Things to Do at Highland Park

Complete Guide to Highland Park in Rochester

About Highland Park

Highland Park offers visitors expansive outdoor spaces with free admission year-round. Parking can fill quickly on weekends, so arriving early is recommended. The natural sounds of local wildlife blend with rustling foliage while climate-controlled galleries preserve delicate materials throughout the grounds. The facility serves as an important cultural hub for the local community, hosting events and educational programs throughout the year.

What to See & Do

Lilac Collection

The crown jewel of the park with hundreds of varieties blooming from early May through June. Even if you're not typically a flower person, the sheer scale and fragrance might convert you.

Lamberton Conservatory

A beautiful glass conservatory housing tropical plants, seasonal displays, and orchids. It's particularly nice on cold days when you want a warm, humid escape.

Sunken Garden

A formal garden space that's lovely for quiet contemplation. The design shows off Olmsted's talent for creating intimate spaces within larger landscapes.

Highland Bowl

An outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts and events. Even when nothing's scheduled, it's a decent spot to sit and people-watch.

Walking Trails

Miles of paths that wind through different sections of the park. You'll discover hidden corners and viewpoints that give you a sense of the park's thoughtful design.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Park grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk. Lamberton Conservatory is typically open 10 AM to 4 PM Tuesday through Sunday, but hours can vary seasonally.

Tickets & Pricing

Park access is free. Conservatory admission is usually around $3-5 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children. Some special events during Lilac Festival may have separate fees.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring (May-June) for lilacs is peak season but also most crowded. Early morning visits tend to be quieter. Fall offers nice colors with fewer people.

Suggested Duration

Plan on 2-3 hours for a leisurely visit, though you could easily spend a full day during lilac season or if you're really into gardens.

Getting There

Highland Park claims Rochester's southeast corner between Highland Avenue, Elmwood Avenue, and South Goodman Street. Free parking exists at several lots around the park's edge, but spaces vanish fast during May's Lilac Festival. Public transit works fine. Use routes serving the Highland Avenue corridor for the easiest approach from downtown areas. Walking or biking from downtown Rochester works if you can handle the uphill climb approaching the park-it is manageable but noticeable.

Things to Do Nearby

Mount Hope Cemetery
One of America's first municipal Victorian cemeteries, right next door. It's actually quite beautiful and historically significant if you're into that sort of exploration.

Strong National Museum of Play
About 10 minutes away, this is supposedly the only museum in the world dedicated solely to play. Worth checking out, especially if you have kids in tow.

George Eastman Museum
The mansion and gardens of Kodak's founder, now housing photography and film collections. The mansion itself gives you a glimpse into Rochester's industrial heyday.

Rochester Museum & Science Center
A solid regional museum with planetarium and hands-on exhibits. Nothing groundbreaking, but it rounds out a day of sightseeing nicely.

Tips & Advice

Visit during weekday mornings for the most peaceful experience - weekends can get surprisingly busy, especially in nice weather.

Bring a camera during lilac season, but be prepared for crowds of other photographers doing the same thing.

The conservatory can be quite humid, so dress in layers if you plan to spend time both inside and outside.

Parking fills up fast during the Lilac Festival in May - consider walking or using public transit if you're visiting during peak bloom.