Self-Guided Tour
Self-guided day pass; explore without entering animal areas
Watkins Glen
Overview
- Meeting point
- Watkins Glen
- Group size
- Up to 12 passengers
Rates
| — | Self Guided Tour Adults |
| — | Self Guided Tour Children |
| — | Barnyard Book Buddies Children |
| — | Self Guided Tour Members |
Details
On a Self Guided Tour:
You'll move throughout the sanctuary **at your own pace without an accompanying tour guide.** Animal encounters are very likely, but all interactions with animals must take place from outside of their fences. You will **NOT** be permitted to enter any gated animal enclosures. Beautiful views are always guaranteed, though!
Duration: Day pass for any time between 9:30am-4pm
You can spend as long as you'd like in this timeframe - most guests typically spend 60-90 minutes on the mile-long path, but you can also browse our Sanctuary Shop, visit our Rainbow Bridge memorial, play yard games or enjoy a mindful moment on the lawn, take photos, or dine at our cafe.
The Sanctuary Shop is open from 10:30am-4:30pm Wed-Sun & the Kitchen is open from 12pm-3pm Thurs-Sun during May-Oct.
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.
Planning Your Visit
We are located next to Sugar Hill State Forest, **20 minutes west of the town of Watkins Glen.
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. Strollers, wheelchairs, and walking aids are allowed on Self Guided Tours.
Tickets are non-transferable and only valid on the date of the ticket. Please confirm the date before purchasing.
Guests will receive a full refund if a cancellation occurs due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances. 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.
Companion and ADA 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.
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 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 [email protected].
Before you go
We look forward to seeing you soon! Sign your waivers before arrival.
Planning Your Visit:
You may tour the grounds any time between 9:30am-4pm. Check in at the Visitor Barn first!
We are 20 minutes outside the town of Watkins Glen.
The Kitchen at Farm Sanctuary is open 12pm-3pm on Thursday-Sunday during May-Oct
Waivers:
Before your arrival, each guest must sign the Liability Waiver (adults must sign for minors). If booking for others, remember to forward the Liability Waiver with everyone in your party in advance.
Please note that the tour path is not paved. The path can be slippery when wet and dusty when dry and has a steep grade.
What to Bring:
Check the weather and come wearing weather-appropriate clothing.
-Wear closed toe shoes or boots -- they will get dirty!
-Hat & sunscreen
-Water bottle
-Raincoat if rain is forecasted (umbrellas not allowed in animal areas)
-Strollers, walking aids, and food are not permitted in animal areas
Many of our animals love being in photos so don’t forget your phones and cameras!
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.
For the Safety of the Animals
Diseases are easily transmitted on shoes and clothes. We will have all guests disinfect their shoes at the beginning of tours and follow our proactive safety protocols. Thank you for helping us protect our residents!
