Tinker Nature Park & Hansen Nature Ctr

In all my years in Rochester, I have only now discovered Tinker Nature Center. And to be honest the reason I discovered it was because of the labyrinth.
Recently a friend introduced me to the Christian tradition of walking the labyrinth as a spiritual/​meditative practice. What better time that the weeks leading up to Christmas to be a little more reflective. I did a search of labyrinths and found that there was one here at tinker. Outdoors. Free to the public. Easily accessible (unlike some of the indoor ones or ones on private property).
The labyrinth itself is quite large and follows the design of one of the most famous ones in France. It is well marked, and I liked the additions of meditation words (I just made that term up) throughout the walk. It was a really good experience, and I left feeling rejuvenated. Given the fact that we’ve had fabulous weather so late into December was also a plus. My big complaint about the labyrinth though is the geese droppings. Geese are prevalent in this park, and it seems to be a way station for fowl on their flight path to warmer weather. The labyrinth was littered with droppings that made walking a little precarious. That aside I was happy with my visit and I’m sure to visit again. I’ve heard great things about other aspects of the nature center including deer that are comfortable with people, and the trail path is supposed quite delightful.

This park is one of my favorites around, easy, convenient location in Henrietta. Huge parking lot here, plenty of space for all. It may be small compared to other nearby parks but there is so much to do on the 68 acres here.
There is a 1.2 mile walking/​exercise trail and a ½ mile nature trail. Both trails go inside the woods and out over bridges, great place to go running or walking to explore all the wild life
here.
Every time I’ve been here I have always seen some sort of animals, lot’s of deer walking around, geese down by the water, ducks, woodchucks, beavers and all sorts of birds!
They also have programs here to help scouts meet their badge requirements. They have built different bridges, observation blind’s, cleared and maintained trails. But if you pay attention you will find all these little fairy houses throughout thee trails.
Such a great place to bring kids, my nephew loves coming here. With all the trails and exploring to do, there is always something new to see! There is also a good sized pond, where you can catch and release fish. With a playground nearby and an open pavilion with picnic tables so pack a snack!
There is also a nature center here with nature exhibits, a library, taxidermy collection and a indoor honeybee observation hive… super cool!
Open Tuesday-​Saturday 9:00 am-3:30 pm.
Make sure you check this place out throughout the year, with every new season a new adventure awaits!
*** no dogs allowed here***

Surprisingly nice park with a good trail system and a lot of educational signs throughout. There are number of nature education buildings on site so l’m guessing this is very popular with school and scout groups.

Beautiful little park, but I have to give it 1 star because they don’t allow dogs on the trail, even leashed! Very disappointing.

I love this small park. The trail is roughly a one mile perimeter. The deer are so comfortable they rarely show fear. A great place to bring kids.