Located in the City of Canandaigua, Sonnenberg Gardens is an exceptional example of the lavish wealth and philanthropy of the Gilded Age.
Like the mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, Sonnenberg was a summer home for Frederick, the founder of First National Bank (now City Bank) and his wife, Mary, who grew up in Canandaigua and whose father was Governor of New York State.
I found it fascinating that Mary and her traveling party had tickets to sail home to the United States on the RMS Titanic April 14, 1912. She changed her plans and decided to stay in Europe a bit longer.
Getting Around Sonnenberg Gardens
Once you’ve parked and come through admissions, the park is free to explore. You could either view the map as a literal step-by-step guide or wander aimlessly and see what you can discover on your own.
The main roads through the 50-acre property are paved and easily walkable. Some of the places you can explore, like the Tea Garden and the Rock Garden, are accessed by windy, uneven footpaths.
There are also trams available that can take you anywhere in the park, but are especially useful getting from the entrance to the mansion and back. The drivers are excited to share details and stories as you drive along.
Inside Sonnenberg Gardens Mansion
You can explore two of the three floors in the mansion. Unlike other historic homes where most of the space is roped off, you are pretty free to explore every detail up close.
The Sonnenberg Gardens
Italian Garden
1903
There is a bedroom porch on the second floor that offers a perfect view of the gardens below.
Rose Garden
1906
Old-Fashioned Garden
1906
Blue & White Garden
1912
Japanese Garden & Tea House
1906
Sub-Rosa
1907
Conservatory Complex
1915
The glass conservatory is an example of Lord & Burnham’s extraordinary work. Their portfolio includes the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, where they were contracted by Frederick Law Olmsted during the development of Cazenovia and South Parks.
Rock Garden
1920
Finger Lakes Wine Center
The 1911 stained glass Tiffany-style window was crafted by the Pike Stained Glass Studio in Rochester, NY. William Pike, founded the company in Rochester in 1908, after working for Louis Comfort Tiffany in New York City.
Enjoy a wine tasting, for a small fee, in their tasting cellar located near the parking lot. Learn more
More Information about Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion
Open May 1 – October 31
Located in the City of Canandaigua, 30 miles / 35 minutes from Rochester. View Map
Check their website for current admission fee. Admission includes entrance into the gardens, greenhouse, and mansion.
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Which is your favorite garden at Sonnenberg?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
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Enjoy the Journey Together!
Everything at Sonnenberg Gardens is beautiful! My favorite is actually the swimming pool and bathhouse. But what I would like to see is the third floor of the mansion, where the children played. I.d be back if that third floor ever opens up to the public.
Why don’t you tell us where this is located? I had to scroll quite a bit to find that her father was a governor of New York. First clue. The stained glass was made by a company in Rochester, NY. Second clue. Then toward the end, I read something about the Finger Lakes and a winery. Third clue. But I still don’t know where it is.
Susan, thank you so much for taking the time to let me know its location in the City of Canadaigua was missing! I’ve added it to the first paragraph and also additional location information at the bottom of the article. Location is a critical detail! I hope it didn’t discourage you from seeking it out. I’d love to hear abut your trip if you go!