Delaware Park | Buffalo

Delaware Park is the largest and most significant park in Buffalo, New York’s Olmsted Park System-a 376-acre green space that blends natural beauty, recreation, and cultural institutions. Designed in the late 1860s by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (creators of Central Park), it remains one of the most intact and celebrated urban parks in the U.S.

1. General Overview

Location: Buffalo, NY (north-central part of the city)

Size: Approximately 376 acres

Designed: 1868–1870 by Olmsted and Vaux

Purpose: To offer an urban escape, blending open meadows, woodlands, and water features for passive and active recreation

2. Major Features and Areas

Hoyt Lake

A man-made lake (originally part of Scajaquada Creek)

Ideal for paddle boating, birdwatching, and scenic walking

Surrounded by willow trees and historic bridges

Nearby: Marcy Casino and the Terrace restaurant

The Meadow (Large Open Field)

Expansive green space ideal for frisbee, picnics, and informal sports

Once used for sheep grazing to maintain the grass

Hosts seasonal events and festivals

Japanese Garden

A tranquil, landscaped garden near Mirror Lake and the Buffalo History Museum

Gift from Buffalo's sister city, Kanazawa, Japan

Features koi ponds, stone lanterns, and flowering trees

The Rose Garden

Located south of Hoyt Lake

Popular for wedding photos and romantic strolls

Carefully maintained with dozens of rose varieties

The Ravine / Ivy Bridge

A secluded wooded area featuring rustic stone bridges and winding paths

Reflects Olmsted’s “pastoral” vision of natural beauty within the city

3. Cultural Institutions

Buffalo AKG Art Museum

Located at the park’s edge, facing Elmwood Avenue

Features modern and contemporary art from major artists

Newly expanded and renovated as of 2023

Buffalo History Museum

Located adjacent to Mirror Lake

Built for the 1901 Pan-American Exposition

Offers exhibits on Buffalo’s rich industrial, social, and presidential history

4. Sports & Recreation

18-hole Golf Course (Public)

Baseball and Softball Diamonds

Soccer and Rugby Fields

Basketball and Tennis Courts

Running and Walking Trails

Playgrounds: 3 areas for children

Picnic Areas: Dozens of picnic tables, grills, and a covered shelter

5. Events and Activities

Shakespeare in Delaware Park

One of the country’s largest free outdoor Shakespeare festivals

Held annually from June to August

Attracts over 30,000 spectators

Salsa in the Park

Free dance sessions on Monday evenings in summer

Includes lessons and open dancing

Other Events

Food Truck Tuesdays (nearby)

Historical walking tours

Charity races and fun runs

Dog shows and community festivals

6. Historical Significance

1901 Pan-American Exposition: Delaware Park was one of the central fairgrounds; President McKinley was assassinated nearby

Olmsted Legacy: A key component of America’s first coordinated park system

National Register of Historic Places: Recognized for landscape architecture and cultural value

7. Accessibility and Visitor Info

Hours: Open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk

Parking: Available along park roads and side streets

Restrooms: Public facilities at Marcy Casino and playgrounds

Transportation: NFTA buses and Metro Rail (nearby stops)

Delaware Park is more than a park-it’s a living landmark that combines natural splendor, cultural treasures, and recreational opportunity. Whether you're walking under flowering trees, attending a Shakespeare play, visiting a museum, or simply relaxing by Hoyt Lake, the park reflects Olmsted’s enduring vision: harmony between city and nature.