Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park – Canandaigua, NY

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I’m back!!!

It’s been too long, and I’ve been struggling with my health, but getting back on track. One day at a time. And I have some magical summer adventures to share from the days I’ve been well enough to travel.. ✨️

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua, NY vlog on YouTube

Our most recent trip was to the beautiful Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua, NY. 🌹🌿

FYI: Sonnenberg means “sunny hill/mountain” in German. 🌄

…and it was VERY sunny. 🌞

Kae Audhild at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua, New York - ootd Kae is wearing black button down shirt dress, Goodr New Wave Renegade sunglasses, Dr Martens suede gladiator sandals, jungle vine green Kate Spade Deco quilted leather chain strap shoulder bag - beautiful Upstate NY travel destinations - quiet luxury, slow living, historic places, peaceful getaways

What I wore:
black button down shirt dress ☆ Goodr Pop G New Wave Renegade sunglasses ☆ Kate Spade New York Deco green quilted chain flap bag ☆ Dr. Martens women’s Olson charcoal grey tumbled nubuck gladiator sandals

There’s something special about visiting a garden on a perfect summer day (especially with a loved one).

The flowers are in full bloom, friendly pollinators drift from blossom to blossom, and every path seems to lead somewhere beautiful.. 🐝

Every corner of the estate has its own personality, inviting you to slow down and explore at your own pace.

Zinnias at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua, NY 🏵🌿 flowers of Instagram, Upstate New York FLX Finger Lakes region travel - NY historic gardens and mansions museums - botany horticulture — *Zinnias at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua, NY 🏵*

A Walk Through Living History

The estate was originally built in the late 1800s as the summer home of Frederick Ferris Thompson and Mary Clark Thompson, whose vision transformed the property into one of America’s great country estates.

Today, visitors can explore beautifully preserved formal gardens inspired by styles from around the world, along with the elegant mansion that overlooks the grounds.

Walking between the gardens feels less like following a set route and more like discovering one beautiful space after another.

Front view of the historic Sonnenberg Mansion at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua, New York. A brick walkway leads to the grand entrance beneath a round turret, with lush green lawns and a bright blue summer sky dotted with white clouds overhead. — The mansion itself is stunning. With its distinctive turret, intricate stonework, and ivy-covered walls, it’s every bit as impressive up close as it is from a distance — and is an important reminder of the Gilded Age history.

Side view of Sonnenberg Mansion in Canandaigua, New York, showcasing its detailed stone architecture, large leaded-glass windows, ivy climbing the walls, and manicured grounds beneath a clear blue summer sky. — The mansion itself is stunning. With its distinctive turret, intricate stonework, and ivy-covered walls, it’s every bit as impressive up close as it is from a distance — and is an important reminder of the Gilded Age history.

Gardens Around Every Corner

One of my favorite parts of visiting Sonnenberg was how each garden felt completely different from the last.

Some spaces were carefully manicured with symmetrical designs and vibrant seasonal flowers, while others felt quieter and more secluded. As you wander the winding paths, you’re constantly greeted with new colors, textures, fountains, sculptures, and peaceful places to pause.

The Roman Garden at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua, New York, featuring a white-columned pavilion surrounded by manicured lawns beneath a brilliant blue summer sky. — One of the things I loved most about Sonnenberg is how every path leads to something different. From formal gardens and historic buildings to hidden woodland staircases, sculptures, and quiet corners, the estate invites you to wander and discover at your own pace. There always seemed to be another beautiful view waiting just around the corner.

Rustic stone staircase winding through a shaded woodland grotto at Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua, New York, with moss-covered stonework, mature evergreen trees, and dappled summer sunlight. — One of the things I loved most about Sonnenberg is how every path leads to something different. From formal gardens and historic buildings to hidden woodland staircases, sculptures, and quiet corners, the estate invites you to wander and discover at your own pace. There always seemed to be another beautiful view waiting just around the corner.

The Mansion

The mansion itself is well worth exploring.

