The Seneca Park Zoo is only a small part of the greater 297-acre Seneca Park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1893.
Things to know before you go!
The zoo is open all year long, and is continuously upgrading facilities and adding exhibits. “A Step into Africa,” a 2006 addition, features African Lions and Elephants. “Animals of the Savanna” opened in 2018, featuring Giraffes.
Behind the Zoo, there is a trout pond surrounded by pavilions, a playground and hiking trails that take you up close with the Genesee River. The trails are part of the Genesee Riverway Trail.
Seneca Park Zoo in summertime
Naturally, everything is more active in the non-winter months. The animals spend time outside, there’s more visitors walking about, the Tram is in operation, and there are more events, like Zoo Brew.
A beautiful place to walk in wintertime
The Seneca Park Zoo is open all year. And while many animals prefer to stay comfy-cozy inside or in a den, some species, such as polar bears and Amur tigers, enjoy the long, cold Rochester winters.
Olmsted Trail North
1 mi. (one way)
This trail leads along the river nearly to Lake Ontario, with three optional descents to the riverside. The sign reads,
“Olmsted Landing: A park should be accessible to the poor as well as the rich. It should be the beauty of the fields, the meadow, the prairie, or green pastures, and the still waters. What we want to gain is tranquility and rest to the mind.”
Olmsted Trail South
0.7 mi. (one way)
Both the North and South trails begin at Trout Pond. This south trail ends at the pedestrian bridge over the Genesee River and connects Seneca to Maplewood, its sister Olmsted-designed park.
The bridge is accessed using stairs or ramps on both sides.
Helpful transportation
The Zoo has a seasonal tram to help transport visitors to the extreme ends of the park, for a small fee each way-$2 for adults and $1 for youth and seniors. It does not go through the zoo.
The tram runs weekends only starting in mid-April, daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, back to weekends only through ZooBoo.
The pathway is primarily downhill from the entrance to the Savanna. I’m betting most people walk through the park then take the tram back to the entrance. There is now a gift shop in the Savanna area where tickets can be purchased.
More information about Seneca Park
Cost: Free for Park, Admission Fee for Zoo (see website for admission fees)
Located in the City of Rochester (get directions)
More information on the park plus trail map
More information on the Zoo
from the old zoo building, torn down in 2018.
Monroe County parks are free, so take advantage of 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical and geological experiences!
30 Winter Walks Around Rochester
These ideas for winter walks should motivate you to step outside for some fresh air and, with any luck, sunshine. Bundle up!
13 Places in the City to Enjoy the Genesee River
At Genesee Valley Park, the Genesee River begins her journey through the city, racing over a dam and three waterfalls before emptying into Lake Ontario.
Rochester’s Olmsted Designed Parks
Rochester is fortunate to be one of a handful of American cities that have a park system comprised of Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks.
What do you enjoy most about Seneca Park?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!