In 1817, Matthew and Francis Brown built a hydropower raceway at this site. It diverted water from the Genesee River to power dozens of mills, making Rochester the flour capital of the world by the mid-1800s. This raceway has become the FlourGarden, a 300-foot-long sustainable garden, featuring beautiful native, non-invasive plantings and sustainable water works features. It has become a showcase of green space and green technology.
The FlourGarden was created by Greentopia, which is working to create New York State’s first EcoDistrict here in the High Falls neighborhood. Greentopia’s Green Visions program has created an urban cut flower farm in the nearby JOSANA neighborhood. Participants in this workforce development program gain job skills while making their community a healthier and better place to live.
Audio-guided tours
The FlourGarden is one of the attractions on two different audio-narrated tours of the High Falls area developed by Greentopia and Tour Blend. Download the Tour Blend app, or tap one of two headline links below to begin your tour.
You can also listen to a wonderful story about Sam Patch. For the best experience, listen to it while standing on nearby Pont De Rennes bridge and viewing High Falls.
Genesee River Trail
Rochester’s High Falls is located along the Genesee River Trail, a scenic multi-use trail which runs through Rochester from the Erie Canal to Lake Ontario. It is a designated National Recreational Trail which connects to both the statewide Erie Canal Heritage Trail and the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail.
The FlourGarden was created by Greentopia, which is working to create New York State’s first EcoDistrict here in the High Falls neighborhood. Greentopia’s Green Visions program has created an urban cut flower farm in the nearby JOSANA neighborhood. Participants in this workforce development program gain job skills while making their community a healthier and better place to live.
You can also listen to a wonderful story about Sam Patch. For the best experience, listen to it while standing on nearby Pont De Rennes bridge and viewing High Falls.
Rochester’s High Falls is located along the Genesee River Trail, a scenic multi-use trail which runs through Rochester from the Erie Canal to Lake Ontario. It is a designated National Recreational Trail which connects to both the statewide Erie Canal Heritage Trail and the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail.
Tour Blend 