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 Department of Defense 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.
Go "Beyond the Fence"
"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!
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 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 two 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 Thursday, Friday, or Saturday to take the Auto Tour on your own and without reservations.
3 Ways to Tour Deer Haven Park
Deer Haven Park is open every Thursday - Saturday until dusk between May and October, as we offer the App-Guided driving tour. 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 yourself and up to 21 guests!
DHP has Lowered Auto Tour Prices for 2023!
Deer Haven Park has lowered the Auto Tours fee to just $35 per vehicle. (up to 7 people)
The park will be open for Auto Tours every Thursday through Saturday from Memorial Day Weekend through the end of October.
No reservations are needed to take the Auto Tour. Just sign in and get ready for an adventure!
Guests planning to take the Auto Tour near dusk should arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to closing time to register and secure your tablet. Gates close PROMPTLY at the scheduled closing time to make way for scheduled Bus Tours.
Go Beyond the Fence!
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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