Delaware Park: Buffalo's Olmsted Masterpiece
Discover Buffalo's 'Central Park': A historic Olmsted-designed green space with a lake, gardens, cultural attractions, and year-round activities.
Delaware Park, the centerpiece of Buffalo's Olmsted park system, offers a diverse landscape and a rich history. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux between 1868 and 1870, the 350-acre park was intended as a rural escape from urban life. Originally named 'The Park,' it was later renamed Delaware Park due to its proximity to Delaware Avenue. The park is divided into two main areas: the 243-acre 'Meadow Park' to the east and the 133-acre 'Water Park' to the west. The Meadow Park features open green spaces, a golf course, and the Buffalo Zoo. The Water Park is home to Hoyt Lake, the Japanese Garden, the Marcy Casino, and the Rose Garden. Hoyt Lake, originally called Gala Water, was created by damming Scajaquada Creek. Throughout its history, Delaware Park has served as a hub for recreation and culture. In 1901, the park hosted the Pan-American Exposition, attracting thousands of visitors. While some original features have been lost over time, many remain, including walking paths, the stone pedestrian bridge in Rumsey Woods, and the Japanese Garden. Today, Delaware Park continues to be a vibrant community asset, offering a wide range of activities such as boating on Hoyt Lake, Shakespeare in the Park, and visits to the Buffalo History Museum and Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Despite the construction of the Scajaquada Expressway in the 1960s, which bisected the park, Delaware Park remains a cherished green space in the heart of Buffalo.
Local tips
- Explore Hoyt Lake by renting a rowboat or paddleboat for a relaxing experience on the water.
- Visit the Japanese Garden for a tranquil escape and to admire the cherry blossom trees in late April and early May.
- Attend a performance of Shakespeare in Delaware Park, a free summer tradition since the mid-1970s.
- Take a walk through Rumsey Woods and find the stunning stone pedestrian bridge surrounded by trees and vines.
- Check out the public art at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, located across Lincoln Parkway from the Rose Garden.
A brief summary to Delaware Park
- 84 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, New York, 14214, US
- +1716-838-1249
- Visit website
- Monday 7 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-10 pm
- Thursday 7 am-10 pm
- Friday 7 am-10 pm
- Saturday 7 am-10 pm
- Sunday 7 am-10 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From the Buffalo History Museum, walk south along Elmwood Avenue, then turn right onto Nottingham Terrace. Continue along Nottingham Terrace until you reach the park entrance. The Japanese Garden and Hoyt Lake will be on your left. No cost.
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Public Transport
From downtown Buffalo, take the NFTA Metro Bus #11 (Colvin) or #25 (Delaware). These buses stop near Delaware Park, at Delaware Avenue and Nottingham Terrace, a short walk from the park entrance. A single fare is $2.
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Driving
From I-190, take the NY-198 E/Scajaquada Expressway exit. Follow signs for Delaware Avenue. Take the Delaware Avenue exit and head north. Parking is available along Lincoln Parkway and Rumsey Street near Hoyt Lake. Be aware of parking restrictions on the grass or medians along Lincoln Parkway. Parking is free.
