The park was gifted to the city of Rochester by horticulturists George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry.
It is home to one of the largest collections of lilacs in the world.
The park's design was commissioned to capitalize on the natural rolling topography created by glacial drift.
The Lamberton Conservatory was originally built in 1911 and features a specialized collection of rare orchids and seasonal blooms.
Fletcher Steele's Sunken Garden is considered a classic example of early 20th-century landscape design in America.
The park's grounds include a significant pinetum, one of the original plantings dating back to the park's founding.
It hosts a permanent memorial dedicated to those lost during the AIDS epidemic, featuring a unique stone circle design.
Highland Park is the oldest arboretum in the United States, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and established in 1888. It spans 155 acres, featuring a prominent collection of lilac bushes that includes over 500 varieties. The landscape includes the Lamberton Conservatory, a Victorian-style glass structure housing exotic plants. The park houses the Sunken Garden, designed by Fletcher Steele, known for its formal architectural elements and terraced beds. The grounds contain the Rochester AIDS Memorial and a historic replica of a 19th-century reservoir gatehouse. It serves as the primary site for the annual Lilac Festival, which draws large crowds each spring. The elevation provides elevated views of the Rochester skyline. The park is managed by Monroe County and integrates native and non-native botanical collections. It remains open year-round for passive recreation, including walking trails and picnic areas.
The Sunken Garden, particularly from the upper stone staircase looking down into the tiered flower beds.
Visit the Lamberton Conservatory if you are looking for climate-controlled environments during colder months.
Stick to the paved pathways if you want to avoid muddy areas during the spring thaw.
Check the county's botanical report online to see which specific species are in peak bloom before arriving.
Trying to park directly on Highland Avenue during the peak of the Lilac Festival; use designated remote lots.
The Lamberton Conservatory requires a small fee for entry and may have limited hours compared to the open park grounds.
Stay on marked trails to protect fragile botanical collections; dogs must be leashed.
