Finger Lakes/Western New York Region

Letchworth

Graced with some of the most magnificent scenery in the eastern US, Letchworth State Park every year attracts more than 1 million visitors from the US and afar with breathtaking scenic views, waterfalls and gorge-side trails. 

For years, the park in Western New York — voted the by USA Today readers — seemed to have it all. That is, except a welcoming place to help orient and introduce fans to its unique geology, wildlife, and botany, not to mention terrific trails and other outdoors offerings.

A public treasure

This changed in July 2016, when the new Humphrey Nature Center opened its doors for the first time. The center emerged from a successful public-private partnership, with New York State constructing the building and the Open Space Institute and our partners raising over $3.3 million for its standout interpretive features and multiple teaching areas.

Watkins Glen: One of New York's greatest tourism success stories

Watkins Glen State Park is one of New York’s greatest tourism success stories, and as more people flock to the park each year, we are working to ensure its infrastructure keeps up with demand.

Connecting people and parks

In full support of Governor Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 plan, we offered our expertise to support the announced $6.5 million project at Watkins Glen State Park. The project is transforming the main entrance of the park and better connect new visitors and tourists to the parks’ incredible outdoor offerings.  

To jumpstart the renovations, we acquired two key properties right next to the park entrance. The new land will help the main entrance parking lot return to green space, create new park amenities and enhance interpretation of Watkin Glen’s unique natural and cultural history—all while improving the gateway to the village of Watkins Glen.