Father Baker’s City of Charity: Lackawanna Walking Tour

How did a humble priest manage to create a world-renowned “City of Charity” that cared for thousands of children who had nowhere else to go? How did Nelson Baker also manage to find the time and money to build the spectacular Our Lady of Victory Basilica? Learn the backstory of Father Baker and his incredible accomplishments while strolling around the historic buildings of the City of Charity nestled in the heart of Lackawanna. This exterior walking tour will conclude in time for you to take your own self-guided tour of the wondrous OLV National Shrine and Basilica.

This tour meets at the Father Baker statue at the corner of Ridge Road and South Park Avenue in Lackawanna. Street parking is available on South Park Avenue.

Tour Procedures & Policies: 

• Reservations are required for all tours, including for Explorer Pass members. Walk-ups without reservations cannot be accommodated. Tours are generally limited to a maximum of 18 people per group. 
  • Reservations close two hours before the tour’s scheduled start time (for example, reservations close at 8am for a 10am tour). 
  • To redeem an orange Explore Buffalo walking tour pass, please email explore@explorebuffalo.org at least 24 hours in advance to reserve your tour. 
  • The Explore Buffalo docent for your tour will have a list of tour reservations for their tour; you do not need to print or bring any tour confirmation. 
• Accessibility: Please contact us at explore@explorebuffalo.org or (716) 245-3032 if you plan to attend this tour and will require accommodations or if you have questions about accessibility. 
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Tours generally proceed rain or shine. In the event of weather that requires a tour cancellation, we will contact registered tour guests in advance of the tour. 
• See our FAQs page for our refund policy and answers to other questions.
• By confirming your reservation for any Explore Buffalo tour, you acknowledge and accept Explore Buffalo’s tour policies.