south to Seneca Lake or Canandaigua Lake.
Why visit Newark?
- Erie Canal/ Port of Newark: The Welcome Center is located in the heart of the Village at T. Spencer Knight Park, and provides visitors with information, restrooms, free showers and laundry facilities, electrical services, Wi-Fi, water and pump out station, security lighting and surveillance, picnic tables, benches, and a gazebo. Tent camping is not permitted at the park, but is available at Lock 28B, just half a mile to the east.
- Newark-Arcadia Historical Society Museum: Along with impressive exhibits depicting local history, and artifacts from international companies such as Jackson & Perkins nursery and Sarah Coventry jewelry that were headquartered in Newark, members showcase their own collections on a rotating basis at the museum, which is open Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays in July & August from 6 to 8 p.m., or happily by appointment.
- Murals and Local Art: Art enthusiasts can visit the three murals along the Empire State Trail or take in an exhibit at the Wayne County Council for the Arts, which showcases pieces created by local artists and is open Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Vintage Garden Bed & Breakfast: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its association with the growth and development of Jackson & Perkins horticulture company, Vintage Gardens Bed & Breakfast provides luxury accommodations while preserving much of the 19th century splendor of the estate.
- Main Street: Equipped with bicycle racks and lined with beautiful flowers in hanging baskets, recently reconstructed Main Street is home to Grind-On Coffee Company, Runaway Blue Brewing Company, Parker’s Grille & Tap House, Main Street Restaurant, Craft 120, and several other commercial establishments.
Interactive Map
Parking & Trail Access
- Harder Canal Park: Large trailhead parking lot.
- Edgett St Trailhead: Small trailhead parking lot.
- Port of Newark (Van Buren St): The best place to start an adventure in Newark, the Port of Newark has plenty of parking, plus easy access to the Newark Welcome Center.
- Lock 28B Trailhead: Small trailhead parking lot.
Visitor Information
Newark Welcome Center (199 Van Buren St, Newark, NY 14513), operated by the Newark Chamber of Commerce, is open seven days a week 8am-8pm from canal opening to the end of September, and 8am-4pm through the end of October. Amenities available include:
- Restrooms, Showers, and Washer/Dryer are free with code provided by the Welcome Center staff
- Bike fix-it station
- Picnic tables
- Dockside pedestals with free water and electric
- Rack cards for surrounding tourist attractions
Stay Overnight
Indoor Accommodations
Newark is home to the charming, Bike Friendly NY certified Vintage Gardens Bed & Breakfast, easily accessible across the canal from the trail. Plan to stop for some rest and relaxation as part of your itinerary! Secure storage is provided for your bikes during your stay, in addition to a gourmet breakfast each morning. A new Microtel at 434 East Union with 70 rooms is also expected to open summer 2025.
Camping
Overnight camping is available at two locations in Newark. Free, primitive camping is available at Lock E28B, half a mile east of downtown Newark. Whispering Winds RV Campground right in the village also offers tent sites.
Events & Festivals
- Wine & Artisans Festival (Third Friday in June)
- Music on the Erie (Every Friday late June - August)
- Taste of Wayne County (Third Tuesday in July)
- Color Wayne Fun Run/Walk/Roll (First Saturday in September)
- Newark Farmers Market (Thursdays mid-June to mid-October)
- Newark Rotary Family Festival




