Member News

Online Booking Now Open—Just in time for Mother's Day! New This Year: Arts & Culture Series, Kids Cruises, Boxed Lunches and 2 New Exclusive Rohrbach Beers

ROCHESTER, NY, April 30, 2024—Corn Hill Navigation's Riverie and Sam Patch will once again cruise the historic waters of the Genesee River and Erie Canal for the 2024 season, starting May 11 through October 31. The boats will start their journey down the Erie Canal on May 10.

To celebrate the season's start, Sam Patch will host its popular special Mother's Day cruises on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12 departing from Schoen Place in Pittsford. Complimentary mimosas will be offered to mothers joining the 10 a.m. cruises, must be 21 years of age and older. Mothers on other cruises that weekend can enjoy a complimentary beverage of their choice. For more information on ticket pricing visit: cornhillnav.org/mothers-day-cruises

New in 2024:

• Arts and Culture Series with guest speakers from the Erie Canal Museum presenting monthly talks monthly aboard Riverie on subjects related to the Erie Canal and Genesee River.
• Kids Cruises are being introduced this season with 75-minute morning boat rides on Sam Patch, with activities specially designed for young passengers.
• Boxed lunches provided by Neutral Ground Coffeehouse will be available for purchase on select afternoon cruises on both boats.
• Rohrbach Brewing Company will debut two new beers in partnership with Corn Hill Navigation called “Nautical Mile” – a hazy session IPA double dry-hopped with New Zealand Nelson Sauvin hops for notes of white wine, sweet fruit, and gooseberry – and "Sam Patch Porter" – named after the infamous daredevil who took his last successful jump at Rochester’s very own High Falls. Each beer will be available to purchase onboard Sam Patch and Riverie to adults 21 years of age and older.

Now in its second season, Riverie is a modern yacht-designed vessel that accommodates up to 35 guests. It cruises from downtown Rochester, traversing the Genesee River with special trips passing through a centuries-old canal lock.

"Riverie and Sam Patch cruises offer a distinct cultural experience to enjoy nature's beauty from a unique perspective and explore our waterways’ significant historical and natural sites,” said Patrick Russell-Walsh, executive director of Corn Hill Waterfront and Navigation Foundation. “We are excited to offer a wide range of immersive journeys led by knowledgeable onboard guides, providing a glimpse into our region's heritage. Rochester’s iconic landscapes, rich culture, and historic heritage truly come to life on a Corn Hill Navigation cruise."

2024 Riverie cruises along the Genesee River and Erie Canal

Riverie cruises depart from Corn Hill Landing at 280 Exchange Blvd. in downtown Rochester. Refreshments and drinks are available to purchase on all cruises. Per current U.S. Coast Guard regulations, infants ages three and under are free, but must be ticketed. Book online now at cornhillnav.org/riverie

• River and Canal Cruise

Travel along the paths of America's early settlers and indulge in an authentic river and canal cruising adventure while witnessing the abundant wildlife along the Genesee River and Erie Canal firsthand. The route will take guests south along the Genesee River until it meets the Erie Canal, and then capture stunning city skyline views from the water as we return to port. To book and learn more visit cornhillnav.org/riverie/rochester-river-canal-cruise.

• Lunch and Lock 33 Cruise
  On this two-and-a-half-hour cruise from Corn Hill Landing on the Genesee River to Lock 33 on the Erie Canal, guests will adventure the historical significance of the river and the canal and experience a live guided narration on how a lock operates. Lunch can be ordered in advance, and refreshments are available to purchase onboard. To book and learn more visit cornhillnav.org/riverie/river-canal-lock-33-cruise.
• Live Music and Sunset Cruise
  Experience live music by local artists as you cruise along the Genesee River, admiring the breathtaking views of Rochester's skyline at sunset. Guests will unwind, savor a drink and revel in a live musical performance against a picturesque backdrop. To book and learn more visit cornhillnav.org/riverie/live-music-sunset-cruise.
• Arts and Culture Series
  New for 2024, local artists will lead hands-on art classes onboard and guest speakers from the Erie Canal Museum will present on topics surrounding the Erie Canal and Genesee River. To book and learn more visit cornhillnav.org/riverie/riverie-arts-culture-series.
• July Fourth Downtown Rochester Cruise
  A unique experience for celebrating the fourth of July with front-row seats on the Genesee River to watch the City of Rochester's fireworks display. Complimentary desserts included. Exclusively for adults aged 21 and above. To book and learn more visit cornhillnav.org/sam-patch/july-4th-downtown-fireworks-cruise.

