Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park preserves one of the most impressive surviving estates of America’s Gilded Age, nestled in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region. Spanning 50 acres, this State Historic Site features a stunning 1887 Queen Anne-style mansion surrounded by nine formal gardens, each designed in a distinct style — from the serene Japanese Garden to the geometric Italian Garden and the fragrant Rose Garden.

The estate was built by Frederick and Mary Clark Thompson, and Mary devoted decades to creating the elaborate garden complex after her husband’s death. Designated a historic site in 2005, Sonnenberg (German for “sunny hill”) offers visitors a rare window into the horticultural ambitions and domestic grandeur of the late 19th century.

Visitors can tour the 40-room mansion, which retains much of its original furnishing and décor, then spend hours wandering the themed gardens connected by tree-lined pathways. The property also includes a greenhouse complex, a Roman bath, and rotating exhibits that explore the estate’s history and Finger Lakes heritage. Various outdoor activities make it easy to fill a full afternoon here.

The best time to visit is late June through September, when the gardens reach their peak bloom and the grounds come alive with color. Spring offers quieter visits with emerging blooms, while fall brings foliage that complements the Victorian architecture beautifully.

Camping is not available on-site, but the surrounding Finger Lakes region offers abundant options for extending your stay.

Explore Nearby

• Sodus Point Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse — Lighthouse in New York
• Finger Lakes National Forest — National Forest in New York
• McAuley Road Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Great Lakes Seaway Trail — Scenic Byway in New York