Welcome to Shelby, NY


Overview

The town of Shelby, in the southwest corner of Orleans County, contains the south portion of the village of Medina along with several other communities. This town has plenty of wide-open spaces especially appealing to nature lovers. The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is partly in Shelby, and a small portion of the Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area, adjacent to the Iroquois refuge, also is here. The Oak Orchard River, a huge fishing spot and commonly called the Oak Orchard Creek here, runs through Shelby.


Essentials

The Medina Central School District serves residents who live here. Most of the local services are found in the village of Medina, like the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library and Medina Memorial Hospital. Other hospitals are a short drive southeast in Batavia. 



Recreation & Entertainment

Fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities are big here, and the Oak Orchard River attracts fishermen and –women from all over. The two nearby wildlife refuges are great for hiking, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing and offer up-close looks at migrating birds and other animals. A variety of summer events are held along the Erie Canal. The Medina Railroad Museum hosts year-round activities, including fall foliage tours and an annual visit from Thomas the Tank Engine for kids. 



Transportation & Traffic

Route 63 is the main north-south roadway here, running through the heart of town. Route 31 and Route 31A, which run east-west, are in the northern part of town, and Route 77 is in the southern edge.



Pros & Cons

You’re almost exactly halfway between Rochester and Buffalo, the two largest cities in New York state after New York City. Medina is a lovely village on the Erie Canal, with an historic Main Street and plenty of places to eat and shop. The wildlife areas are great for outdoor types, who also appreciate the town’s hunting and fishing.