Highland Park | Rochester

Highland Park is a celebrated 150-acre public park and arboretum located in Rochester, New York. Known for its exceptional landscape design, horticultural diversity, and cultural events, it is one of the most iconic green spaces in the region. The park is owned and maintained by Monroe County and was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the famed landscape architect best known for Central Park in New York City.

Historical Background

Highland Park was established in 1888 through a generous donation of 20 acres by George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry, who were prominent local horticulturists and founders of the Mount Hope Nurseries. They intended the space to become a public arboretum that would both beautify the city and educate the public.

The city enlisted Frederick Law Olmsted to design the park, integrating scenic vistas, rolling landscapes, and winding paths. Olmsted emphasized naturalistic features and a pastoral atmosphere, blending open green lawns with shaded woodlands and structured gardens.

Today, Highland Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stands as a model of 19th-century landscape architecture.

Botanical Significance

Highland Park is particularly well known for its extensive horticultural collections, making it both a recreational destination and a living botanical museum.

Lilacs:
The park boasts over 1,200 lilac shrubs encompassing more than 500 different varieties. This makes it one of the largest and most diverse lilac collections in North America. The collection draws thousands of visitors each year, especially in May during peak bloom.

Other Plantings:
In addition to lilacs, the park features an extensive collection of:

Japanese maples

Rhododendrons and azaleas

Magnolias and dogwoods

Conifers and oaks

Spring bulbs, perennials, and ornamental grasses

Annual pansy beds arranged in creative patterns each spring

Arboretum:
The park was originally intended as an arboretum, and it remains true to that vision. There are educational plant labels throughout, offering information about plant species and their significance.

Key Features and Attractions

Lamberton Conservatory:
A glasshouse open year-round, the conservatory features exotic tropical plants, desert species, and rotating seasonal flower displays. It also includes koi ponds, orchids, and various ferns, offering a peaceful indoor retreat during colder months.

Warner Castle and Sunken Garden:
Located within Highland Park, Warner Castle is a historic Gothic Revival-style mansion built in 1854. It now houses the Rochester Civic Garden Center. The adjacent sunken garden, designed in the 1930s, is a popular spot for weddings and photography.

Highland Bowl Amphitheater:
An outdoor natural amphitheater used for concerts, performances, movie nights, and community events. It was once the site of performances by legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.

Memorial Gardens:

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: A tranquil area honoring local veterans.

AIDS Remembrance Garden: A contemplative space with a circular design.

Poet's Garden: A landscaped area celebrating Rochester’s literary contributions.

The Pansy Bed:
Every spring, over 10,000 pansies are planted in an intricate design, often spelling out words or forming floral patterns.

Annual Events

Rochester Lilac Festival:
Held every May, this is one of the largest and most beloved free festivals in the northeastern United States. It celebrates the blooming of the lilacs and includes:

Parades

Live music performances

Art shows and craft booths

A food and beverage expo

The Lilac 5K and 10K Run

Family-friendly activities and exhibits

The festival draws more than 500,000 visitors annually and is a central cultural event in the city.

Recreational Opportunities

Highland Park is suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities:

Walking and jogging along paved and unpaved trails

Picnicking in open green spaces

Birdwatching and nature observation

Ice skating on the Lily Pond during winter (weather permitting)

Seasonal flower viewing, especially during spring and early summer

The park also includes designated areas for informal sports, as well as nearby sports fields used for rugby, softball, and other team activities.

Accessibility and Visitor Services

Location: Highland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620

Hours: Open daily, year-round (Lamberton Conservatory has separate hours)

Parking: Available at multiple entrances with on-street and lot options

Restrooms: Public restrooms are located throughout the park

Accessibility: Most main paths are wheelchair accessible; terrain varies in some areas

Educational Programs and Stewardship

Highland Park hosts various educational events and gardening workshops throughout the year, often in collaboration with the Rochester Civic Garden Center and the Highland Park Conservancy. These programs include:

Plant identification walks

Landscape design lectures

Seasonal floral arrangement classes

Volunteer opportunities in garden maintenance and interpretation

Cultural and Civic Importance

Highland Park plays a central role in Rochester’s identity. It serves as a gathering space for civic pride, cultural exchange, environmental education, and recreation. Its combination of historic design, botanical richness, and active community use makes it one of the most significant urban parks in New York State.