2024 Sam Patch cruises along the Erie Canal

Sam Patch cruises out of Schoen Place in Pittsford. Refreshments and drinks are available for purchase on each tour. Per current U.S. Coast Guard regulations, infants ages three and under are free, but must be ticketed. Cruises can be booked online now at cornhillnav.org/sam-patch.

• Mother's Day Cruises – May 11 and May 12
  Complimentary mimosas will be offered to mothers joining the 10 a.m. cruises. Mothers on other cruises that weekend can enjoy a complimentary beverage of their choice. To book and learn more visit cornhillnav.org/mothers-day-cruises.
• Erie Canal Lock 32 Cruise
  Authentic canal cruise along the Erie Canal in Pittsford, NY. Learn about the canal's history, Lock 32 and enjoy the natural beauty. To book and learn more visit cornhillnav.org/sam-patch/erie-canal-lock-32-cruise.
• Live Music and Sunset Cruise
  Guests will experience live music by local artists while cruising down the canal at sunset and unwinding with refreshments against a picturesque backdrop. To book and learn more visit cornhillnav.org/sam-patch/live-music-sunset-cruise.
• Arts and Culture Series
  New for 2024, upcoming Arts & Culture Series, local artists will lead hands-on art classes and present on topics surrounding the Erie Canal. To book and learn more visit cornhillnav.org/sam-patch/sam-patch-arts-culture-series.
• July Fourth Downtown Rochester Cruise
  Enjoy prime seating on the Genesee River for Rochester's fireworks extravaganza. Complimentary desserts are included. Exclusively for adults aged 21 and above. To book and learn more visit cornhillnav.org/sam-patch/july-4th-downtown-fireworks-cruise.

Private Charters

Private Charters on Riverie and Sam Patch are available to book Sundays through Fridays starting at 4 p.m. Catering packages and beverage options are available. For more information and pricing visit: cornhillnav.org/private-charters.

Educational Charters

Custom-designed charters for on-the-water, STEM-based experiential learning are available to book for students in the Finger Lakes Region, Monroe County, and the City of Rochester. Students explore the Genesee River on Riverie or the Erie Canal on Sam Patch while immersing themselves in the area's rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Special pricing and flexible scheduling for educators. For more information visit: cornhillnav.org/educational-charters or contact Corn Hill Navigation at (585) 662-5748 or info@cornhillnav.org

This program is supported by a Market New York grant awarded to Corn Hill Waterfront and Navigation Foundation from Empire State Development and I LOVE NY/New York State's Division of Tourism through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

About Sam Patch
The Sam Patch replica 1800's packet boat offers historical, educational, and entertaining cruises from Schoen Place in the Port of Pittsford. Launched in 1991, the boat's mission is to increase awareness for Rochester's waterways through guided tours along the Erie Canal, educating students, and hosting events that contribute to the region's cultural landscape and tourism. Onboard amenities include drinks, snacks and restroom. Cruises depart daily from Schoen Place in Pittsford. Annually, over 11,000 people from all 50 states and more than 30 countries cruise on the Erie Canal on the Sam Patch, honoring the 19th-century mill worker who gained fame as America's first daredevil by leaping off waterfalls, including Rochester’s High Falls.

About Riverie
Launched in May 2023, Riverie is a key component of Rochester’s ROC the Riverway initiative and the only passenger cruise boat on Rochester’s Genesee River. The 33-passenger Riverie, incorporating River and Erie (Canal), offers a wide array of cruises and on-the-water STEM-based experiential learning for thousands of students annually. It is available for private charters and themed cruises. Learn more at cornhillnav.org/riverie.

About Corn Hill Waterfront and Navigation Foundation
Founded in 1991, Corn Hill Navigation operates two tour vessels, Riverie at Corn Hill Landing in Rochester on the Genesee River and Sam Patch on the Erie Canal at Schoen Place in the Town of Pittsford. Its cruises along the Erie Canal and the Genesee River provide unique insight into the region's history, culture and distinctive biodiversity. Its mission is to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in on-the-water experiential learning and foster the preservation and improvement of the Erie Canal and Genesee River for future generations. Hundreds of thousands of people have come from all 50 states and more than 50 countries, including tens of thousands of students from schools across the Rochester and Finger Lakes Region, to experience the Erie Canal and Genesee River aboard a Corn Hill Navigation vessel. Ridership has grown 40 percent over the past ten years.