In 1951, Monroe County Parks purchased the castle and grounds as an extension of Highland Park. The 1854 Gothic-style castle is now the headquarters for the Landmark Society of Western New York. In 1930, landscape architect Alling S. DeForest, who also designed the Eastman estate’s gardens, added the sunken garden to the property. Photographers often capture wedding and family photos in the garden, but it can be a peaceful retreat if you visit when it’s not crowded.
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, where you will find the garden. It is the perfect escape from Lilac Festival crowds.
A popular place for solitude
Photographers often take 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 any time of the year.
Warner Castle
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)
Explore More
Highland Park has been described as a museum of exotic trees, many of which are the tallest of their species in the state, though few are native.
Highland Park’s Lamberton Conservatory is a serene, colorful glass greenhouse displaying diverse exotic, desert, and economic plants.
Maintained by the Landmark Society, the Ellwanger Estate Garden is periodically open to the public for special events.
Mount Hope Cemetery’s winding roads are best explored on foot for a glimpse into the area’s rich history, ecology, and geology.
50 Hidden Places Around Rochester
From secret gardens to enchanting waterfalls, exploring hidden places around the Rochester area is the ultimate way to add some spice to your travel experiences.
25 House & Garden Tours Around Rochester
Every year there are dozens of opportunities around Rochester to walk through grand and historic homes, and meticulously manicured gardens.
When is your favorite time to visit the Sunken Garden?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Help Support My Work
People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.
I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.
If my work has helped you explore and appreciate the Rochester area, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the chance to connect with a growing community of local explorers.
Thank you for supporting my efforts to keep producing meaningful and helpful content.
Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
What would be the best time of year to visit for a display of flowers. My Garden Club group is interested in viewing. Thanks Cheryl
Pingback: Five outdoor activities to combat the Rochester winter blues - Campus Times
Hello,
Please note that although the Sunken Garden at Highland Park is often free and open to the public, due to its great popularity as a wedding and graduation photo site and the severe conflicts this has led to in the past, for several years it has been possible to reserve the garden for private sessions.
If you visit the garden and a private rental is in progress, please respect the rights of the party that rented it! Again, this private rental process was only set up in response to the many conflicts that has erupted over use of the space when it was completely unregulated.
The Monroe County Parks registration website shows times where a private event is registered as “greyed out” if you are looking for a time when it is not reserved!
Sincerely,
Tom