The Lamberton Conservatory, located in Highland Park, is a serene and colorful glasshouse displaying a diverse collection of exotic, desert, and economic 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.
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.
From the Monroe County Park website as of 11/5/23:
- The Conservatory is open seven days a week, 10 a.m. until 4 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.
- Conservatory Admission: Youth (0-5) Free, Adult (19-61) $3.00, Youth (6-18) / Seniors (62 and up) $2.00.
- Seasonal Passes are available year-round. Individual passes are $10, Family passes are $30, and Company/Institutional passes (adult care facilities) are $50.
1. Visitor entrance
You enter a small visitor center with an admissions desk and pay a nominal admission fee when walking inside. Sign up for an individual or family membership if you can visit a few times a year.
2. Seasonal Display House
The Lamberton Conservatory Spring Show opens near the end of March and runs through mid-May. They feature hyacinths, daffodils, and tulips; the color and aroma make for a welcome awakening from the depths of winter!
The Lamberton Conservatory Holiday Show runs from the first weekend in December through the second weekend in January. Enjoy evening hours on Friday and Sunday nights (Saturday nights are reserved for weddings and wedding photos) until 9 p.m. to appreciate the holiday lights after dark.
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! Continuing, you feel the change in temperature as you move into the warmer, wetter biome draped with Spanish moss. Peek around the trees at 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 the winter months.
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
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What is your favorite time of year to visit Lamberton Conservatory?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
I am so thrilled I saw this posted on Facebook, I have never been here. I am going to get there this week. Looking forward to it.
Enjoy your trip, Rita! I hope it won’t be your last.
I agree never been there either but plan on going this Friday or Saturday thanks for posting this
If you’d like to visit at night, please note they’re open late Friday and Sunday; Saturdays are for weddings.
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Beautiful
A welcome respite from winter in the Roc