Cornell Botanic Gardens is a beautiful and vast 4,000-acre area that is open for free exploration. It offers ample opportunities to learn about different plant species and environmental conservation. The area includes 12 specialty gardens located around the Nevin Welcome Center, the 100-acre F.R. Newman Arboretum, and surrounding natural areas.
The Botanic Gardens
Cornell University manages this lovely 4,000-acre site, which features the Nevin Welcome Center and several formal gardens.
Beebe Lake and Woodland Trail
Follow winding paths through the Mundy Wildflower Garden or take a wooded loop trail around Beebe Lake. As you cross Beebe Dam Bridge or Thurston Avenue Bridge, stop and view Triphammer Falls.
F.R. Newman Arboretum
You can drive through the arboretum or walk the trails through diverse trees and shrubs over rolling terrain. Enjoy views of the meadows, ponds, and sculptures.
More information
Cost: Free
Located in Ithaca, 120 minutes / 90 miles from Rochester (get directions)
Maps from Ithaca Trails
Mann Library Slope Natural Area
More information: cornellbotanicgardens.org
Explore More
Spend a day in the City of Ithaca, exploring the waterfalls, restaurants, shops, and festivals that make this Ivy League college town unique.
These carefully designed gardens, often cultivated for decades or even centuries, display exceptional collections of flowers and trees.
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The heart of the village of Watkins Glen is the 1.5-mile-long gorge, a truly breathtaking and awe-inspiring showcase of nature’s beauty.
Seneca Falls, on historic Route 5 and 20, is the birthplace of the Women’s Rights movement and is the inspiration for It’s a Wonderful Life.
Rochester is home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. You can spend weeks exploring our rich cultural heritage.
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Where is your favorite spot in Cornell Botanic Gardens?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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