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.
Day Trips Around Rochester, New York
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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)
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Highland Park has even been described as a museum of exotic trees, many of which are the tallest of their species in the state, though few are native.
The 2024 Lamberton Conservatory Spring Show opens in late March and features hyacinths, daffodils, tulips, and other flowering bulbs.
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.
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When is your favorite time to visit the Sunken Garden?
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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