Knox Farm State Park

Knox Farm State Park
Many of Knox Farm State Park's farm buildings are still in use.
Knox Farm State Park is located in New York
Knox Farm State Park
Location of Knox Farm State Park within New York State
TypeState park
Location437 Buffalo Road
East Aurora, New York[1]
Nearest cityEast Aurora, New York
Coordinates42°46′30″N 78°38′35″W / 42.77500°N 78.64306°W / 42.77500; -78.64306
Area633 acres (256.2 ha)[2]
Operated byNew York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Visitors123,908 (in 2010)[3]
OpenAll year
WebsiteKnox Farm State Park

Knox Farm State Park is a 633-acre (256.2 ha) state park located in Erie County, New York,[2] adjacent to the village of East Aurora. It is the former country estate of the Knox Family of Buffalo.[4]

Park features

The park contains a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, ponds, and wetlands.[1] The Knox Farm, located within the park, is still home to a number of farm animals, including horses, sheep, goats, llamas, and chickens.[citation needed]

Visitors can observe wildlife, hike, and cross-country ski through a number of nature trails; bicycles, however, are only permitted in certain areas. Nature walks and programs are offered by the New York State Parks Office. The Knox Farm Visitor Center contains exhibits of historical and natural interest.[1]

Nature trails can also be toured on horseback by permit only.[1] Horse owners must also have a current Coggins certificate. The park also offers use of stable facilities and riding lessons. There are also several equestrian events open to the public, such as horse shows, summer polo matches, and an annual carriage drive.[citation needed]

Friends of Knox Farm State Park

The Friends of Knox Farm State Park is a not-for-profit group dedicated to maintaining and promoting the park and its resources. The group holds several events for that purpose.[5] In February 2014, the Friends of Knox Farm Board of Directors voted to replace Seymour Knox IV, who had served as president of the group since its founding in 2006. This resulted in the resignation of eight members of the board including Knox and other members of the Knox family.[6]

  • The park at dusk
    The park at dusk
  • Knox Farm forests at twilight
    Knox Farm forests at twilight
  • Night over Knox from Willardshire Road
    Night over Knox from Willardshire Road
  • Winter Forests at Knox Farm
    Winter Forests at Knox Farm

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Knox Farm State Park". NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Section O: Environmental Conservation and Recreation, Table O-9". 2014 New York State Statistical Yearbook (PDF). The Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government. 2014. p. 673. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 16, 2015. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  3. ^ "State Park Annual Attendance Figures by Facility: Beginning 2003". Data.ny.gov. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  4. ^ LaChiusa, Chuck. "Seymour H. Knox Family of Buffalo, NY". Buffalo Architecture and History. Retrieved October 17, 2014.
  5. ^ "Friends of Knox Farm State Park". Friends of Knox Farm State Park. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  6. ^ Kearns, Michelle (October 17, 2014). "Knox family members and friends leave state park board". The Buffalo News. Retrieved December 27, 2020.