Location

Overview

Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in Cazenovia, New York, embodies a grassroots vision of what an art park can be—a community-driven,environmentally conscious space where contemporary sculpture exists in harmony with conserved natural land. Spread across 104 acres of meadows, forests, and fields with scenic views of Cazenovia Lake, this non-profit art park operates on principles that prioritize accessibility, environmental stewardship, and support for both emerging and established artists. With four miles of trails winding through diverse terrain, Stone Quarry Hill invites visitors into an unhurried exploration where art discovery happens at the pace of a country walk. Founded by sculptor Dorothy Riester, Stone Quarry Hill reflects one artist's commitment to creating a permanent home for outdoor sculpture while preserving the Central New York landscape she cherished. Riester's own works—thoughtful, often whimsical pieces that respond to natural forms and materials—dot the hilltop Vista Trail, a short 0.25-mile gravel path that serves as the park's heart. But the vision extended far beyond personal legacy; Riester established the park as a non-profit to ensure it would continue supporting other artists long after her passing. The park's pay-what-you-want admission model stands as one of its most democratic features. With a suggested donation of $5 per person (children 16 and under and members free), Stone Quarry Hill removes financial barriers while still generating community support for maintenance and programming. This honor-system approach reflects trust in visitors and a fundamental belief that art should be accessible to all income levels. Donation boxes at information booths make contributing easy, and online giving provides another option for supporters. The trail system accommodates multiple uses and abilities. The gravel Vista Trail, encircling the hilltop, is the mostdeveloped path and features many of Riester's sculptures against the backdrop of Cazenovia Lake views. Beyond this central loop, trails extend into forests and fields on natural surfaces—grass, soil, wood chips—that feel more like hiking paths than formal park walkways. These trails are marked with white diamonds, while a section of the North Country Trail (a long-distance hiking route) passes through the park marked with blue blazes. This multi-use approach means sculptureviewers share space with hikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers depending on season. The park's sculpture collection emphasizes diversity of approach and accessibility for artists at various career stages. Established names share space with emerging talents, creating a democratic aesthetic where reputation matters less than the quality of individual works and their relationship to site. This commitment to supporting developing artists aligns with the park's educational mission—it's not merely a collection to be passively consumed but an active laboratory where artistic experimentation is encouraged. Environmental consciousness pervades every aspect of Stone Quarry Hill's operations. The 104 acres are conserved land, protected from development and managed with ecological health as a priority. Native vegetation is preserved, invasive species are controlled, and trail maintenance balances access with minimal environmental impact. The park operates as a carry-in/carry-out facility, asking visitors to take responsibility for their waste rather than providing trash collection—a small ask that reinforces environmental awareness. Seasonal transformations dramatically alter the Stone Quarry Hill experience. Spring brings wildflowers to the meadows and new growth to forests, creating delicate backdrops for sculptures. Summer's full canopy provides shade on wooded trails and frames sculptures in lush green. Autumn is spectacular, with Central New York's brilliant fall color creating a painterly setting for outdoor art. Winter opens the trails to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and the park's sculptures take on austere beauty when surrounded by snow. The park's location in Cazenovia—a picturesque village in Madison County—adds to its appeal. Cazenovia itself is worth exploring, with its historic architecture, antique shops, lakefront park, and local restaurants. Stone Quarry Hill can anchor a full-day visit that includes village exploration, making it ideal for both art enthusiasts and those seeking a broader Central New York cultural experience. Dog-friendliness is another accessibility feature. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails, recognizing that many people enjoy outdoor recreation alongside their canine companions. This policy makes Stone Quarry Hill a favorite among local dog owners who appreciate the combination of natural beauty, art, and pet-friendly access. Facilities are deliberately minimal but adequate. Composting toilets are available at the hilltop (though water is turned off in winter). Picnic areas with tables provide spots for meals, though visitors are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for flexibility. The park's information booths offer maps and basic information, but the experience is largely self-guided—part of the charm is discovering sculptures and trails at your own pace without heavy interpretation. The North Country Trail connection adds significance for long-distance hikers. This 4,800-mile National Scenic Trail stretches from Vermont to North Dakota, and its route through Stone Quarry Hill means thru-hikers experience unexpected art in wilderness context—a memorable collision of cultural and natural experience. Stone Quarry Hill's non-profit status means it depends on community support, volunteers, and donor generosity. Visitor contributions, memberships, and grants fund ongoing trail maintenance, sculpture conservation, new acquisitions, and educational programming. The park hosts events throughout the year—outdoor concerts, artist talks, community gatherings—that activate the space and build connections between art and local life. For photographers, Stone Quarry Hill offers intimate scale and diverse settings. Unlike massive sculpture parks where monumental works dominate, Stone Quarry Hill's pieces are often human-scaled, creating opportunities for compositions that balance sculpture, landscape, and sky. The varied trail environments—meadows, forests, hilltops—provide different lighting conditions and natural backdrops.

104-acre art park with 4 miles of trails, pay-what-you-want admission, and sculptures by emerging and established artists. Scenic views of Cazenovia Lake.

Notable Artworks

Art & Features

Art Styles: Contemporary, Diverse, Environmental

Planning Your Visit

Contact Information

🏛️ Facilities & Programs

Best For