
Highland Park
A 150-acre urban oasis designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, famed for its diverse lilac collection and year-round natural beauty.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak lilac bloom

Highland Park
Best Time
Peak lilac bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 150-acre urban oasis designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, famed for its diverse lilac collection and year-round natural beauty.
"Highland Park truly lives up to its reputation as an urban oasis; it's simply amazing!"

🌸 Plan for Lilac Festival Crowds
Visit on a weekday during the Lilac Festival for a less crowded experience.
📸 Capture the Colors
Bring your camera! The park offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during bloom season.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Lilac Collection
Central areas of the park
Experience the world's most diverse lilac collection, a breathtaking spectacle of color and fragrance in spring.

The Conservatory
Within Highland Park
A lush, year-round botanical haven featuring diverse plant life, offering a tranquil escape.

Sunken Garden
Within Highland Park
An exquisitely designed garden space, perfect for peaceful strolls and photography.

Olmsted's Design
Throughout the park
Explore the masterful landscape design by Frederick Law Olmsted, blending nature and serenity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Lilac Season
Beyond the Lilacs: Year-Round Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌸 Plan for Lilac Festival Crowds
Visit on a weekday during the Lilac Festival for a less crowded experience.
📸 Capture the Colors
Bring your camera! The park offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during bloom season.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the 150 acres.
🧺 Picnic Essentials
Pack a lunch and enjoy a meal amidst the beautiful scenery. Many quiet benches available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌸 Plan for Lilac Festival Crowds
Visit on a weekday during the Lilac Festival for a less crowded experience.
📸 Capture the Colors
Bring your camera! The park offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during bloom season.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the 150 acres.
🧺 Picnic Essentials
Pack a lunch and enjoy a meal amidst the beautiful scenery. Many quiet benches available.
💧 Reservoir Water Concerns
Be aware of past water contamination incidents; check local advisories if concerned.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Highland Park is widely praised as a stunning urban oasis, particularly celebrated for its world-renowned lilac collection and beautiful Olmsted-designed landscapes. Visitors consistently highlight its year-round beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and well-maintained grounds, making it a cherished local treasure. Some minor concerns have been raised regarding past water quality issues in the reservoir, and during peak festival times, crowds can be substantial.
"Didn't know what to expect,however I dis enjoy the walk. I met a woman spinning yarn which was very interesting to watch, she let me touch the yarn before spinning and it was so soft. The views from the park were astonishing,the park was very clean with many benches to.sit along the way. A beautiful place. Don't forget to visit the conservatory it's well worth. it."
Denise Ward
"Highland Park in Rochester truly lives up to its reputation as an urban oasis. It's simply amazing! Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the park masterfully blends stunning natural landscapes with peaceful serenity. Wander through meandering paths under mature, towering trees, discover hidden gardens bursting with color, and find countless quiet benches perfect for reflection or reading. The air feels fresher here, filled with birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves. While world-famous for its spectacular Lilac Festival in spring, the park offers breathtaking beauty year-round – vibrant magnolias, serene ponds, vibrant fall foliage, and peaceful winter vistas. It’s impeccably maintained yet feels wonderfully wild, providing a vital escape from city bustle without leaving Rochester. Whether seeking a vigorous walk, a quiet picnic spot, or simply a moment of calm surrounded by nature, Highland Park delivers an exceptional, restorative experience. A genuine treasure!"
Maikel Jose
"You gotta admire, love and be thankful for this park! The lilacs, rhododendron and azaleas, when in bloom, are spectacular displays of nature’s bursting color and splendor. Only for short periods in spring, but man are these worth visiting."
Daniel Rosenhaus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Highland Park is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options also serve the park, making it convenient for visitors without a vehicle. Check local transit schedules for the best routes.
Yes, Highland Park offers several parking areas throughout the park, which can be particularly helpful during busy events like the Lilac Festival.
Biking is a great way to reach Highland Park, with dedicated bike paths and racks available for securing your bicycle.
The park is quite large, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. Maps are available at entrances, and many visitors enjoy simply wandering the paths.
For exploring Rochester beyond Highland Park, consider ride-sharing services or local taxis. Some visitors opt for guided tours to see multiple attractions efficiently.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Highland Park is a public park and generally free to enter. There are no admission fees for general access.
Highland Park is typically open from dawn until dusk year-round, offering ample time for exploration. The conservatory may have specific hours.
The Rochester Lilac Festival itself is free to attend, though some special events or vendor activities within the festival may have associated costs.
While not always advertised, local historical societies or park volunteer groups may offer guided tours, especially during peak seasons. Inquire locally for availability.
