Explore the Finger Lakes

Saunders Finger Lakes Museum

11 Glacial Lakes. 14 Counties. 1 Playground.

Nestled in the heart of it all on the north end of Keuka Lake, the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum stirs the imagination, educates the mind, and inspires visitors of all ages. Our mission is to inspire appreciation and celebrate the cultures and ecology of the vast Finger Lakes Region.

Why the change to Saunders Finger Lakes Museum?

In appreciation of the generous, transformational support of Finger Lakes resident and well-known philanthropist E. Philip Saunders and his family foundation, the updated name signifies a momentous step in the museum project’s journey. Our refreshed logo maintains the silhouette of the majestic bald eagle, an indicator species for our region, often seen soaring above. Our color palette incorporates regional hues of blue freshwaters, lush green forests, fields and hillsides, and the lovely amber and auburn-kissed Finger Lakes sunrises and sunsets. With improving and expanding campus assets, our updated name, logo, and colors, coincide to reflect the many changes taking place now and into the future. Remaining steadfast in our mission, we will continue to celebrate the cultural and natural history stories of the region, with each step taken in creating a place for all to appreciate and enjoy.

While the museum building is currently under construction, we do not have open hours for visitors. We encourage you to participate in our programs and events held throughout the season or to visit the campus from dawn to dusk to explore our wetlands property, boardwalk and lakeside octagon pavilion, kayak/canoe launch, and playscape. Download a sitemap at the bottom of this page for additional details.

Get Involved

The Saunders Finger Lakes Museum is a space that allows for a tremendous amount of involvement in a variety of ways. We are grateful for those who are willing to donate their time, donate financially, join us in one of our exciting programs or share SFLM information with friends or family. Anything you can do to share the museum’s mission is appreciated and welcomed.

Become part of the SFLM story.

Attend an Event

Volunteer Your Time

Donate

Upcoming Programs

Fall Foliage Paddle

“And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and autumn was awakened.” — Raquel Franco Celebrate the stunning fall colors of the region by participating in the fall foliage paddle. Led by FLM’s NYS Outdoor Guides and Educators, this afternoon...

Get to know the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum

Our Mission Our mission is to inspire appreciation and celebrate the cultures and ecology of the vast Finger Lakes Region.

The Goal Our goal is to create a place that offers unparalleled, experiential immersion in the understanding of the Finger Lakes Region. Through educational programming, interactive exhibits, and informal play, we aim to educate and inspire.

Townsend Grady Wildlife Preserve boardwalk and octagon

The Wildlife Preserve The Townsend-Grady Wildlife Preserve has served as a natural water filtration system for over 160 square miles of agricultural and residential runoff for thousands of years. The SFLM has developed trails, a boardwalk leading to a shoreline octagon pavilion, and interpretive signs for the Preserve.

SFLM Campus The SFLM site, located at the four corners of Branchport on Keuka Lake, is home to the soon-to-be Main Exhibit Building of the Finger Lakes Museum. Currently working out of the former Branchport School Building, the SFLM plans to demolish and build a new structure to house interactive and engaging exhibits, host educational programs, and create community events. Our 13-acre campus along Sugar Creek is the perfect location for paddling programs. Participants can launch canoes and kayaks at our self-service floating launch and take the stream path into Keuka. The Creekside Center Barn is home to our warm weather programming and our canoe and kayak livery. Visitors are welcome to explore our newly added Playscape, a natural playground experience or take a stroll through our StoryWalk to read pages of a children’s book throughout the landscape. Walking though the 16-acre Townsend-Grady Wildlife Preserve listen to the birds and other wildlife along the creek. The 1-mile trails lead visitors to a boardwalk and octagon pavilion that overlooks Keuka Lake.

SFLM’s Main Building With an exterior designed to mimic the shape of the hills, our new building interior will feature interpretive exhibits about the nature, culture and experiences of the Finger Lakes Region. The space will encompass a community center and education wing dedicated for public and private events.

Prepare to:

explore the immersive exhibits with newfound wonder;
marvel at the artistic design showcasing the natural beauty;
gather information to further enhance your Finger Lakes experience, whether you’re a tourist or a local.

We will be thrilled to welcome you to the space when our doors officially open.

Listen to our new podcast!

“Freshwater: Stories of the Finger Lakes” is a captivating monthly podcast that dives into the rich past, dynamic present, and promising future of the Finger Lakes region’s vital watersheds. Each episode is a deep dive into how these water systems shape the landscape, ecology, and cultures of this vibrant region. By immersing yourself in these conversations we hope to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the region’s history, resilient inhabitants, and the crucial role of freshwater in it all.