Thornden Park

Thornden Park is a city park in Syracuse that combines nature, human history and recreation in a pleasing balance. Its E.M. Mills Memorial Rose Garden occupies a prominent corner, and when its thousands of roses are in bloom, the garden is the highlight of the park.

Plant lovers will also find a perennial garden, an herb garden, a lily pond and a pinetum, which is an evergreen arboretum. The park’s resident drumlin offers some of the best views of Syracuse and is a fine place to walk a dog, toss a frisbee, read or watch the sunset. Swimming and tennis round out the recreation.

What to Know

• The E.M. Mills Memorial Rose Garden holds thousands of roses.
• A pinetum, or evergreen arboretum, sits alongside a lily pond and herb and perennial gardens.
• The drumlin gives sweeping views of Syracuse and is popular at sunset.
• Swimming and tennis are among the recreation options.
• Visit Syracuse, the Onondaga County visitors bureau, features the park.