Visitor Update
Public tour season is now closed at our Watkins Glen, New York shelter, and will reopen in May 2023. We are still offering private tours over the fall and winter months, weather pending. Email [email protected] to book your private tour.
The Sanctuary Experience
Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur
Nestled in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York, the rolling green pastures of Farm Sanctuary’s 275-acre New York shelter are home to more than 600 rescued cows, pigs, turkeys, and other farm animals — and each has a special story. Their stories of struggle and survival, against all odds, give the public insight into the realities farm animals face in the modern food system, but also introduce us to inspiring individuals through their heartwarming tales.
During your visit to our Sanctuary, you can take an hour-long tour of the shelter with one of our Sanctuary Guides, meeting our rescued residents along the way! After meeting our farm animal friends, visit our Sanctuary Shop, which contains literature, cookbooks, apparel, and other souvenirs.
We are located next door to Sugar Hill State Forest, just west of Watkins Glen.
“A beautiful and peaceful slice of heaven! All the staff were so friendly and accommodating and the animals were extremely happy and well cared for.”
- Cheryl, Farm Sanctuary Visitor
Facebook Review
Facebook Review
Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur
Sanctuary Tours
Guided tours are offered May through October. Visits are approximately an hour long and start promptly! Please plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of your tour.
June through October:
- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
The Sanctuary Shop is open during tour season from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Wednesday-Sunday with limited guest capacity.
May:
- Friday, Saturday and Sunday
The Sanctuary Shop is open during tour season from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with limited guest capacity.
Our new Family Friendly Tour, tailored for children ages 4-10, will be available at select times starting in May.
General Admission: $15
Children 2 and under: Free
Advance registration required
Guided tours are offered May through October. Visits are approximately an hour long and start promptly! Please plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of your tour.
June through October:
- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
The Sanctuary Shop is open during tour season from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Wednesday-Sunday with limited guest capacity.
May:
- Friday, Saturday and Sunday
The Sanctuary Shop is open during tour season from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with limited guest capacity.
Our new Family Friendly Tour, tailored for children ages 4-10, will be available at select times starting in May.
General Admission: $15
Children 2 and under: Free
Advance registration required
Private tours are available for individuals or groups. Max. of 15 guests per tour.
Price: $225 (fixed rate)
For additional information, or to book a private tour, please contact [email protected].
Admission charges will be waived for middle school and high school children that are visiting Farm Sanctuary as part of a school group tour. School group tours are limited to ages 12 and older.
For additional information, please contact [email protected].
The research on the transmission of COVID-19 to animals is ongoing, and as such, we will be taking extra precautions to protect our animal residents. This includes:
- Reduced capacity
- Modified tour routes and interactions
- Wellness checks for staff
Our main priority is to keep guests, animal residents, and our staff safe! If anyone in your group is feeling unwell, please contact us directly to cancel or reschedule your tour. We thank you for helping us in this effort.
Scenes from Sanctuary
VISIT US
Accommodations
Tiny Houses
Immerse yourself in the Farm Sanctuary experience with a stay at one of our luxurious Tiny Houses at our New York shelter. Sip your cup of coffee on the front porch and watch the pigs frolic in the adjacent pasture before starting your day with a private tour only for those staying in Sanctuary accommodations.
Cabins
Snuggle up in one of our cozy cabins and start living the Farm Sanctuary life! You’ll enjoy stunning views of our picturesque location in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York while learning about farm animal issues and forging a closer bond with the rescued animals at our shelter.
Dining Guide
Every year, Farm Sanctuary staff members scour local eateries to find veg options for Sanctuary visitors (and ourselves). We take the guesswork out of vegan traveling and provide a comprehensive cruelty-free dining guide for Watkins Glen and surrounding areas.
Getting to Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary’s New York shelter is located just west of Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes region of New York. The Sanctuary is one-and-a-half hours southeast of Rochester and half an hour north of Elmira.
Physical address (for mapping purposes only):
3136 Aikens Rd
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Please note: It is best to use our driving directions once you reach Watkins Glen as navigation apps might direct you to take small, unmarked seasonal roads through the surrounding forest. Mail may not be sent to this address. All Farm Sanctuary mail should be sent to PO Box 150, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.
Farm Sanctuary’s New York shelter is located just west of Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes region of New York. The Sanctuary is one-and-a-half hours southeast of Rochester and half an hour north of Elmira.
Physical address (for mapping purposes only):
3136 Aikens Rd
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Please note: It is best to use our driving directions once you reach Watkins Glen as navigation apps might direct you to take small, unmarked seasonal roads through the surrounding forest. Mail may not be sent to this address. All Farm Sanctuary mail should be sent to PO Box 150, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.
From Watkins Glen
- From Route 14/Franklin Street, head West on Fourth Street/Route 409
- Turn right onto Route 23/28
- Stay on Route 23 as it branches off to the left (one mile)
- Continue on Route 23 for eight miles and then turn left onto Aikens Road
- Follow Aikens Road for two miles until you see the Farm Sanctuary Visitor Barn on the left. Look for Farm Sanctuary signs along the way
From Rochester
- Take 390 S to 17E (86) and then take Savona Exit 40
- Turn left on Route 226 North, then right on Route 23
- Take a right on Aikens Road and proceed two miles to the Visitor Barn
Please note: Route 17 is also Interstate 86.
Unfortunately, there is not any public transportation available that will take you to the Sanctuary. If you are flying or taking the bus, you will need to rent a car or take a taxi to the Sanctuary. Taxi rides do need to be scheduled in advance.
Elmira/Corning Regional Airport
45 minutes from the Sanctuary.
Ithaca Regional Airport
1 hour from the Sanctuary.
Rochester Airport
1.5 hours from the Sanctuary.
Taxi Services
Elmira/Corning Regional Airport
Bells Taxi
1 hour notice required; approximately $75.
607-731-8801 • 607-731-8880
Ithaca & Elmira Airports
Ithaca Dispatch Inc.
1 day or several hours’ notice preferred, approximately $80.
607-277-7777
Bus Transportation
Greyhound 800-231-2222
Shortline 607-734-2001
NY Trailways 800-295-5555
Coach USA 800-647-6471
Car Rentals
Avis 800-831-2847
Enterprise 800-325-8007
Hertz 800-654-3131
National 800-227-7368
Area Accommodations
Please visit the local Chamber of Commerce or lodging association website for a comprehensive listing and information on places to stay near Farm Sanctuary. For your convenience, we’ve included a list of guest picks.
Please make sure to mention that you are visiting Farm Sanctuary when you make your reservation. Thank you!
Local Attractions Guide
Photo: Songquan Deng
The Finger Lakes area is alive with opportunities for exploration! Visit local wineries, hike gorges and waterfalls, or stroll through an area museum. Some highlights include the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Watkins Glen State Park, the Corning Museum of Glass, and Ithaca’s many waterfalls.
Photo: Songquan Deng
Frequently Asked Questions
Closer to the West Coast?
Our 26-acre Southern California Sanctuary is located on a beautiful hacienda ranch in Acton, just 45 minutes from Hollywood, and provides Sanctuary for approximately 100 animals.
Need More Info?
To book a tour or an accommodation at our Watkins Glen, NY Sanctuary:
