Knox Farm State Park Offers Diverse Mix of Activities
What do you get when you mix history and culture with nature and recreation? Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora.
Anyone seeking an historic site in Western New York to hike nature trails, exercise dogs, cross country ski, snowshoe, horseback ride, stage a wedding, hold a business conference, bicycle, visit a library, picnic, experience a world-class philharmonic orchestra, attend an exhibition of fine arts and crafts, or just sit on a bench and enjoy the scenery will find it at this sprawling 633-acre gemstone among the area hills, trees, and meadows. Most of it is free of charge and all is made possible through the efforts of the Friends of Knox Farm State Park or simply, the Friends.
Founded in 2006, the Friends is a group of volunteers who preserve and protect the recreational, historical, and cultural resources of the park through programs and activities that develop an understanding and appreciation for the park, nature, and the environment. Enthusiasm is high this year among Friends directors for activities aimed at attracting both seasoned and new visitors to the park as well as adding to the group’s corps of volunteers and dues-paying members.
The Friends recently renewed an agreement with the State of New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to serve as the official 501 (c) 3 organization benefiting the park. AS of 2021, The Friends are committed to managing and maintaining the Mansion, the Guest House, and the Stables. All three sites are available for limited rentals; please contact [email protected] for more details.
One of the most popular events hosted by the Friends is the annual Art Show that takes place in the park’s Main House. This show, occurring in November, is considered by many to be a valuable holiday gift resource. A spring Wedding Show is being planned to highlight our Mansion venue and introduce prospective couples to a variety of vendors that will be sure to make their day a special one. And finally, each August the park plays host to Bark Bash; a day for dogs, dog lovers, and businesses who support that love. Keep in touch with us via Facebook and Instagram for updates on these and other events.
Recent Friends supported projects include flooring, painting, insulation, and lighting—both interior and exterior—in and around the Main House, as well as new landscaping surrounding the exterior. Further, discussions have begun toward the completion of repairs to the park’s iconic stone walls. Fencing replacement and tree planting will occur in the enclosed dog park in the summer . A new roof was installed in the guest house through a partnership with the park this winter, and further improvements on that building are scheduled.
Not unlike most small non-profit organizations, without a cadre of members and volunteers the work of the Friends cannot be done. Anyone wishing to become a member of the Friends and/or to volunteer to support its various activities should contact: [email protected].
Anyone seeking an historic site in Western New York to hike nature trails, exercise dogs, cross country ski, snowshoe, horseback ride, stage a wedding, hold a business conference, bicycle, visit a library, picnic, experience a world-class philharmonic orchestra, attend an exhibition of fine arts and crafts, or just sit on a bench and enjoy the scenery will find it at this sprawling 633-acre gemstone among the area hills, trees, and meadows. Most of it is free of charge and all is made possible through the efforts of the Friends of Knox Farm State Park or simply, the Friends.
Founded in 2006, the Friends is a group of volunteers who preserve and protect the recreational, historical, and cultural resources of the park through programs and activities that develop an understanding and appreciation for the park, nature, and the environment. Enthusiasm is high this year among Friends directors for activities aimed at attracting both seasoned and new visitors to the park as well as adding to the group’s corps of volunteers and dues-paying members.
The Friends recently renewed an agreement with the State of New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to serve as the official 501 (c) 3 organization benefiting the park. AS of 2021, The Friends are committed to managing and maintaining the Mansion, the Guest House, and the Stables. All three sites are available for limited rentals; please contact [email protected] for more details.
One of the most popular events hosted by the Friends is the annual Art Show that takes place in the park’s Main House. This show, occurring in November, is considered by many to be a valuable holiday gift resource. A spring Wedding Show is being planned to highlight our Mansion venue and introduce prospective couples to a variety of vendors that will be sure to make their day a special one. And finally, each August the park plays host to Bark Bash; a day for dogs, dog lovers, and businesses who support that love. Keep in touch with us via Facebook and Instagram for updates on these and other events.
Recent Friends supported projects include flooring, painting, insulation, and lighting—both interior and exterior—in and around the Main House, as well as new landscaping surrounding the exterior. Further, discussions have begun toward the completion of repairs to the park’s iconic stone walls. Fencing replacement and tree planting will occur in the enclosed dog park in the summer . A new roof was installed in the guest house through a partnership with the park this winter, and further improvements on that building are scheduled.
Not unlike most small non-profit organizations, without a cadre of members and volunteers the work of the Friends cannot be done. Anyone wishing to become a member of the Friends and/or to volunteer to support its various activities should contact: [email protected].