Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park | Finger Lakes

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is a magnificent historic estate located in Canandaigua, New York, in the Finger Lakes region. Covering about 50 acres, the park is famous for its stunning Queen Anne-style mansion and nine exquisitely designed gardens, representing some of the most beautiful formal gardens in the United States.

Historical Background

The estate was originally developed as a summer home for Frederick Ferris Thompson and his wife Mary Clark Thompson, wealthy New York financiers. They purchased the property in 1863, but the grand mansion itself was constructed later, between 1885 and 1887. Designed by architect Francis R. Allen, the mansion is a prime example of Queen Anne architecture, featuring:

Rustic gray stone walls with Medina sandstone trim

A large slate roof topped with lead-coated copper

Ornate towers, turrets, and bay windows

Rich interior woodwork, stained glass, and period furnishings

The Thompsons were passionate about horticulture and hired skilled gardeners to develop the grounds, creating gardens that reflected the popular European styles of the early 20th century. Between 1902 and 1919, they built nine formal gardens on the property.

The Gardens

The nine gardens each have their own distinct style and atmosphere, offering a rare diversity of formal horticultural design within one estate:

Japanese Garden
Established in 1906, this is one of the earliest Japanese-style gardens in the U.S. It features a traditional teahouse, five elegant bridges, a bronze Buddha statue from the 12th century, and carefully arranged rocks and plants to evoke calm and balance.

Italian Garden
Designed in 1903, the Italian Garden is a sunken, symmetrical garden with elaborate "carpet bedding" using thousands of red and gold annual flowers. Its boxwood hedges and fountains enhance the classic European ambiance.

Lord & Burnham Greenhouse Complex
This Victorian-era greenhouse houses collections of exotic orchids, tropical plants, and succulents, preserved and nurtured in a historically authentic setting.

Rose Garden
Filled with numerous varieties of roses, this garden offers vibrant colors and fragrances during blooming seasons.

Blue and White Garden
A formal garden designed with plants in shades of blue and white, creating a serene and cool-toned landscape.

Rock Garden
Featuring rock formations and alpine plants, the rock garden showcases an earthy, naturalistic aesthetic.

Colonial Garden
Reflecting early American garden design with traditional plantings and layout.

Children’s Garden
Created to engage young visitors with fun and educational plantings.

Sunken Garden
A hidden gem with layered plantings and stonework for quiet reflection.

Mansion Interior and Features

The 40-room mansion retains much of its original elegance with period furnishings, intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and ornate fireplaces. Visitors can explore:

Formal parlors and sitting rooms

A grand dining room with period china and silver

The library and bedrooms reflecting Gilded Age luxury

Original artworks and personal artifacts of the Thompson family

Guided tours highlight the mansion’s architecture, history, and the family’s lifestyle.

Visitor Experience

Season and Hours: The park is open from May through October, Thursday through Monday, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Admission: Tickets are priced by age category, with discounts for seniors and students. Children under 3 enter free.

Amenities: Visitors can enjoy the Gardener’s Café serving light meals, a gift shop with garden-themed products, and tram service for those with limited mobility.

Wine Tasting: Offered on weekends during the season, featuring local Finger Lakes wines.

Special Events and Programs

Sonnenberg hosts numerous seasonal events that enhance visitor engagement, including:

Arts at the Gardens: Annual art festival showcasing local artists.

Orchid Show: Exhibits of rare and exotic orchids in the greenhouse.

Moonlight Strolls: Evening concerts and garden walks by moonlight.

Mansion Mysteries: Interactive events exploring the mansion’s history and lore.

Family Activities: Including the Teddy Bear Party and children’s workshops.

Location and Access

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion is located at 151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua, NY, just minutes from downtown. The estate provides ample parking and wheelchair accessibility for many areas. It is also a sought-after venue for weddings and private functions due to its picturesque grounds and elegant mansion.

Summary

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is a beautifully preserved example of Gilded Age opulence and horticultural artistry. Its combination of architectural grandeur, diverse formal gardens, and rich history makes it a unique destination in the Finger Lakes region, appealing to garden lovers, history enthusiasts, and cultural tourists alike.