Have you ever wondered what Deer Haven Park
looks like in the winter?
JOIN US for a Mid-Winter Tour
Saturday, February 21st at 11am.
CLICK HERE to make a reservation!
DEER HAVEN PARK
Home to the Majestic Seneca White Deer
Deer Haven Park is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Nestled between the two largest of the Finger Lakes, it occupies a place formerly known as the Seneca Army Depot.
Built in 1941, the Seneca Army Depot covered over 10,000 acres of central Seneca County. It was commissioned by the US War Department in response to the beginning of WWII and was originally dubbed the Seneca Ordnance Depot. The Depot was the US Army’s main East Coast munitions storage facility until it was decommissioned in 2000.
In 2003, the US Military turned the property back over to the Seneca County IDA. Soon after, the County developed about 3000 acres to include several businesses, government offices & institutions and industry. Later, in 2016 the newly established business entity, Deer Haven Park, LLC purchased the remaining 7,000 acres.
After more than 70 years of locked gates and secrecy, Deer Haven Park offers a glimpse into this mystical place. In addition to the unique and majestic Seneca white deer herd, it holds a mysteriously rich military history.
Join us on a tour and discover the Majesty and Mystery of Deer Haven Park!
Tour the Historic Seneca Army Depot,
by Car or by Bus!
Deer Haven Park is excited to once again offer Auto Tours, which allow guests to drive their own vehicle through the park with our automated "Tour Guide" app telling the story of the historic Seneca Army Depot and guiding the way. We are also excited to bring back our Majesty & Mystery Bus Tours Fridays & Saturdays at 12 noon and early evenings each week for a more personal and up-close encounter with the park. Visit us online to reserve your seat on our next Majesty and Mystery Bus Tour, or just stop by any Friday or Saturday to take the Auto Tour on your own and without reservations. And don't forget to check out the Deer Haven Park visitor center and museum, complete with souvenirs and historical relics and information on the former Seneca Army Depot. The Visitor Center is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-6pm.
3 Ways to Tour Deer Haven Park in 2025
AUTO TOURS
Every Friday & Saturday
May 23rd - October 25th
Tours depart 11am - 4pm
(No admittance after 4pm)
BUS TOURS
Every Friday & Saturday
May 23rd - October 25th
12pm and 6pm*
*Earlier as days get shorter.
Check here for times.
NO RESERVATION REQUIRED!
Deer Haven Park's Visitor Center and Seneca Army Depot Mini Museum is open every Friday and Saturday 11am - 6pm between May and October, with App-Guided driving tours being offered from 11am-4pm. This Auto Tour will take the 8 mile journey deep into the former Seneca Army Depot revealing some of the Mysteries of the former munitions storage base and offering a glimpse into the amazing habitat that is home to the world's largest herd of all white, white-tail deer.
Our Majesty and Mystery Regular Bus Tours feature professional tour guides and a chance to step off the bus to get a closer look at the park. JOIN US for an early evening tour of the Historic Seneca Army Depot and have your best chance of seeing the Majestic Seneca White Deer! For more information, visit our Bus Tour page.
Our Private Bus Tours also feature a professional tour guide however, you can take the tour whenever it is convenient for you, AND you will have the whole bus to you and your guests!
"Why New York’s underrated Finger Lakes should be on your radar"
Find otherworldly white deer, roaring waterfalls, quirky towns, fascinating Indigenous history, and four vibrant seasons in this endlessly captivating region.
Keep reading...
Deer Haven Park, 2025
The 2025 touring season begins Memorial Day weekend and goes through the end of October!
Deer Haven Park will be open on Memorial Day, Monday May, 26, 2025!
This year Deer Haven Park will be open every Friday and Saturday from 11am -6pm. Check out our tour pages for specific times.
2025 will also see the return of one of our more popular Special Tours.
- Walking Tour
September 20th 2025 from 9am-11:00am
Get up-close and personal with nature and its surroundings known as the former Seneca Army Depot on this unique 1.5-mile, 2 hour walking tour.
CLICK HERE for more information and to make your reservations!!
Deer Haven Park is excited to add a couple of NEW Special Tours for 2025 as well! If you are a fan of birds or wagon rides after dark, you won't want to miss these special tour announcements! Keep an eye on our Facebook page and be the first to know when new tours are announced.
- Bird Watching at Deer Haven Park
June 21st 2025 from 9am-12noon
This 3-hour adventure will begin at the Visitor Center where participants will board the tour bus along with a seasoned tour guide who will share about the park’s most prominent bird residents and lead throughout. Upon arrival deep into the park, separate stops will be made to disembark including two never before toured sites! Points will include the remote and secluded 60-acre pond area, the mature wooded area behind the “Q” both of which regular tours are not conducted, as well as a stroll near Reeder Creek, all favorite birding areas.
CLICK HERE for more information and to make your reservations!!
- Touring Into Twilight at Deer Haven Park
October 4, 2025 from 6pm-8pm
What happens inside DHP after the park closes for the day? Whitetail deer normally feed at dusk. Will we see any occupying their favored spots? What of the various other nocturnal park inhabitants? What sights, sounds, and possible encounters might be had during this never before offered twilight tour?
CLICK HERE for more details and reservation information!
We look forward to another successful touring season and we hope to see you soon!
PLEASE NOTE: All donations and proceeds from tour ticket and gift shop sales stay within the park to help support the conservation of military history, all wildlife, as well as nature and infrastructure within the park. DHP thanks you for your ongoing support and looks forward to hosting you and your family soon.
Go Beyond the Fence with Dee Calvasina!
Read Dee's Latest Columns
"Beyond the Fence" is a monthly column in The Finger Lakes Times that is centered around the property formerly known as the Seneca Army Depot, and now Deer Haven Park. Go "Beyond the Fence" now with freelance author Dee Calvasina!
Own Dee's Book
Pick up your paperback copy of Dee Calvasina's captivating book about The Amazing World of Deer Haven Park. Learn More
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