St. Michael’s Mission – Conesus, NY

If you grew up in the Conesus (or Honeoye, Hemlock, Livonia, or any town in the Ontario/Livingston County area) you have heard of the Mission. In fact, in your youth, you probably tried to sneak into the grounds to check out the magnificent grottos, only wishing for the chance to get inside the enormously impressive Mission itself. This massive edifice on the hillside is exactly the stuff that gothic romances and urban legends are made of.

We had the amazing opportunity to have a private tour of St. Michael’s Mission. We were impressed not only with the sheer size of this building but the passion these two have for the Mission and its preservation. While this is still Private Property and trespassing is prohibited, you now have the opportunity to make reservations to stay at this iconic and historic Mission.

A Brief History of The Mission

The Mission was built in 1924 as the residence for the Priest of the Divine Word Missionaries, who came to the Conesus Area to work at Bishop McQuaid’s Vineyards. In 1936, St. Michael’s Mission became a seminary school for young men looking to pursue the priesthood. In 1968, the church sold the vineyard in an attempt to save the foundering seminary school. This did not pan out, and the Mission was then leased over the next several decades to a handful of different organizations, including a wellness center.

Our Tour of The Mission

If you have driven past the old Mission, of course, the curiosity of it has captured your imagination. I, like, many people, have always felt the sensation of being watched when I would stop to take a picture. It is just the vibe this gigantic structure gives off. It holds an allure and mystery for anyone who has wandered past this place and always leaves a desire to see more.

The mission is such a vast structure that it is almost impossible to see everything in just a few hours. According to my pedometer, we literally walked almost 2 miles. There are so many interesting features within the four floors of the Mission, such as the church, a chapel, a library, a subterranean theater, lounges, dormitories, and huge classrooms. The building echoes with the impressions of the past, the imprint of those who once lived here is truly palpable.

Stay in this Historic Building

For all those who have dreamed of having the opportunity to visit the Mission, that dream can become a reality, as the Mission has become an Airbnb. You can book a stay at this historic building. In fact, this facility is not just a welcoming place for lone travelers but has the capacity to accommodate large groups and parties. The Mission is also pet-friendly and welcomes all four-legged friends. The opportunity to lodge overnight at St. Michael’s Mission is a unique and one-of-a-kind experience.

The Mission has an outdoor pavilion that is perfect for hosting weddings, family reunions, church retreats, or graduation parties and your guests don’t even have to head home afterward. Enjoy wine tasting at the nearby Eagle Crest Vineyard, (which, incidentally, is the same vineyard that was once a part of the Mission.) without having to drive home.

The Convent House

If you are looking for a more intimate setting, the Mission also has a private house on the premises called the Convent House. This was once a nunnery built in the 1940s and has recently been beautifully remodeled. This home is truly luxurious and is perfect for family vacations and for those looking for a private residence to get away from it all. The view from the porch is breathtaking, and a firepit offers opportunities for peaceful evenings under the stars and roasting s’ mores.

Haunted Mission

As with any old and historic structure in New York State, there is always the speculation of hauntings. If any building would inspire ideas of ghosts and spirits, it would most definitely be St. Michael’s Mission. Its architecture and grounds positively exude a gothic fascination. Ghost hunters have visited the premises before and detected spectral entities, and some people have felt an otherworldly presence. Most people, though, never feel a thing. If you are someone interested in encountering spirits, you will just need to book a stay and see if the spirit of those who dwelled here before making their presence known to you.

The Grounds

St. Michael’s Mission is seated on 50 acres, and there are lots to explore on the grounds. There is a hiking trail that leads, through a gorgeous ravine, down to Hemlock Lake. The pavilion is available to guests for parties.

The huge draw of St. Michael’s Mission is the old grottos built on the hillside of the Mission grounds. These structures, although derelict with time, hold an enchantment over visitors. Their dilapidated state almost adds to their enchantment and mystery. They appear like the remnants of an old castle. These grottos once held Christian statues of Jesus, Mary, angels, and saints. The statues have since been removed, but in some spots, painted frescos still exist.

Touring the Mission

Although tours are not currently being offered on a regular basis, if you contact the Mission, you may be able to arrange for a tour in the future. Please remember that this is private property, and trespassing is prohibited. We ask our readers to be respectful and request permission to visit the property.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to St. Michael’s Mission. It is an incredible place to stay and a once-in-a-lifetime vacation destination. Staying at this beautiful and historic mission is one of those bucket list items that we absolutely recommend everyone get a chance to cross off their list.

Address and Contact Information

5604 Mission Rd
Conesus, New York 14435

Google Map Link

There is a lot of history at the Mission. Have you been to the Mission before? Do you know of other interesting and historic places you can stay? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.