Private Sanctuary Tour

Join us for a private hour-long guided tour with one of our Sanctuary Guides, meeting the rescued residents, hearing their stories, and learning about our food system. Private tours allow for more interaction with the animal residents since it will only be you and your friends and family in attendance. You may have up to 8 people in your party. Browse our unique Sanctuary Shop. The Kitchen is open for lunch 11am-3pm Thursday-Sunday.

Due to current safety protocols, guests are required to wear protective boot coverings & gloves during some animal interactions. Thank you for understanding!

Duration

1 Hour, ~1 mile walking tour

About

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 hundreds of 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, and also introduce us to inspiring individuals through their heartwarming tales. Animals who began their lives abused and neglected now spend their days digging in the dirt, basking in the sun, and napping in the straw. Each animal is given the freedom and attention needed not only to recover but to thrive.

We are located next door to Sugar Hill State Forest, 20 minutes West of the town of Watkins Glen.

Tickets

Guests must be on a tour with a guide in order to see the Sanctuary. You will receive your reservation confirmation and waiver via email.

Planning Your Visit

Please plan to arrive at the designated tour time. The Visitor Barn is closed during the Winter months and your guide will meet you there.

Please contact us if you need additional accommodations. We want to make sure all our visitors have a meaningful, safe and comfortable experience during a visit to our Sanctuaries. Therefore, we encourage individuals with disabilities to contact us at least two weeks in advance of their visit to set up arrangements for any necessary accommodations. For more information, to make accommodations requests, or if participate in our Adopt a Farm Animal program please email experienceny@farmsanctuary.org.

Please note that the tour path is not paved. The road through the sanctuary is largely composed of compacted dirt and gravel. The path can be slippery when wet and dusty when dry. Short segments of the tour path have a steep grade. While the tour path itself includes a hardened surface, the connections to the animal enclosures may include grassy areas and uneven terrain. There is limited shade and few areas to sit or rest while on the tour.

Guests are encouraged to view the Power of Sanctuary video and to browse our website to learn more about farmed animals.

Tickets are non-transferable and only valid on the date and time of the ticket. Please confirm the date before purchasing.

Guests will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours' notice of cancellation. Guests will also receive a full refund or credit in case of cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. Guests who do not arrive on the day of their tour will be charged the full price.

In case of cancellation due to inclement weather, the Sanctuary Experience team will contact guests the morning of their tour.

For the Safety of the Animals

Diseases are easily transmitted on shoes, clothes, and even tires. If you have visited another sanctuary, farm, or location with cows, goats, sheep, geese, chickens, turkeys, or ducks in the last 48-72 hours prior to your visit, we will ask that you postpone your visit to Farm Sanctuary. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact experienceny@farmsanctuary.org.

Companion animals are not allowed on guided tours or shelter grounds at any time. Please refer to the FAQ on our website for more information on our companion animal policy.

ADA animals are not permitted in certain areas of the sanctuary. Please contact us in advance to make arrangements for your visit.