This place is big enough to get lost in -- and we did, in the rain, no less. But we loved it. It's full of gigantic steel sculptures -- of insects, of vaguely mythological figures, of toy submarines and the like for kids to play in. The sculptures are in gardens and in fields, separated by hiking trails. You think you're just taking a hike through the woods back to your car, and lo! A field opens up before you containing yet another collection. Pack a lunch, bring your GPS, and enjoy the show.
The towering sculptures flanking the entrance announce boldly The 'speciality la maison' into this amazing sylvan setting. Amazing display of a collection that features 200 sculptures fashioned out of aluminium, bronze,steel, cast- iron and wood. The mindset of the artists' pieces, as well as the curative ensemble, shows high calibre and tones inherent on display. Whimsy is certainly high up there. We followed the easy trails that criss-cross the park's 400 acres of meadows, ponds and lightly wooded slopes. As we walked, abstract forms and surreal figures literally pop out boldly into view or lurk to astonish you amongst the trees.. There are plenty of meditative spots catch your breath and contemplate the excellent array of sculptures. This is no walk in the park, in a manner of speaking, for it's a full days outing to capture just a portion of this wonderland. We loved the striking sculptures of a giant woman striding across the field, while not far away, a bishop confronts a king and queen. Further apiece, we came upon a flight of giant geese, a life-size giraffe browsing for twigs at the edge of the woods, while a huge silvery crab with a gigantic, rust-coloured mantis had a king cobra for company. the juxtapositioning is superb. At the pond we encountered glistening aluminium bathers, a real testimonial to the uniqueness and charm aplenty in this park. We will have to return to see it again when the leaves turn russet and gold.
This year Griffis added lights to the park. The path is lit leading to the lake and surrounding sculptures. Very nice. They open at dark certain nights charging $10 per adult. TAKE A FLASHLIGHT.
This would get a 5 star rating because it is really cool, however, there was not one bit of information available at the visitor center (which was a hut) and it is high season there. Back to the park though, AMAZING! Great hiking and the sculptures pop out of nowhere. Truly magnificent. Some of the sculptures are 25-30 feet high. I wish I would have had more information about the artwork, the man, the park.... that would have made it perfect!
We've been visiting this park for years and it never gets old. The fall is lovely with the changing colors and this past year we tried the winter snow shoe which was wonderful. Payment is on the honor system and I encourage everyone to contribute to support this wonderful park. We will be back.
There are actually two parks within a few miles of each other. The one in Ashford Hollow has (in my opinion), the more interesting sculptures. The one in East Otto feels a little more intimate, perhaps because the open (treeless) areas seems smaller and more of the sculptures seem tucked along wooded paths (but, I haven't explored the entirety of either place, so it might just be the areas I got to). You need to be in fair shape to appreciate all of either park. You need to hike out to the sculptures and the terrain is very hilly in some places. But, it is a beautiful area and a gorgeous spot for a walk/hike with the surreal experience of finding sculptures along the way. We went towards evening this trip so that week could take in the special lighting they have during a few weeks in the Fall. I hadn't expected much from the lighting, but I was pleasantly surprised. The colored lights and some special light effects ranged from eerie to romantic to surreal. There were a lot of families there and the kids were really digging it, squealing with delight as the roamed the dark woods amidst colored lights. Biggest drawback is that there are only portapotties...and the parking areas are smallish to handle the crowds drawn during special events like the lighting.
Love wandering around here. Great location and beautiful sculptures. Nice for a picnic, or just lying in the sun to read a good book.
Very interesting. The park is huge with the sculptures scattered throughout. Be prepared to do a lot of walking. There is also a second section of the park on another road. Would have liked a map to follow. Also, there is very limited parking at the main entrance. Would come again.
Sometimes on our way to ski in Ellicottville you see the faded signs to Griffis and are reminded that we have a real hidden treasure nearby. Try to visit on a cool sunny day and enjoy a hike through the hills and forest to see some fun and interesting sculptures. The views from the upper area are amazing and the sculptures are "climbing friendly". Bring good walking shoes, bug spray and water and hang out. Even a trip with 3 fifteen year old boys turned into a "three hour tour" because it's fun for everyone. Honor system admission. This place survives on donations from what I can tell. Agree with other reviewers that a brochure or even a sign that explains a little about the history of this place, the sculptures and artists would enhance the experience. Really enjoyed out latest trip to this park.
A tucked away little treasure! Beautiful hiking, hidden gems, unusual statues... a very intriguing place in a beautiful spot!