Garrett Memorial Chapel
A storybook stone chapel on Keuka Lake, offering breathtaking views and a profound sense of peace. A memorial steeped in natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, serene atmosphere
Garrett Memorial Chapel
Best Time
Fewer visitors, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A storybook stone chapel on Keuka Lake, offering breathtaking views and a profound sense of peace. A memorial steeped in natural beauty.
"Tucked away on a quiet bluff above Keuka Lake sits one of the most peaceful, storybook spots in the Finger Lakes."
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is spotty. Ensure you have directions saved before you go to avoid getting lost.
Check Road Access 🚗
The road to the chapel is seasonal. Verify it's open, especially outside of summer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Chapel Itself
Bluff Point, Keuka Lake
A storybook stone chapel offering breathtaking lake views and a profound sense of peace.
Lakeside Serenity
Grounds surrounding the chapel
Wander the well-maintained grounds for tranquil moments and picturesque vistas of Keuka Lake.
Photographer's Paradise
Various vantage points
Capture the chapel's unique architecture and the surrounding natural beauty, especially during golden hour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Prepare for the Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is spotty. Ensure you have directions saved before you go to avoid getting lost.
Check Road Access 🚗
The road to the chapel is seasonal. Verify it's open, especially outside of summer months.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Paths can be steep and narrow. Sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the grounds.
Respect the Peace :pray:
This is a memorial chapel. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor during your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is spotty. Ensure you have directions saved before you go to avoid getting lost.
Check Road Access 🚗
The road to the chapel is seasonal. Verify it's open, especially outside of summer months.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Paths can be steep and narrow. Sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the grounds.
Respect the Peace :pray:
This is a memorial chapel. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor during your visit.
Capture the Magic :camera_with_flash:
The lighting is incredible, especially during sunrise and sunset. Bring your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Garrett Memorial Chapel for its stunning beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and picturesque lakeside setting. Many find it a magical and serene spot, perfect for quiet reflection and photography. Some note the seasonal road access and non-wheelchair-friendly paths as minor drawbacks.
"Beautiful little place tucked into the mountain. My family thought I was crazy for wanting to go here but it turned out to be a super cool place"
Melanie Weaver
"While the chapel
Itself was closed on the day we visited, the grounds were stunningly beautiful."
Leslie Hickman
"Absolutely beautiful chapel. It's located down a seasonal road. There's parking along the side and a few access points to walk down. Not wheelchair accessible and some paths are steep and narrow. That being said, this is a well maintained property."
Toni Mullen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The chapel is located on Bluff Point on Keuka Lake, accessed via a seasonal road. Many visitors report limited cell service in the area, so it's advised to download offline maps or familiarize yourself with the route beforehand. Parking is available along the side of the road with several access points to walk down to the chapel. 
The road is described as seasonal, meaning it may not be accessible or well-maintained during certain times of the year, particularly outside of the summer months. It's best to check local conditions or inquire about access before your visit.
Parking is typically available along the side of the seasonal road leading to the chapel. From there, you'll find access points to walk down to the chapel grounds.
Unfortunately, the chapel and its surrounding paths are generally not considered wheelchair accessible due to steep and narrow trails. Visitors with mobility concerns should be aware of this limitation.
To ensure a smooth journey, download offline maps of the area before you leave home or a place with reliable service. Familiarizing yourself with the route on a physical map or GPS device can also be helpful.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to visit Garrett Memorial Chapel. It is a free-to-access memorial site, allowing visitors to explore the grounds and admire the chapel from the outside.
The chapel itself may only be open on specific days, often coinciding with services. However, the grounds are generally accessible for visitors to explore and enjoy the views, even when the chapel interior is closed.
The interior of Garrett Memorial Chapel is typically only accessible during services or specific visiting hours. Many visitors report seeing it from the outside, which is still a beautiful experience.
There is no admission fee to visit Garrett Memorial Chapel. It is a memorial site open to the public to appreciate its beauty and peaceful setting.
For the best photographic opportunities, aim for the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, warm light beautifully illuminates the chapel and the surrounding Keuka Lake. Weekday mornings also offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The most iconic shots capture the chapel with Keuka Lake as a backdrop. Explore different angles from the surrounding grounds to find unique perspectives. The path leading down to the chapel also offers lovely framing opportunities.
