Finger Lakes Attractions

There are so many Finger Lakes attractions that trying to choose can be difficult. No matter what your taste, you'll find an attraction - a museum, a historic site, a place to visit, a state park or other offering - that's just right for your Finger Lakes vacation.

Here's some ideas to get you started.

Rose Hill Mansion

The mansion sits on property that was part of a military tract granted to Revolutionary War soldiers. The property changed hands five times from 1788 to 1792, when it was purchased by Dr. Alexander Coventry. Dr.Coventry soon sold the property to Robert Selden Rose, who constructed a basic house where the mansion now stands.

In 1837, William Kerley Strong purchased the land, and built the mansion. The former house was moved north to become what is now the Reception Center. The kitchen, however, remained and was incorporated into the mansion.

In 1850, Benjamin Swan bought the mansion for his son, Robert, as a wedding gift. Robert had apprenticed at a neighboring farm for a year, and with his new-found knowledge, he farmed the land with great success.

After Robert Swan's death in 1890, the mansion was bought and sold eight times in the next 70 years. In the later years of this time period, the house fell in disrepair.

Joseph N. Strong, a descendant of William Strong, purchased the house in 1960 with hopes of renovating it. Although he lacked the funds needed to restore it, he is credited with saving the building from further decay. In 1965, Waldo Hutchins, Jr., grandson of Robert Swan, bought the house and donated it to the Geneva Historical Society. He also funded the restoration of the buildings on the property, in honor of his mother, Agnes Swan Hutchins. The house was meticulously restored and opened to the public in 1968.

Our guide Bob Saunderson told us this story as he led us through the 21 rooms open to the public. You could see by the look on his face and the twinkle in his eye that he truly enjoyed sharing this Finger Lake attraction with visitors.

There's 26 rooms in all in the mansion, and 11,634 square feet of living space, Bob said.

One of my favorite rooms is the Music Room. This lovely room features one of first Grand Pianos made in the US. Built of solid mahogany, it is covered with crotch grain veneer. There’s also an American Empire harp, made by Brown and Buckwell of New York City, and a black marble fireplace mantel. An 18th Century solid bronze chandelier hangs in the center of the room. There’s a Formal Parlor that was used for entertaining. One of the visitors entertained there was President Martin Van Buren.

In this room, hand-carved pieces of rosewood furniture by Alexander Roux of New York City are featured, circa 1845. This fireplace mantel is of white marble, and over it hangs a signed painting by 17th century artist Gillis Neyts, dated 1653.

Next we visited the Family Parlor, which is separated from the Formal Parlor with packet doors. A tall clock dating from 1819 stands in the corner, still ticking. It keeps good time, Bob said, and is wound every five days.

The guest room, known as the Parlor Bedroom, displays an Oriental Sewing Box from 1840. On the walls, a wide French border gives the illusion of lower ceilings. A canopy bed shares space with a Chippendale side chair and a tilt-top table that once belonged to the Swan family.

In the Office, painted shades caught my eye. These were typical of the 1800's, Bob explained. There's Robert Swan's desk, a mahogany front-fall design. A portrait of William Kerley Strong hangs over the black fireplace mantel.

The Banquet Room has been called the most impressive room in the house, and I certainly agree. With dimensions of 29 feet, eight inches by 21 feet, four inches, it is also the largest.

An American Sheraton table of mahogany, set for dessert, dominates the room. The wallpaper is of French influence, resembling draped fabric - and it’s beautiful. An impressive mahogany Montgomery sideboard - also beautiful - boast hidden drawers, intricate carvings, and claw feet. This 1830 piece draws many people from other museums, Bob said.

As the tour ended, we lingered outside, enjoying the view. People come from all over the world to see the this Finger Lake attraction, Bob told us, from as far away as France, Belgium and Israel. It's easy to see why the mansion draws so many visitors, and why Bob, who has worked here for eight years, holds Rose Hill in such high esteem

The Colorful World of MacKenzie-Childs

Go to The Colorful World of MacKenzie-Childs

The Corning Museum of Glass

Go to The Corning Museum of Glass

Check back for more Finger Lakes attractions!

Return from Finger Lakes Attractions to Finger Lakes Vacation Guide