Standard park rules apply, such as leash laws for pets and regulations against littering or damaging park property.
📸 📸 Photography
The Sunken Garden, the Lilac Collection during bloom, and the views from various vantage points offer incredible photographic opportunities. The conservatory is also a great indoor option.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks to ensure safety and minimize disturbance to wildlife and other visitors. Check park regulations for specifics.
Early morning or late afternoon 'golden hours' provide the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing colors.
For professional or commercial photoshoots, permits may be required. It's advisable to contact park management in advance to confirm policies.
The festival itself is a vibrant scene, with crowds, vendors, and performers offering unique candid photography opportunities. The blooming lilacs are, of course, the main subject.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Enjoy leisurely walks, picnicking, birdwatching, photography, and simply relaxing amidst nature. The park also features an amphitheater for events.
Many of the main paths are paved and relatively flat, making them accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Some natural trails may be more challenging.
Pets are generally allowed in Highland Park but must be kept on a leash at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet.
Restrooms are available throughout the park. Benches are plentiful for resting, and picnic areas are designated.
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Highland Park is a historic urban oasis known for its extensive lilac collection and beautiful landscapes.
🎫 💧 Water Quality Concerns
There was a past incident involving contamination of the Highland Park Reservoir. While measures are in place, it's wise to stay informed about local water advisories.
Reports indicate the contamination was discovered after a period of 24 days, highlighting the importance of swift detection and reporting.
Following such incidents, water management authorities typically implement enhanced monitoring and safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.
It's always best to check current local water quality reports from official sources if you have concerns about tap water safety in any area.
The contamination primarily affected the drinking water supply. The park itself remains a safe and enjoyable recreational space, separate from the reservoir's direct use.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the Lilac Festival, there are often family-friendly activities and entertainment. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as there's a lot of ground to cover. While the park is generally accessible, some natural paths might be challenging with strollers, so stick to the main paved routes for easier navigation.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the most flattering light. The conservatory is also a fantastic spot for capturing lush greenery and unique plant species, regardless of the season. Don't forget to explore the less-trodden paths for unique perspectives and hidden photographic gems.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Fitness Buffs
Many visitors appreciate the park's ability to provide a serene escape from the city bustle. The mature trees offer shade on warmer days, and the abundance of benches provides ample opportunities to rest and enjoy the surroundings. It's a perfect place for both a leisurely stroll and a dedicated fitness session.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted
Visitors can appreciate Olmsted's genius by observing how the park's layout encourages exploration and discovery. The meandering trails lead you through distinct garden areas, each with its own character, from the vibrant lilac collections to the formal beauty of the Sunken Garden. This thoughtful design ensures that the park feels both expansive and intimate, offering moments of solitude even during busy periods. The park's enduring appeal lies in its ability to provide a vital connection to nature for city dwellers, a principle central to Olmsted's work.
Olmsted's influence is evident in the park's ability to offer beauty and respite throughout the year. While the spring blooms are spectacular, the mature trees provide shade in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and peaceful, stark beauty in winter. This year-round appeal is a hallmark of well-designed landscapes that adapt to the changing seasons, ensuring the park remains a valuable community asset.
Experiencing the Lilac Festival
Beyond the stunning floral displays, the festival transforms the park into a lively hub of activity. Expect a variety of food vendors, craft stalls, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. While the festival is a fantastic time to visit, it also means significant crowds. To make the most of it, consider arriving early on a weekday to enjoy the blooms with fewer people.
It's worth noting that some visitors have reported not seeing as many lilacs within the immediate festival grounds as expected, with many beautiful specimens found in surrounding neighborhoods. However, the overall atmosphere and the presence of other beautiful flowers and trees ensure a delightful experience. The festival is a vibrant celebration of nature and community, making it a must-attend event for many.
Navigating Water Safety Concerns
While this event pertains to the drinking water supply and not the park's recreational areas directly, it raises awareness about potential vulnerabilities in urban water infrastructure. Visitors who are particularly concerned about water quality in the Rochester area might want to stay informed about current advisories from local health and water authorities.
It's important to differentiate between the park's aesthetic and recreational value and the safety of its water sources. Highland Park itself, with its beautiful landscapes and gardens, remains a cherished public space. However, awareness of past issues, like the reservoir contamination, is a practical consideration for visitors to the region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit