Lamberton Conservatory

Highland Park’s Lamberton Conservatory is a serene and colorful glass greenhouse featuring a diverse collection of exotic, desert, and economically significant plants, including banana trees. Enjoy tropical temperatures and the soothing sounds of running water. Find turtles lounging by indoor ponds, with tiny button quail and tortoises wandering around.

Youth (0-5) Free, Adult (19-61) $4.00, Youth (6-18) / Seniors (62 and up) $2.00. Seasonal Passes are available year-round. Individual passes are $12, Family passes are $38, and Company-Institutional passes (adult care facilities) are $63.

The Conservatory is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. During the Holiday Show, it is open until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays. Call 585 753-7270 for more information.

The theme of the Seasonal Display Room changes five times throughout the year, with the beloved Spring Show in April and the Holiday Show in December. During the Holiday Show, the conservatory is open on Friday and Sunday evenings to fully appreciate the beautiful festive lights.

1. Visitor entrance

Upon entering, you’ll find an admissions desk where you’ll pay a nominal admission fee. If you can visit only a few times a year, sign up for an individual or family membership.

2. Seasonal Display House

The Lamberton Conservatory Spring Show runs through mid-May. The bold color and fragrance make for a welcome awakening from winter!

The Lamberton Conservatory Holiday Show runs from the first full weekend in December (starting Friday) through early January. To appreciate the holiday lights after dark, enjoy evening hours on Friday and Sunday nights until 9 p.m. Saturday nights are reserved for weddings and wedding photos.

Exhibits in the seasonal display house are changed five times throughout the year.

3 & 4. Exotic & Tropical

Tropical plants need tropical temperatures, so visiting Lamberton Conservatory in winter is a welcome escape from the cold! As you continue, you feel the change in temperature as you move into the warmer, wetter biome draped with Spanish moss. Peek around the trees to see the details tucked away under lush greens.

5. Desert

The following environment is the desert, filled with cacti and plants that typically grow in an arid climate.

6. Houseplants

Complete with orange trees and elevated turtle and tortoise enclosures. Spend time watching them eat.

7. Courtyard Gardens

This outdoor space is open during the warmer months through the main entrance near the restrooms.

Remember to Look Down

You’ll find turtles lounging by koi ponds, tiny quail wandering about, and other creatures, like chipmunks, coming in from the cold.

Every day, there’s something new.

The plants grow and blossom at various times throughout the year, including winter.

Enjoy a Video Tour of Lamberton Conservatory

Highland Park Conservancy (HPC) invites you to join Noelle Nagel, the Monroe County Parks Horticultural Interpreter, for a 2021 video tour. She shares her vast knowledge of plant and animal collections. Enjoy!

HPC, founded in 1994, is a member-supported, all-volunteer organization: the official not-for-profit partner of Monroe County for the stewardship of Highland Park. Learn more about how you can join us at highlandparkconservancy.org.

More information about Lamberton Conservatory

Cost: A nominal admission fee; membership is available

Located in the City of Rochester (get directions)

More information: monroecounty.gov/parks-conservatory

What is your favorite time of year to visit Lamberton Conservatory?

I’d love to hear from you—please reach out and share your thoughts and experiences.