Navigation menu

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
  Central Region
Latitude 42.924206
Longitude -75.860619
  Directions

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 05 Oct
Sensory Saturdays at Rippleton Schoolhouse
Saturday, October 5, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
This summer, the Rippleton Schoolhouse at Lorenzo invites visitors of all ages to engage with history hands-on during Sensory Saturdays. Come explore an authentic 1887 schoolhouse, try your hand at traditional games and activities, and explore the beautiful grounds. 
*Admission is free*
Sat 12 Oct
Sensory Saturdays at Rippleton Schoolhouse
Saturday, October 12, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
This summer, the Rippleton Schoolhouse at Lorenzo invites visitors of all ages to engage with history hands-on during Sensory Saturdays. Come explore an authentic 1887 schoolhouse, try your hand at traditional games and activities, and explore the beautiful grounds. 
*Admission is free*
Thu 17 Oct
Victorian Death & Funerary Practice
Thursday, October 17, 2024 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
(315) 655-3200

Join Fort Ontario's Historic Site Manager, Matt MacVittie, for a special evening tour of Lorenzo to discuss the death and funerary practices of the Victorians. Mortality rates were high in the 19th century, and death and mourning rituals elaborate. We'll keep the lights low as he shares everything from the mundane to the macabre about death in the Victorian era. 
*Admission is Free
** Reservations required, as space is limited. Call 315-655-3200, ext. 106 or email: jacqueline.roshia@parks.ny.gov
Registration: Required
Sun 20 Oct
Ponies and Pumpkin Spice
Sunday, October 20, 2024 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
As part of the Cazenovia Fall Fest Weekend, Lorenzo Driving Competition will host this fun event at Lorenzo. Meet the miniature horses wearing costumes, and Jason the Fjord horse disguised as a pumpkin! Kids, come in your costume to take a special photo. Tour Lorenzo's rarely seen carriage storage, coloring pages for the kids, and enjoy light refreshments. The NYS Draft Horse club will be onsite offering wagon rides!
*Admission is free*
Wed 04 Dec
Friends of Lorenzo Christmas Preview Party
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site
The Friends of Lorenzo will showcase the bedecked Mansion at their annual Preview Party as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Christmas at Lorenzo! For the anniversary we will be revisiting the past, with each room decorated in a previous year's theme. Members and their guests are treated to a special evening of live music and seasonal delights! To purchase tickets or become a member, visit https://www.friendsoflorenzo.org/

Amenities Information

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

Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Inside our Agency

Resources

News

Quick Links

Language Access