Yes, Garrett Memorial Chapel is a popular spot for graduation photos due to its picturesque setting and unique architecture. The serene environment provides a beautiful backdrop for memorable graduation portraits.
Visitors can expect stunning, panoramic views of Keuka Lake from the bluff where the chapel is situated. The natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region is on full display, offering a peaceful and scenic experience. +1
Information regarding drone usage is not readily available. It's always best to check local regulations or contact the relevant authorities before flying a drone in protected or memorial areas.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most magical light for photography. Weekday mornings provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots, while late afternoons can also yield beautiful lighting.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Garrett Memorial Chapel was built in 1931 by Paul and Evelyn Garrett to honor their 26-year-old son. The Garrett family was also historically significant as the largest wine producer in the US from 1867 to 1962.
The chapel is renowned for its peaceful, tranquil, and magical atmosphere. It's described as a place of serenity, offering a unique escape and a sense of stepping into another world. +2
Specific facilities like restrooms are not widely mentioned. Visitors should plan accordingly and be prepared for a natural setting with limited amenities. The focus is on the chapel and its surroundings.
Absolutely. Its secluded location, beautiful lake views, and memorial nature make it an ideal spot for quiet reflection and finding peace. +1
Consider bringing a camera for photos, comfortable walking shoes, water, and perhaps a small picnic to enjoy the serene surroundings. Downloading offline maps is also crucial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to explore the well-maintained grounds and talk about the chapel's history as a memorial. It's a great opportunity to teach them about remembrance and the beauty of nature. Pack snacks and water, as amenities are limited. The serene atmosphere makes it a good spot for a quiet family picnic, provided you pack out everything you pack in.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 Weekday mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds and securing unobstructed shots. Explore various angles from the surrounding grounds to find unique perspectives. The chapel is also a popular spot for portrait photography, including graduation shoots, due to its picturesque and serene setting.
Remember to download offline maps as cell service can be spotty, and be prepared for uneven terrain when scouting for the best shots.🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
Be prepared for limited cell service by downloading offline maps. The journey involves some walking on natural paths, so comfortable shoes are a must. It's a place to simply be present, enjoy the natural beauty, and connect with the quiet spirit of the location.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the Stone
The Garrett family itself has a significant legacy in the Finger Lakes region, having been prominent in the wine industry for decades. This historical context adds another layer to the chapel's significance, connecting it to the rich agricultural and entrepreneurial spirit of Upstate New York. The chapel's stone construction and its integration with the natural landscape contribute to its timeless and almost mystical appeal.
+1Visitors often describe the chapel as feeling like stepping into a storybook or another world. The combination of its solemn purpose, its stunning lakeside setting, and its secluded location creates an atmosphere of unparalleled tranquility. It's a place where the beauty of nature and a heartfelt memorial converge, offering a truly moving experience for all who visit.
Capturing the Chapel's Charm
+1Beyond the chapel itself, the grounds offer various vantage points for capturing the essence of the Finger Lakes. Look for compositions that include the lake's shimmering surface, the lush greenery, and the chapel's distinctive silhouette. The seasonal road leading to the chapel can also provide interesting framing elements for your photographs. Remember that while the chapel's interior may have limited access, the exterior and its surroundings are incredibly photogenic.
Popular times for photography sessions, such as graduation photos, highlight the chapel's appeal as a backdrop for significant life events. The serene and beautiful environment lends itself perfectly to capturing memorable moments. Be mindful of other visitors, especially during peak times, and always respect the peaceful nature of this memorial site.
Navigating to and Experiencing the Chapel
Upon arrival, parking is typically available along the roadside, with several paths leading down to the chapel. These paths can be steep and narrow, making the site less accessible for those with mobility issues. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy, comfortable footwear to navigate the terrain safely. The well-maintained grounds offer a peaceful environment to explore, even if the chapel's interior is closed.
The overall experience at Garrett Memorial Chapel is one of profound peace and natural beauty. It's a place that encourages quiet contemplation and appreciation for its history and surroundings. While amenities are minimal, the stunning views of Keuka Lake and the chapel's unique charm make the journey well worth the effort for those seeking a tranquil escape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit