Robert G. Wehle State Park
Robert G. Wehle State Park | |
---|---|
Location of Robert G. Wehle State Park in New York State | |
Type | State park |
Location |
5182 State Park Road Henderson, New York[1] |
Nearest city | Watertown, New York |
Coordinates | 43°52′24″N 76°16′15″W / 43.8733°N 76.2708°WCoordinates: 43°52′24″N 76°16′15″W / 43.8733°N 76.2708°W |
Area | 1,067 acres (4.32 km2)[2] |
Created | 2004[2] |
Operated by | New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation |
Visitors | 75,842 (in 2014)[3] |
Open | All year |
Website | Robert G. Wehle State Park |
Robert G. Wehle State Park is a 1,067-acre (4.32 km2) state park on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario in the town of Henderson in Jefferson County, New York, United States.[2]
History
Between 1895 and 1947, the property was used by the United States Armed Forces as a training grounds, and was known as the Stony Point Rifle Range. Remnants of the site's military history are still visible at the park today.[2]
The property was purchased in 1947 by Rochester car dealer Thomas Nagle and Genesee Brewing Company owner Louis A. Wehle for use as a Hereford cattle ranch.[4] Louis Wehle's son, Robert G. Wehle, acquired the property in 1968. Robert G. Wehle was an avid conservationist, sculptor and breeder of English pointers who used the property as a summer home and kennel.[5] Prior to his death in 2002, he arranged for the property to be sold to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, who purchased the parkland for $2.8 million. The park was opened to the public in 2004.[2][6]
Park facilities
The park features trails for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Facilities for tennis and volleyball are also available. Hunting is permitted in limited areas of the park.[2] Approximately 17,000 feet (5,200 m) of Lake Ontario shoreline, some of which is fronted by limestone cliffs up to 80 feet (24 m) high, is accessible within the park.[1][6]
Several buildings, including Wehle's former summer home and studio, are available as short-term rentals.[1]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 "Robert G. Wehle State Park". NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Final Master Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement For Robert G. Wehle State Park" (PDF). NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. November 17, 2010. pp. 6–7. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
- ↑ "State Park Annual Attendance Figures by Facility: Beginning 2003". Data.ny.gov. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
- ↑ Lake, Timothy W. (2012). Images of America: Henderson Harbor and Henderson. Arcadia Publishing. pp. 65–66. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
- ↑ "Robert Wehle, Owner of Many Stallion Shares, Dies". Bloodhorse.com. August 1, 2002. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
- 1 2 "Governor Announces Opening of New State Park on Lake Ontario". NYS Office of the Governor. September 17, 2004. Archived from the original on September 29, 2006. Retrieved October 22, 2016.