easy
1–2 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Discover a private, enlightening walking tour at Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, featuring rescued farm animals and impactful stories. Perfect for eco-conscious travelers seeking connection with nature and animal welfare. Keep reading to learn more about this unique outdoor experience.
1 Hour • Watkins Glen, NY
Embark on a captivating hour-long walking tour at Farm Sanctuary in New York's Finger Lakes Region. Discover the heartwarming stories of rescued farm animals while learning about the challenges they faced in agriculture. Enjoy a unique shopping experience and lunch at the Sanctuary Kitchen, all while supporting animal welfare.
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.
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.
Tours start promptly at the designated times. Please plan to arrive approximately 15 minutes before your tour to check-in and secure a spot for your guided visit. Late guests may miss the opportunity to visit some of our resident animals or may lose their spot on the tour.
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 if a cancellation is due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If cancellation is due to inclement weather, the Sanctuary Experience team will contact guests the morning of their tour. Any non-refundable payment will be a general donation to support Farm Sanctuary's rescue, education, and advocacy efforts. This gift will be tax-deductible.
In case of cancellation due to inclement weather, the Sanctuary Experience team will contact guests the morning of their tour.
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.
You'll be walking on uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are recommended for a smooth experience.
Always carry sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, especially during summer months.
Early visits ensure a quieter experience and more one-on-one interaction with staff and animals.
Follow guides’ instructions and maintain a respectful distance to ensure safety and comfort for all.
Farm Sanctuary has been dedicated to rescuing farm animals and promoting compassionate farming practices since 1986.
The sanctuary actively promotes environmental sustainability through organic farming and responsible waste management.
Supportive shoes are needed for walking on uneven terrain comfortably.
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses help protect against sun exposure during outdoor exploration.
summer|spring specific
Layered outfits allow you to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
fall|winter|spring|summer specific
Capture memories of the scenic grounds and adorable animals.