Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Lorenzo State Historic Site

Skip Navigation LinksHome / Historic Sites / Lorenzo State Historic Site
Address
17 Rippleton Road
Cazenovia, NY 13035
Latitude 42.924206
Longitude -75.860619

Situated in historic Cazenovia, Lorenzo State Historic Site is the 1807 Federal style home of John Lincklaen, Holland Land Company agent and founder of Cazenovia.  Lorenzo was continually occupied by the Lincklaen/Ledyard family until the property and contents were conveyed to New York State in 1968. The imprint of all of Lorenzo's residents, including the enslaved people, servants and many employees required to run the estate, can be found at every turn. 

 

Visitors to Lorenzo enjoy guided tours of the Mansion furnished with 160 years of original furnishings. Explore the Visitor Center for the history of Cazenovia, building of Lorenzo, an amazing carriage and sleigh display, and to watch an introductory video.  Visit the museum shop which features a unique selection of stationery, historic reproductions, design and history books, reprints, and gift items.   Attend the many special events and presentations on the historic grounds including the annual "Lorenzo Driving Competition," "Rippleton Schoolhouse Community Day" and "Christmas at Lorenzo."

 

The grounds of Lorenzo are open daily, year-round, dawn until dusk to stroll through the Ellen Shipman designed formal garden and Dark Aisle Arboretum or hike the connective trail through the 87-acre site.


Hours of Operation

  • May 17- October 14, 2024- Open for Tours

    Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, and Monday holidays, 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with the last tour beginning at 4:00 PM. Visitor Center and museum shop are open during these hours. Grounds open daily from dawn until dusk. 


Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities (Lorenzo not included) operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

  • Tour Fees
  • Adults, $5
    Seniors, $4
    Students, $4
    Groups of 12 or more with 2-weeks advance notice, $4 per person.
    Children 12 and under are free. 
Sat 11 May
Preservation Month Speaker: Connie Barone Presents the Significance of Horse Island
Saturday, May 11, 2024 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
In 2019 the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation acquired a 24-acre property on Horse Island to become part of Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site. National Park Service and American Battlefield Trust consider Horse Island to have multi-national significance and be one of the 'top two War of 1812 sites' in the country. Join Connie Barone, Historic Site Manager of Sackets Harbor Battlefield as she shares the history, significance, and plans for the interpretation of the War of 1812 and "Our Whole History" of Horse Island. 
*Admission is free*
Thu 13 Jun
Friends of Lorenzo Garden Gala
Thursday, June 13, 2024 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
Join the Friends of Lorenzo in celebrating 41 years of support for the restoration and ongoing maintenance of the 1914 Ellen Shipman-designed-garden at Lorenzo. Recognized as one of Central New York's premier examples of a country estate garden, it continues to draw interest and visitors from across the nation. There will be cocktails, appetizers, raffles, Mansion tours, and more! The Gala will move indoors in the event of inclement weather. To purchase tickets or become a member visit https://www.friendsoflorenzo.org/
Sat 15 Jun
Fourth Annual Cazenovia Pride Fest & Parade
Saturday, June 15, 2024 11:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
The parade steps off from behind the Cazenovia Public Library at 11:30AM, walking down Albany Street to Lorenzo State Historic Site. Once there, we will celebrate each person's uniqueness and come together to Love Out Loud! Food trucks, vendors, entertainment and fun for everyone!
*Event admission is free*
Sat 29 Jun
Art as Memory: What We Leave Behind- Meet the Exhibit Curator
Saturday, June 29, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
Join us to meet Elisabeth Genter Montevecchio, Guest Curator of our 2023-2024 exhibition. View some of the personal expressions of art left behind by Lorenzo's residents and their families. As you explore, consider: what did your ancestors create for you to remember them by? What will you leave for your descendants? What does history look like to you? This exhibit made possible thanks to a New York Public Humanities Grant. Exhibit on view with guided tours through October 14, 2024. The event includes a mansion tour and light refreshments. 
*Event admission is free*
Fri 19 Jul
46th Lorenzo Driving Competition
Friday, July 19, 2024 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
The Lorenzo landscape will set the backdrop for the 46th annual Lorenzo Driving Competition, a display of horse and carriage driving skill, timing, and style. Exhibits, sales, refreshments, and demonstrations are also offered. Sponsored by the Lorenzo Driving Competition, Inc. Admission to the show is free. For more information visit lorenzodriving.org or email lorenzodriving@gmail.com 

Get Directions

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Gift Shop (Accessible)
  • Picnic Area
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
  • Tours
  • Visitor Center (Accessible)
  • Documents