Take a stroll behind Warner Castle & down the grassy lawn. There you will find the Sunken Garden—a peaceful retreat anytime of the year. It was added to the property in 1930 by Alling S. DeForest—landscape architect of the Eastman estate.
Located on the corner of Mt. Hope Ave. and Reservoir Ave., Warner Castle and its Sunken Garden are part of Highland Park.
If you are starting near Lamberton Conservatory, head down Reservoir Ave., crossing South Ave. toward Mt. Hope Ave. Stroll around to the back of the castle and down the lawn, and there you will find the garden. It is the perfect escape from the crowds at the Lilac Festival!
A popular place for solitude
Often, there are photographers taking wedding and family photos, like anywhere in Highland Park. If you can get there when no one else is about, it’s a peaceful retreat, beautiful anytime of the year.
Warner Castle
The ability to step inside the castle is uncertain at the moment. Until late 2017, the castle was home to the Rochester Civic Garden Center. Now, the Landmark Society of Western New York calls it home.
More information about the Warner Castle Sunken Garden
Cost: Free
Located in the City of Rochester (get directions)
Beyond the Sunken Garden
Highland Bowl
Behind the garden, you’ll find Highland Park Bowl—an outdoor amphitheater used for summertime concerts, Shakespeare in the Bowl, and Movies in the Park.
Highland Park was designed to be enjoyed year-round. Every pathway, every tree, every vista & every relationship between the land & water is intentional.
The Lamberton Conservatory Spring Show opens around the first weekend of spring and runs through the Lilac Festival in mid-May.
While the Ellwanger Estate is private, the garden is maintained by the Landmark Society and is periodically open to the public for special events.
It may seem odd to think of a cemetery as a family-friendly destination, but Mount Hope Cemetery is as much park-like as it nearby neighbor Highland Park.
Lilac Festival in Rochester, NY
Highland Park draws crowds numbering in the thousands during Rochester’s week-long Lilac Festival in May, though the lilacs are not the only sights to see!
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We drive past some of Rochester’s most unique features every day, completely unaware that these hidden places are just minutes away from where we live.
5 Beautiful Gardens Near Rochester
If you haven’t already, start with a visit to these five beautiful gardens near Rochester, many are free or require only a small donation or admission fee.
27 House & Garden Tours Around Rochester
Every year there are dozens of opportunities around Rochester to walk through grand and historic homes, and meticulously manicured garden spaces.
Monroe County parks are free, so take advantage of 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical and geological experiences!
When is your favorite time to visit the Sunken Garden?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!
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