Queen's Castle

Queen's Castle is a small wood-shingled cottage situated on the shore of Seneca Lake in upstate New York with a steeply pitched roof. This one-story structure measures roughly 17 by 18 feet and stood within a larger camp complex nestled in the forested Finger Lakes region.

This property opened in 1875 as Camp Fossenvue, operating as a women's summer retreat through 1901. The site later transitioned to other uses, eventually serving as a Boy Scout camp for several decades.

This structure served as a gathering place where young women met in the late 1800s for discussion, physical activity, and socializing in a setting designed for their interests. Such women-focused camps were uncommon at that time and offered them space to engage and explore together away from their homes.

This site sits within Finger Lakes National Forest and remains accessible to visitors throughout the year who wish to explore its historic and natural surroundings. Visitors can walk the grounds and area to understand the former camp setting nestled along the shoreline.

Architect Arthur Nash designed this structure specifically for its lakeside location, incorporating the functional needs of camp operations into the design. The building demonstrates how early camp buildings were crafted to serve the specific purposes of their users.

Location: New York

GPS coordinates: 42.55083,-76.88167

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:43