About Dansville

Nestled deep within the heart of the Genesee Valley where the Seneca Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy once laid claim to the land, Dansville offers a unique balance of rural beauty and a thriving business community. Dansville is surrounded by fertile farmland, rolling wooded hillsides, lakes, streams and is adjacent to the southern part of Livingston County. Dansville is situated alongside Interstate 390 between exits 4 and 5. With a population of around 6,000 Dansville offers small town charm, yet is near some of New York State’s largest cities. Rochester is 45 miles north and Buffalo is 65 miles to the northwest, while Corning is 60 miles to the south.

Located near the scenic Finger Lakes, Dansville offers its residents and visitors numerous attractions year round. Dansville is also home to the New York State Festival of Balloons every Labor Day Weekend. Nearby is Stony Brook State Park & Letchworth State Park, SUNY-Geneseo, SUNY Alfred, Alfred University, Wineries and Ski resorts. We invite you to come and visit Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall and discover the natural beauty that is Dansville, NY.

A Few Historic Facts About Dansville

  • Dansville was first settled in 1795 by Daniel Faulkner, a local storekeeper and Militia Captain.
  • The Dansville area was pioneered by Nathaniel Rochester, founder of our city that now bears his name.
  • Dansville became an incorporated village in 1845.
  • A spa, widely referred to as “The Castle on the Hill,”opened in 1854 & drew many prominent people to Dansville for the water cure. 
  • The Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad opened its mainline between Binghamton and Buffalo, high above Dansville, on September 17, 1882. 
  • Between 1876 and 1886, Clara Barton maintained a residence in Dansville & started the American Red Cross here.

Our History

Learn more about our rich history as you travel down memory lane with us.

About Our Community

Explore all that creates our wonderful community.