About Knox Farm State Park

Knox Farm State Park, once the country estate of Buffalo’s esteemed Knox Family, is located next to the historic village of East Aurora. This village is known as the birthplace of the Roycroft Arts & Crafts Movement and was once the home of Millard Fillmore. Spanning 633 acres, the park features diverse habitats including 400 acres of grasslands and 100 acres dedicated to woodlands, ponds, and wetlands.

Visitors to Knox Farm State Park can enjoy observing wildlife, hiking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding along scenic nature trails. Through partnerships with New York Audubon and the Buffalo Audubon Society, the park offers nature walks and state park naturalists provide various programs. The Knox Farm Visitor Center showcases exhibits of historic and natural interest. Biking is permitted in designated areas, and horseback riding and driving are allowed by permit only.

Equestrian enthusiasts must obtain an “Equestrian Permit” to ride horses within the park. Updated forms can be found under “Documents” below, and signatures are no longer required. For information on filming, special use permits, or other inquiries, visitors can contact knoxfarms@parks.ny.gov.

The Friends of Knox Farm State Park, a Not-for-Profit organization, is committed to preserving, promoting, and protecting the unique character, history, and natural assets of the park for future generations. For more information, visit Friends of Knox Farm. The organization operates the Mansion as a wedding and event venue, the Guesthouse for overnight stays, and the Stable for various events. For booking weddings, lodging, and stable events, call 716-714-9553 or email info@themansionatknoxfarm.org. For other Friends Group inquiries, contact 716-805-7205 or email admin@friendsofknoxfarm.org.

Located at Knox Farm State Park, the Native Landscape Resource Center, Western District Nursery is the first of its kind for New York State Parks. This nursery supplies native plant material to State Parks throughout Western New York, primarily propagating trees, shrubs, and plants from locally collected seeds to maintain and enhance genetic diversity within each species. The nursery cultivates dozens of different species, with over 1,000 plants growing.

The park also features a popular dog park spanning approximately 6 acres. It includes two main areas for large dogs and a smaller area for small dogs, each with water spigots for filling pet bowls and buckets.

Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

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About West Falls Center for the Arts

West Falls Center for the Arts, located at 1863 Davis Rd in West Falls, NY, is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to creating a destination for arts entertainment, collaboration, education, community, and performance. Their aim is to support and inspire members of the community who may otherwise not have access to the arts and provide a venue that encourages collaboration and growth between amateur and professional artists. WFCFA is dedicated to offering visual, culinary, performing, and healing arts to all, with special attention given to military veterans, children/adolescents, caregivers and their loved ones with disabilities, and isolated adults in this rural community. West Falls Center for the Arts is committed to supporting the community and enriching the quality of life of individuals and groups throughout WNY by collaborating, inspiring and educating through music.

The West Falls Center for the Arts has a rich history that traces back to its origins as the West Falls Fire Company in 1918. This historic building witnessed a transformative journey when it was purchased in 1996 and became home to Butterwood Desserts. Over the years, the building saw numerous enhancements and expansions. In 2009, after the dessert business was sold, the site embarked on a new adventure, repurposing the former retail space and balcony for morning piano lessons. Held from 6 AM to 8 AM on weekdays, these classes provided students with invigorating mental exercises before school, leading to remarkable progress. The enthusiasm of the young musicians spread quickly throughout the community.

As word of their success grew, the center began to thrive, hosting weekend concerts in the modest front space. Musicians initially performed on the floor in front of a parking lot side wall, but as the center’s popularity increased, so did their aspirations. Achieving their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status marked a turning point; they began extensive renovations with the help of the Amish community and numerous volunteers. Walls were dismantled, temporary tarps were erected, and a welcoming atmosphere was cultivated even amid construction. After several years of passionate work, the transformation was complete. A stage was ingeniously crafted from plastic milk crates and plywood, the snackbar was relocated, and a bar offering beer and wine was added. New restrooms were constructed, and the interior was adorned with pine, chairs, and donated furniture, topped off with a welcoming sign.

Today, the West Falls Center for the Arts is a hub of cultural and communal activity. Beyond weekend concerts, the center hosts a diverse array of free community programs. These include music lessons for veterans, the Musical Memories Cafe for caregivers and those with dementia, Kids Music Jam, the Southtowns Youth Jazz Orchestra, and masterclasses and music clinics. They also celebrate community events like Thanksgiving gatherings.

The center continues to expand its board and volunteer list, sustaining its vibrant schedule of musical events. Each visit to the West Falls Center for the Arts offers a warm, family-like atmosphere, where both guests and artists feel at home and part of a thriving community legacy.

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