All of our Rochester parks are similar in how they bring communities together, yet unique in their presentation and amenities. Some are as simple as grass, shade, and benches, while others are robust and expansive. Many of the city’s parks have beginnings embedded in the city’s early history.
City of Rochester Parks
Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square
Genesee Crossroads-Charles Carroll Park
Monroe County Parks in the City
Get involved with the Rochester Olmsted Parks Alliance
Olmsted-Designed Parks
In addition to Highland Park, Seneca Park, Maplewood Park, and Genesee Valley Park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Sr., he, along with his son and the Olmsted Firm, went on to design several more City of Rochester parks.
Get involved with the Rochester Olmsted Parks Alliance
Honorable Mention
While not technically a park, we certainly couldn’t leave out Mount Hope Cemetery!
Google Map of Locations
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Rochester’s Olmsted-Designed Parks
Rochester is fortunate to be one of a handful of American cities with a park system comprised of Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks.
At Genesee Valley Park, the river merges with the Erie Canal and continues north through Rochester before reaching Lake Ontario.
Beyond the gorge trails, nature centers, and gardens, these exceptional parks offer unique experiences and amenities worthy of exploration.
Rochester’s Fun Facts: Oldest, Original, Only, & More!
For years, I’ve been collecting fun facts about Rochester from books, websites, historical markers, and casual conversations.
Our Favorite 5 State Parks to Explore
Within a 2-hour drive of Rochester, there are 49 NY State Parks all worthy of exploration, but try our favorite five if you haven’t already!
Which are your favorite City of Rochester parks?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Help Support My Work
People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.
I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.
If my work has helped you explore and appreciate the Rochester area, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the chance to connect with a growing community of local explorers.
Thank you for supporting my efforts to keep producing meaningful and helpful content.
Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