Stepping inside offers a glimpse into Gilded Age life, with beautifully preserved rooms, elegant architecture, and fascinating details that tell the story of the family who once spent their summers here.

Even if you’re primarily visiting for the gardens, I’d highly recommend taking the time to tour the house. It adds so much context to the estate and makes you appreciate the grounds even more.

Formal dining room inside Sonnenberg Mansion in Canandaigua, New York, featuring a large round table set with fine china, crystal glassware, lace tablecloths, floral centerpiece, fireplace, and patterned wallpaper. — Stepping inside the mansion offers a glimpse into Gilded Age life. From elegant dining rooms and richly detailed woodwork to grand staircases and fascinating pieces like the self-playing music machine, every room helps tell the story of the people who once called Sonnenberg their summer home.

Mounted stag displayed above a carved wood balcony inside Sonnenberg Mansion, showcasing the home's rich woodwork, decorative lighting, and Gilded Age interior architecture. — Stepping inside the mansion offers a glimpse into Gilded Age life. From elegant dining rooms and richly detailed woodwork to grand staircases and fascinating pieces like the self-playing music machine, every room helps tell the story of the people who once called Sonnenberg their summer home.

A Beautiful Finger Lakes Scenic Stop

Whether you’re spending a weekend exploring the Finger Lakes, visiting nearby Canandaigua, or simply looking for somewhere peaceful to spend an afternoon, Sonnenberg Gardens should be on your list of things to see.

Wander where the paths take you, stop whenever something catches your eye, and enjoy being surrounded by flowers, history, and sunshine.

For photographers, gardeners, history lovers, or anyone who simply enjoys beautiful places, it’s easy to spend several relaxing hours here.

*Water lilies at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua, NY 🪷*

Final Thoughts

Some places leave an impression because they’re exciting. Others stay with you because they’re peaceful.

Sonnenberg is definitely the latter.

Between the historic mansion, beautifully designed gardens, and the quiet atmosphere, it offers a chance to step away from the rush of everyday life and simply enjoy a beautiful summer day.

I’d happily return during another season just to see how the gardens change throughout the year.

Fashionable woman with sunglasses in lush green forest.

If You Go

📍 Location: Canandaigua, New York, in the Finger Lakes region

🌸 Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall, when the gardens are in bloom.

⏰ Plan For: 2-4 hours, depending on how thoroughly you explore the gardens and mansion.

📸 Don’t Miss:

The historic mansion
The themed formal gardens
The fountains and sculptures
Seasonal flower displays
Plenty of photo opportunities throughout the estate

👟 Good to Know:

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll spend plenty of time exploring garden paths.
Bring water on warm summer days.
A camera (or fully charged phone) is a must — you’ll find beautiful views around nearly every corner.
Check the park’s website before your visit for seasonal hours, admission, and special events.

Selfie of Kae Audhild standing on the balcony of Sonnenberg Mansion at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua, New York. Behind her, the formal Italian Garden stretches out with manicured hedges, brick walkways, and a white-columned pergola beneath a bright blue summer sky. — *Obligatory selfie at the beautiful Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, taken from the mansion balcony overlooking the gardens.*

If you’ve visited Sonnenberg before, I’d love to hear which garden was your favorite. And if it’s still on your list, hopefully this gives you another reason to add it to your next Finger Lakes adventure. 🏞

2 responses to “Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park – Canandaigua, NY”

Donna Maurillo

July 9, 2026

What a great place to visit! Even though I grew up in Syracuse, I never heard of this place. At first, I thought you were visiting the Schoenbrunn Palace in Vienna. Wouldn’t it be great to have enough money to build a huge garden like this? But at least we can enjoy it by visiting.

I’m sorry you’ve had health issues. Best of health to you.

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bradenmikael

July 9, 2026

Beautiful photography! Sending good, healthy vibes your way, too! I wish you well and look forward to more of your awesome posts and photos (been wondering what happened to you!).

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